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Matthew Michael McClenahen
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About Matthew
Biography
Matt McClenahen grew up in Mifflin County, PA, and graduated from Penn State University in 1994, and the Dickinson School of Law in 1997. McClenahen learned the art of criminal defense while serving as a trial attorney at the busy York County Public Defenders Office, where he quickly devleoped a reputation as a formidable presence in the courtroom. McClenahen returned to Happey Valley in 2006 and founded McClenahen Law Firm. McClenahen concentrtaes his practice almost exclusively in the area of criminal defense. Most of McClenahen's clients are college students, and he fully understands the collateral consequnces, which a criminal conviction may entail for a student.
Experienced criminal defense attorney and Penn State alumnus in State College, PA.
I handle all types of criminal cases from summary offenses to serious felonies.
I handle DUI and DU)-related cases, such as aggravated assault and homicide while DUI.
I handle traffic offenses at the State College magisterial district courts.
Practice Areas
5
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
65%
24 years
DUI and DWI
24%
24 years
Sex Crime
5%
White Collar Crime
5%
Fees and Rates
Cost
Retainer
Sometimes
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
2015 2014 2013
Licenses
Licensed in Pennsylvania for 28 years
State: Pennsylvania
Acquired: 1997
No misconduct found
Location
McClenahen Law Firm
(814) 689-3686
Fax
315 South Allen Street Allenway Building Suite 321, Suite 321, State College, PA, 16801
mattmlaw.com/About-Attorney-McClenahen/Matt-M-Mcclenahen.shtmlOnline Presence
Other places you can find Matthew online.
Matthew Michael McClenahen's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 30 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by anonymous | January 21, 2025 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Humanistic, helpful compassionate, knowledgeable
I had an accusation of corruption of a minor, but was misled about the age the whole way along, and was very fearful of the implications. I initially spoke with a national firm, that tried to spook me into a high fee and caused a lot of stress. Then I found Attorney McClenahen and he was able to alle...
Posted by anonymous | November 12, 2020 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Highly recommend
After coming up to Penn State as an alumni, managed to get into some trouble. Left messages for several attorneys on Monday morning. Matt was the only one to return my call, so I hired him. It took a while to get through ARD, and expungement - but every step of the way he was available to take my cal...
Posted by anonymous | March 23, 2017 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Expungement
Imagine my horror to find a charge from 2006 on my record that I was promised would not become public. Well, that was before the days of the internet and all of the sudden, there is was. My employment could have been terminated if that charge wasn't expunged. He did it quickly for a very fair price...
Posted by anonymous | June 28, 2016 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Matt McClenahen Saved My Reputation & Record!
I was referred to Matt by a friend after being charged with involuntary theft over a bike purchase that I had made from a street vendor in the area. Turns out the bike was stolen and I didn't have a clue after the initial 3 months of riding all over state college with it. They were gunning for me but...
Posted by anonymous | May 10, 2016 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
DUI-ARD experience
That was my first experience dealing with criminal charges; Matt gave me a free, detailed consultation about the necessary steps and consequences. It was very comfortable speaking with him as he didn't give me a hard time for having that kind of experience. He is very professional, experienced, knowl...
Matthew Michael McClenahen's Lawyer Endorsements
"Matt is an excellent criminal defense attorney who works hard to achieve the best result for his client, including taking matters to trial when necessary."
"I have known Matt for years and he is an extremely competent lawyer who is dedicated to his clients. In fact his office is near mine and he practices in the some of the same areas that I do. That does not matter to me because I have no problem endorsing him because I have seen him in action and he is extremely good. The people who hire him are in good hands."
"I endorse this lawyer. Matt is a dedicated criminal defense attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer. Matt is a dedicated client advocate."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Matt is a dedicated criminal defense attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer. Matt is a very talented criminal defense lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse Mathew for his work in criminal defense law."
"I endorse Matthew for his work in criminal defense."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. A highly skilled and respected lawyer in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer. A highly skilled and respected lawyer in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I had the pleasure of working with Matt when he was in the office of the pubic defender. Matt has a passion for criminal law and is a very strong advocate. If you have the need for a criminal attorney, Matt is a great choice!"
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Top-notch attorney. Highly respected in the legal community."
"I've been delighted to know Matt since our Penn State days. Matt is a sharp litigator and excellent advocate for his clients. He is smart, diligent, and someone I would want to represent me in court."
"Matt is one of the most aggressive and zealous defense attorneys I've ever encountered. His knowledge and courtroom presence provided an excellent example for our colleagues in the Public Defender's Office and the entire criminal bar."
"I endorse this lawyer."
Brian Marshall
Family lawyer
Brian Manchester
DUI and DWI lawyer
David Shrager
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Michael Carrucoli
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Experience
Honors
2022
Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2018
Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2012
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
Work Experience
2006 - Present
Owner, McClenahen Law Firm
2001 - 2006
Public Defender, York County Public Defender's Office
1998 - 2000
Clerk, Honorable Timothy S. Searer, Mifflin County Court of Common Pleas
1997 - 1998
Attorney, Law Office of Ron Turo
1996 - 1997
Legal Intern, Legal Services, Inc.
Associations
2008 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyersmember
2006 - Present
Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyersmember
2006 - Present
National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana LawsCommittee Member
2006 - Present
Centre County Bar Associationmember
1997 - Present
Pennsylvania County Bar Associationmember
Sample of Legal Cases
Commonwealth v. Mazzetti
Supreme Court ruled in favor of defendant
Education
1997
Pennsylvania State University, Dickinson School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1994
University Park Campus of Penn State University
BS - Bachelor of Science
Speaking Engagements
2015
Pennsylvania Criminal Procedure
Pennsylvania Criminal Procedure
2014
Centre County Inns of Court
Evidence in Criminal Law
2013
Centre County Bar Association Bench Bar Day
Obscure Crimes
2012
Live Broadcasts
Jerry Sandusky Trial Analyst
2012
Introduction to Criminal Law Class. Guest Lecturer
The Art of Jury Selection
Publications
Languages
English
German
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
I got a retail theft charged that was dismissed, is it just a arrest on my record it looks like it, not to real sure?
18 Sep 2016
Q&A
What is the possible penalties for a first time offender with retail theft (summary offense) in PA?
14 Oct 2015
Q&A
Can a pa police officer send out a disorderly conduct citation with out giving you something at the time of the incident?
10 Nov 2013