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- Brian Manchester
About Brian
From the beginning of my career I strived to be different from other lawyers. I greatly value education. The more I learn the better lawyer I am and that translates into better results for my clients both in and out of court. Criminal defense is extremely challenging because the full power of the government comes into play in these cases and often the government does not fight fair. However, by being educated not only in the law, but also in science and the art of pursuasion, I can level that playing field for my clients. I am proud that I belong to several great nationwide criminal defense and DUI defense organizations such as the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, National College for DUI Defense, Driving Under the Influence Defense Lawyers Association. I am also proud of the fact I belong to several national scientific organizations such as the Society of Forensic Toxicologists and the American Chemical Society. In fact through the American Chemical Society I obtained certification as a Lawyer-Scientist making me one of less than 50 lawyers in the country with that distinction.
In the fields of DUI and drug defense I decided years ago that I would no longer be satisfied with just reading blood alcohol and drug test results and listening to local experts who say blood tests and drug tests results are accurate and can't be challenged. So I decided to investigate these issue myself. I read untold numbers of articles and books by experts from around the world and I also went across the country attending hands on lab courses to learn how blood and drugs are actually tested and tested them myself. I am very glad I did. Not only are there problems with the accuracy of blood and drug tests, I found that in a lot of the counties I go to, the very admissability of the tests is a major problem for the prosecution.
Since I came to this realization I now even spend more time learning about this subject as well as all aspects of defending DUI and drug cases. However, the use of science by me is not limited to just DUI and drug cases. I use science in every type of criminal case where warranted. Not only that but I am constantly learning how to present this information to judges and juries so they can understand what I am telling them which leads to good results for my clients.
It is not enough to just know the law and do the minimum CLE credits per year to be an effective advocate for your clients. To be good at anything a person must constantly train and learn and that is what I do for my clients.
Practice areas
- Criminal defense: 45%
19 years, 2,000 cases
- DUI and DWI: 45%
19 years, 2,000 cases
- Personal injury: 10%
19 years, 25 cases
Languages spoken
English
Contact
124 W Bishop Street
Bellefonte, PA, 16823-1927
Resume
| State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| PA | Active | 2000 | 11/17/2019 |
| Legal answers | 95 |
| Legal guides | 0 |
| Award name | Grantor | Date granted |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Gun Owner's Rights | US Law Shield | 2016 |
| Speaker at Winter Seminar | DUI Defense Lawyers Association | 2016 |
| Diving Into a DUI Case | Trial Skills University | 2016 |
| Zealous Avocacy In Sexual Assaoult and Child Victims Cases | National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers | 2015 |
| Mastering Scientific Evidence (Speaker and Attendee) | NCDD | 2015 |
| Forensic Metrology Course Graduate | National College for DUI Defense | 2014 |
|---|---|---|
| Zealous Advocasy in Sexual Assault and Child Victim Cases | NACDL | 2014 |
| Forensic Principles of DUID II | American Chemical Society | 2014 |
| ACS-CHAL Lawyer-Scientist | Certified Lawyer-Scientist by the American Chemical Society | 2014 |
| DNA for Lawyers I | Greg Hampikian | 2013 |
| Forensic Drug Analysis | American Chemical Society | 2013 |
| Forensic Chromatography Theory and Practice IX | American Chemical Society | 2013 |
| SFST Instructor Certification | NHTSA | 2012 |
| Scien. Truth - HS-GC-FID & Pharm. ETOH, Marij., Benzodiazepines | Dr. Jimmie Valentine, Ph.D. and Justin McShane Esq. | 2011 |
| DUI Detection & Standardized Field Sobriety Testing | Ron Lloyd & Tony Corroto | 2010 |
| Forensic Chromatography: Theory and Practice | American Chemical Society | 2010 |
| Intro. to Advanced Topics in Analytical Chemistry and Metrology | McShane Firm, LLC. | 2010 |
| Forensic Chromotography: Theory and Practice | Professor Harold McNair, Ph.D. and Lee Polite, Ph.D. | 2010 |
| NHTSA/IACP (DRE) Overview Course | Lance Platt | 2010 |
| Title | Company name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Owner | Manchester and Associates | 2000 - Present |
| Association name | Position name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers | Member | 2016 - Present |
| Driving Under the Influence Defenders Association | Founding Member | 2014 - Present |
| National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers | Member | 2013 - Present |
| Society of Forensic Toxicologists | Associate Member | 2012 - Present |
| Pennsylvania Association of Drunk Driving Defense Attorneys | Chairman of Education Committee | 2011 - Present |
| American Chemical Society | General Member | 2011 - Present |
|---|---|---|
| National College of DUI Defense | General Member | 2009 - Present |
| NORML Legal Committee | Member | 2008 - Present |
| Publication name | Title | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Self Published | PA DUI Defense Assassin's Manual | 2017 |
| Amacom Books publication | Effective Criminal Defense | 2016 |
