McClenahen Law Firm P.C. - State College, PA

Attorney Matt M. McClenahen is a criminal defense lawyer based in State College, Pennsylvania. He limits his practice to criminal defense, rather than dabbling in a variety of practice areas. Attorney McClenahen provides representation in all types of criminal law cases, including serious felonies like aggravated assault and burglary, misdemeanors like DUI and drug possession, and summary offenses like underage drinking, disorderly conduct and public drunkenness. Attorney McClenahen practices primarily in Centre, Mifflin, Juniata, Blair, Clinton and Huntingdon Counties, but will occasionally take cases in other central Pennsylvania counties as well.

McClenahen Law Firm P.C. is a convenient, five-minute walk from the Penn State campus. A high percentage of Attorney McClenahen's clients are Penn State students, and Attorney McClenahen was once a Penn State student himself. Penn State students charged with crimes can expect the university to bring disciplinary action, which is independent of the criminal justice system. Attorney McClenahen is well-versed in the procedures and policies of the Penn State Office of Student Conduct, allowing him to assist students not only in the court system, but also in their Student Conduct case.

Attorney McClenahen is a zealous advocate with a proven track record of success in both plea negotiations and at trial. Earlier in his criminal law career, Attorney McClenahen was constantly going to trial, where he developed a reputation for having a boisterous and engaging speaking style, and using creative and effective arguments. He won the majority of his jury trials, which is quite common for prosecutors, but rare for defense lawyers.

Over the past several years, Attorney McClenahen has been able to resolve cases primarily through plea negotiations. Although he misses the thrill of constantly going to trial, he also has a strong understanding of the "value of a case." In other words, when the Commonwealth tenders a plea offer, he knows when to accept it or reject it. In recent years, Attorney McClenahen has been able to consistently achieve favorable plea agreements, which obviate the need to go to trial. Avoiding trial also saves clients significant amounts of money. Some unscrupulous attorneys will push clients to trial, even when a favorable plea offer is on the table, just because the attorney wants the big trial fee, usually to the ultimate detriment of the client. Attorney McClenahen finds such a practice unethical and reprehensible.

Attorney McClenahen prefers to limit his caseload to the central Pennsylvania counties where he regularly practices. This is not simply due to travel time, but also because each county has its own unique procedures and policies, which a defense attorney must be aware of. Also, Attorney McClenahen feels that he can more effectively advocate for clients in counties where he has a good working relationship with the prosecutors, police officers and judges, than he could in counties where he is an outsider with no clout.

McClenahen Law Firm P.C. receives calls from all over Pennsylvania. If your case is outside Attorney McClenahen's usual geographical area of practice, he can refer you to a skilled defense Attorney in the county where your charges have been filed.

If you are subject to a criminal investigation, know charges are on the way or have already been charged, it is imperative to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney right away. Attorney McClenahen offers a free initial consultation for criminal cases. Unlike the majority of attorneys who do not want to be bothered after hours and on weekends, Attorney McClenahen understands the urgent need to talk to an attorney when your loved one has been arrested, or if you yourself face criminal charges. Therefore, Attorney McClenahen is available by phone or email outside of normal business hours.