The best offense
is a strong defense.

The Opiel Law team specializes in high-stakes, complex cases.

We are relentlessly committed to helping each client
achieve the best possible results when it matters most.

Experience. Commitment.

The Best Possible Results.

If you find yourself in need of a legal expert — and especially if you’ve been charged with a serious, federal criminal offense — you’ll need a confident, capable legal expert who will secure the best possible outcome for your specific situation.

Not all lawyers are created equal, and you deserve a team with lived experience handling cases like yours. It’s critical that your lawyer will make time for you, take your calls, negotiate a fair fee and work diligently to advocate for you through the most complex cases and individual situations.

Our team is extremely dedicated to each client and attentive to every detail that may impact a case. We will pair our deep understanding of the law with a commitment to relentless advocacy for our clients.

We will be your voice when it matters most, and it’s a responsibility we will never take lightly.

Christopher R. Opiel, Esq. portrait

About Opiel Law

Opiel Law is a specialized law firm headquartered in Wikes-Barre, PA. Serving clients not only from Luzerne County but all across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, we are responsive and committed to deliver our best for every client. You can expect a personalized experience with a dedicated team focused on your case and your results.

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Meet
Chris Opiel, Esq.

Expertly handling complex and high-stakes state and federal cases, Christopher R. Opiel, Esq. is a confident federal litigator who has proven himself time and time again when it matters most. Attorney Opiel is driven to achieve the best possible results for every client, every time.

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“After finishing law school, I knew wanted to attain the right experience, build my credentials, and get into federal court as soon as possible. Knowing the ins and outs of complex cases, and interpreting the law at the federal level is its own type of challenge. Serving as a federal litigator — and getting the best possible results for my clients — motivates me every day.”

Our Clients Say

  • Attorney Opiel represented my brother on a federal case for over two years. The most reliable, trustworthy, respectful, hardworking, and dedicated attorney I could have hired. Every phone call/text message, within these two years (which were plenty), was always answered within minutes. Never did he make me feel like my brother was a bother to him. He was always happy and kind to answer any questions and to go visit him. Always made me feel that his client, my brother, was important. When he needed to see Attorney Opiel, he would ALWAYS go within days. Always very willing. No hesitation, whether he was busy or not -- if it was important, he would prioritize it. Continued…

    Mar Arias

    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

  • … Attorney Opiel is very straightforward, and does not sugarcoat or tell you "what you want to hear." He is realistic and makes sure you understand every step of the process. He cares about the client and the family and is trustworthy. Honestly, as I told him, I will say it here, there is not another attorney I would have rathered other than him. My brother and my family all feel the same way. I recommend his services 100% with no hesitation. I hope he always keeps up the hard work and dedication. I thank him and his office for their amazing service and wish Attorney Opiel lots of success.

    Mar Arias

    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

  • I had the pleasure of meeting Chris on 6/3/21 the day I got indicted. When I first spoke with him I saw how hungry he was as a lawyer he made it a point to let me know that no matter what he would fight this all the way to the end with me. Long story short I was facing 3 felony’s 30yrs in jail and $500,000 in fines. Chris got them down to 1 felony 2 yrs probation and $100 court fee all with no cooperation. Chris was there for me anytime I called or texted his phone. He’s an amazing lawyer and great person.

    Kevin Condron

    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

  • My family utilized Opiel Law and would 100% recommend Chris for any legal services. Chris was extremely knowledgeable, professional, and attentive to our needs. Chris has a tremendous reputation as a lawyer in the NEPA region, and we saw why firsthand.

    Jay Gee

    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

  • Kris is amazing at what he does. He is very knowledgeable and incredibly down to earth. You will not be disappointed!

    Joseph Mucha

    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

  • I was extremely satisfied with his legal services. He was very patient , honest and on top of everything he needed to handle in my case. Also at the end of my case he fought very hard and thorough to get the results I was looking for in the end. He deserves 5 stars.

    Nicola Dunlap

    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

  • Chris went above and beyond our expectations. He was not only knowledgeable but he was so compassionate with our family at a very difficult time. He was very professional and everything went very smoothly. Thank you again!

    Karen Nash

    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

  • I have utilized the services of Opiel Law for several aspects around my business including the creation of an LLC and drafting legal documents. I often have questions around language in legal documents and Kris is extremely quick to respond, whether it be a quick approval or an edit is needed. Kris is very friendly, honest and knowledgeable. I’m very happy to have found an attorney that understands his clients' needs and truly cares.

    Mike Ry

    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

  • I highly recommend Mr. Opiel. He is an amazing lawyer. Easy to communicate with and very knowledgeable. My husband had a legal issue and was facing up to 10 years in jail and wound up getting time served and 3 months of home arrest. He was awesome from day one. He explained everything in detail and kept us in the loop at all times. He was always available if we had any questions or concerns and worked hard to win the case.

    Luz Quinones

    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

 News, Cases and Client Stories

  • In a notable victory, Manny Santayana successfully petitioned the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) to amend their final report on a 2017 helicopter rollover incident that initially placed undue blame on him. The revised report now accurately reflects the true cause of the accident, emphasizing the flight instructor's delayed remedial action and the poor condition of the runway at Wyoming Valley Airport. Click to read more.

  • On October 8, 2024, the Mountain Top Area Community Association (MACA) hosted a comprehensive seminar titled “When seconds count …” at Crestwood High School, focusing on home safety and security. The event featured District Attorney Sam Sanguedolce and defense attorney Chris Opiel, who provided an in-depth analysis of the Castle Doctrine and Stand Your Ground laws. These laws outline when it is legally justifiable to use force, including deadly force, against an intruder in your home or when attacked outside your home. Click to read more.

  • A nursing student at a university was arrested for driving under the influence (DUI/DWI). Opiel Law worked to understand the timing of important dates (such as sitting for the boards) and arrange for the client’s acceptance into an ARD program, following approval from the District Attorney and Judge. Opiel Law filed for an expungement to mitigate the impact on the client’s professional licensure. Click to read more.

Need Legal Help?

The legal team at Opiel Law brings deep experience in state and federal court, expertly handling the most complex of cases. Although our offices are based in Northeastern Pennsylvania, Opiel Law serves and handles cases across the Commonwealth, including the Middle District.

When you contact Opiel Law, you'll reach a legal expert, not a call center. We are committed to attaining the best possible outcomes for each and every client, and our personal, responsive approach sets us apart.

Opiel Law offers free consultations as you explore your legal options. Our team is responsive to phone calls and messages sent through this website, and we aim to reply to all inquiries within 1-3 business days. Consultations are provided at no cost to you.

During a consultation, you can expect to have a 15- to 30-minute conversation so we can understand your case and specific circumstances. The consultation call is a means for you and Opiel Law to determine if working together is a good fit for both parties.

After the initial consultation call, an in-person or virtual (online) meeting may be scheduled to discuss specific details, timelines and fees. Opiel Law does not have walk-in hours. All appointments must be scheduled in advance.

Call Opiel Law

570-762-9992

Email Opiel Law

cropiel@opiellaw.com

Visit Opiel Law

88 N Franklin Street
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701