| School name | Degree | Graduated |
|---|---|---|
| Thomas M. Cooley Law School | J.D. | 2000 |
| Pennsylvania State University | BS - Bachelor of Science | 1994 |
| Conference name | Title | Date |
|---|---|---|
| DUI Defense Lawyers Association Winter Seminar | Hospital Blood Testing | 2016 |
| Mastering Scientific Evidence | Hospital Based Blood Testing | 2015 |
| Presentation to the in house counsel of a Fortune 200 company | How science can help your bottom line. | 2014 |
| PADDDA SFST Workshop for Public Defenders | DUI | 2013 |
| PADDDA Public Defenders Training Institute | Phase II: Personal Contact Phase of the Vehicle Stop | 2012 |
| USA Bail Annual Meeting | Forfeiture of Bail for Violation of Conditions | 2006 |
|---|
| Case name | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Federal Health Care Fraud | Indictment Avoided |
| DUI | Not guilty at trial |
| DUI | DUI Dismissed |
| County Wide Suppression Victory | Suppression of blood test results |
| Simple Assault | Not Guilty at trial |
| DUI | DUI case dismissed before trial |
|---|---|
| Child Molestation | Charges dismissed at trial |
| DUI | DUI charges withdrawn by the DA. |
| DUI | DUI dismissed |
| Synthetic Marijuana | No contest plea and no probation or fine |
| Rape Case | Not guilty at trial. |
| DUI | Not Guilty at trial |
| DUI | Charges dismissed at preliminary hearing |
| DUI | Charges dismissed at preliminary hearing |
| DUI | DUI charges dismissed |
| DUI | DUI charges dismissed |
| DUI | In home detention granted and job saved |
| DUI | One case dismissed. One case pled to general impairment |
| Felony Fleeing and Eluding & DUI | Charges dismissed at the preliminary hearing. |
| DUI | All charges dismissed at preliminary hearing. |
| Vehicular Homicide | Case dismissed at the preliminary hearing |
| DUI | DUI charges withdrawn |
| Plea to lesser charge and job saved | Plea to lesser charge and job saved |
| State Prison Avoided | Plea to lesser charge and state prison avoided |
| DUI charge withdrawn by DA | DUI charge withdrawn by DA |
| Plea to Non-DUI offense saves CDL | Plea to non-DUI saves CDL license |
| All DUI charges dropped at preliminary hearing | All DUI charges dismissed |
| Probation in sex offense case | Probation and no sex offender registration |
| BAC Charged Dismissed at Preliminary Hearing | Plea will be to impaired driving saving significant jail time. |
| Complete Victory Marijuana DUI | Conviction overturned on appeal. |
| BAC charge dismissed | BAC charge dismissed. |
| Vehicular Homicide | Probation |
| Marijuana based DUI victory | Multiple charges withdrawn prior to and after trial |
| DUI | BAC based charge was withdrawn |
| Robbery and Assault | Charges dismissed at preliminary hearing |
| DUI | Charges reduced |
| DUI | Complete not guilty |
| DUI | DUI charge dismissd |
| Second Offense DUI withdrawn at preliminary hearing. | Case dismissed at preliminary hearing |
| DUI | DUI dismissed and settled for a traffic ticket and 25 fine. |
| DUI Accident | All Charges Dismissed |
If you are in trouble, HIRE BRIAN!
Posted by Susan
Sat Nov 16 2019
Very competent lawyer
Posted by Michael
Mon Nov 11 2019
Attorney endorsements
(40)David Erhard, Criminal defense Attorney on Jun 10, 2018
Relationship: Friend
Brian is committed to fighting the government for the accused. He has devoted tremendous resources to his education on DUI, with particular focus on the science of chemical testing. If you want somebody who will fight for you, consider Brian Manchester.
Richard Meanix, Criminal defense Attorney on May 22, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse Brian Manchester as a top notch DUI defense attorney. He shares his knowledge every week on our statewide PACDL listserve, answering questions for those attorneys who do not concentrate on DUIs to the point Brian does. He recently provided me with assistance that was invaluable. He is a wealth of knowledge and produces extraordinary results for his clients. Richard Meanix, Esquire
Diana Spurlin, DUI and DWI Attorney on Feb 13, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Brian is an extremely knowledgeable attorney. He was very helpful when I reached out to him about an issue I encountered in a marijuana-related DUI case. He frequently shares his knowledge with his fellow defense attorneys, and is a great asset to our legal community. I endorse Brian.
Michael Winters, Criminal defense Attorney on Jun 25, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Brian is an excellent advocate for his clients. He is thoughtful, extremely knowledgeable and a tenacious trial lawyer. In addition to zealously representing his clients, he assists his fellow lawyers and is an excellent source for current legal trends and analysis.
Robert Perkins, Criminal defense Attorney on Jun 5, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
While researching an important issue for a client, I learned that Mr. Manchester handled an important case before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court involving a similar issue to mine. I sought out Mr. Manchester's advice as an expert in the field and he offered very helpful and insightful advice. I endorse this lawyer.
Zak Goldstein, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 9, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse Brian Manchester for criminal defense cases. I referred a client to him who was under investigation for very serious charges. Brian thoroughly investigated the case and convinced the District Attorney to decline prosecution. I strongly recommend him.
