701 E 15th St, Suite 201, Plano Texas 75074

Mon - Fri, 09.00 - 17.00

Matthew Schlake

Education
  • West Virginia University, B.A., Cum Laude, 2013
  • Oklahoma University of Law, J.D., Cum Laude 2016
  • Bar Admissions
    • Texas, 2016

Prior to scheduling a consultation, I believe it’s important for you to understand my background. While my journey to becoming an attorney was unconventional, the diverse experiences I’ve accumulated have been invaluable in shaping my career.

Growing up in a small town near Richmond, Virginia, I began my foray into public service as a volunteer firefighter. This early exposure laid the foundation for my later pursuits. Upon attending West Virginia University in Morgantown, I concurrently held a full-time position as a Firefighter/EMT while pursuing a degree in Criminology and Investigations. My tenure with the fire department saw me progress from a certified arson investigator to eventually serving as the fire marshal for my jurisdiction. It was during this time that a court appearance led to a pivotal conversation with a prosecutor, sparking my interest in law school. Subsequently, I dedicated myself to preparing for the LSAT and ultimately enrolled in OU Law in Norman, Oklahoma.

Law school proved to be a revelation as I discovered my passion for Criminal Law. Engaging in trial workshops and gaining practical experience with the local District Attorney’s office enriched my understanding of legal practice. Even amidst rigorous academic pursuits, I remained active in my hobbies, restoring cars and motorcycles to support my education. Upon graduation, I embarked on a journey as a prosecutor, starting with misdemeanor cases and progressing to handle felony cases, culminating in being selected for specialized divisions such as the Domestic Violence Unit. This tenure provided invaluable insights into the nuances of justice and the prosecutor’s duty to uphold it within legal bounds.

In 2022, driven by a desire to leverage my experience in a new capacity, I made the decision to establish my own defense firm. Drawing from my background as a prosecutor, I am committed to providing clients with robust defense strategies while prioritizing their rights and interests. My approach centers on collaborative engagement, working alongside clients to navigate the complexities of their cases and mitigate potential consequences effectively.

Born and raised in Dallas County, Steven Chapa has deep ties to the community. He graduated from the University of Texas at Dallas in 2012 and went on to receive his law degree from Texas Tech Law School in 2016. In 2016, Steven Chapa was licensed to practice law across the State of Texas.

Steven has made his living in the court since becoming a licensed attorney. He was immediately hired by Greg Willis to work for the Collin County District Attorney’s Office. There he quickly rose through the ranks to become a felony prosecutor. Initially focusing on all felonies, he was specifically chosen to help lead the Narcotics Division of the District Attorney’s Special Prosecution Unit. After his successful stint in that unit, he was moved into the Crimes Against Children Division where he prosecuted and successfully tried multiple child sex crimes cases.

From Collin County, Steven Chapa was hired by John Cruezot and the Dallas County District Attorney’s office. There, he focused on all felony crimes, especially violent crimes including: Capital Murder, Murder, Aggravated, Robbery, and Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon. After 15 months with Dallas County, Steven Chapa decided it was time to open his own firm that specializes in helping the Citizen Accused.

If you’ve been charged with a crime, its important you have a lawyer on your side with experience from both sides of the table. Steven Chapa has the experience, reputation, and personality to get the job done. Call him today to see if he can help you out.

Steven Chapa

Education
  • University Of Texas at Dallas, B.A., Cum Laude, 2012
  • Texas Tech University School of Law, J.D., Cum Laude 2016
  • Bar Admissions
    • Texas, 2016