Stephen Lukach, DUI and DWI Attorney on Nov 8, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Mr. Manchester is a seasoned DUI attorney. He prides himself on his vast knowledge of DUI defense and he zealously defends his clients. I would highly recommend Brian to anyone who wants an attorney who will challenge all the evidence, every step of the way.
Chad Oliver, DUI and DWI Attorney on May 8, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Brian knows how to defend his clients who are charged with DWI because he learned from the best and keeps working to improve as an attorney. Brian is also an excellent resource to his colleagues by willingly sharing his expertise in order to improve the quality of all DWI defense attorneys. I am happy to be able to call Brian a colleague and would recommend him as your DWI attorney.
Deandra Grant, DUI and DWI Attorney on Apr 17, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Brian is one of the best in the field of DUI defense. I would not hesitate to send a referral his way. You're in good hands with his firm.
Lewis Lockett, DUI and DWI Attorney on Apr 12, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Mr. Manchester is an active member of the country's most prominent DUI lawyer organizations (NCDD) and I'm proud to know him. He works tirelessly for his clients and he should be contacted by anyone who has a recent or pending DUI in the area.
Ryan Hershey, DUI and DWI Attorney on Apr 11, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Brian is a highly skilled DUI/DWI attorney. He strives to get the best results for his clients through his extensive knowledge of DUI/DWI offenses. I would highly recommend this very capable attorney.
James Balagia, DUI and DWI Attorney on Apr 5, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Brian Manchester has risen to the top of his game in the DWI/DUI arena. I met Brian a few years ago while attending the top seminars and training sessions in the country in relation to the science of DUI defense. Brian has continued to impress me with his "never quit" attitude in defending those accused of drunk and buzzed driving cases. Brian is well known and respected among the national crowd of DUI defenders and is a constant contributor to the national list serves. Brian is always willing to share trial tips and strategies with our groups and can be counted upon to bring up new ideas and attacks that benefit the whole group. Brian is top on my list for referrals in his geographical area and is definitely "Dude approved". Tell Brian that the DWI Dude sent you his direction. jamie "DWI Dude" Balagia
John Thurston, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 24, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Many lawyers are content to simply undergo the minimum amount of continuing education required by the state. Brian Manchester goes above and beyond. In fact, he has obtained the highest level of legal/scientific education available in this country. Not only that, Brian has the necessary skills to put that knowledge to use in the courtroom. Prosecutors must get awfully discouraged when they see his name on a case. I wholeheartedly endorse Brian Manchester.
Justin Miller, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 24, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Attorney Brian Manchester is the first person I call when I have a question about supposedly scientific evidence. Brian knows this stuff cold, and his clients benefit from it. I've seen him work out excellent results for his clients when he goes up against a prosecutor who doesn't have Brian's background, education, and experience.
Matthew McClenahen, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 24, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I first got to know Brian when I was a public defender in York County and he was kind enough to take a major drug case off my hands when he was retained as private counsel. I got to be friends with Brian over the years now that we are both criminal defense lawyers in Centre County. I refer complex DUI cases to Brian all the time, because he has the training and science background needed for these cases. He has gotten to the point where he now instructs other lawyers at continuing legal education seminars. Rather than taking years of study to learn all the forensic science aspects of DUI, I would rather just refer these cases to Brian. I already have enough work handling different types of criminal cases.
W. Barber, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 3, 2016
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I wholeheartedly endorse this lawyer. I have worked on an extremely important matter with Brian. He is on top of things. He got the job done quickly and most efficiently. He is a Lawyers Lawyer and able to handle any type case with excellent results. You can't go wrong hiring him for any of your legal situations.
John Cook, DUI and DWI Attorney on Jun 21, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Brian is an outstanding trial lawyer that I would hire without question if I was ever needing a criminal lawyer. Brian is one of the premier authorities in the areas of alcohol and drug detection and analysis through his constant scientific training, making him the go to attorney for those accused of DUI and drug related offenses.
Stephen Handy, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 13, 2015
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I endorse this lawyer. I was referred to Brian by another well known DWI attorney in Texas as someone who had great understanding of the issue inherent in a DWI hospital blood draw case and as someone who could assist me with my understanding of the complicated issues in my case. When I reached out to Brian he quickly responded to me and provided an incredible assistance to me. He demonstrated a very impressive knowledge of the issues an attorney could expect to deal with when handling a DWI hospital blood draw case. He also provided me with references and materials to help me prepare that I would of had a hard time finding anywhere else. If Brian works half as hard for his clients as he did for me, they are well served. I am certain if you are in need of a DWI attorney in or near Bellefonte, PA., Brain Manchester will serve you well.
Karen Phillips, DUI and DWI Attorney on Sep 8, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. Brian is very knowledgeable in DUI Defense and is helpful to other attorneys that may have questions. He pays even more attention to this clients by offering his expertise and experience. If you ever need representation, you should call Brian Manchester.
Josh Lee, DUI and DWI Attorney on Aug 26, 2014
Relationship: Worked together on matter
Brian is on of the very few attorneys with the scientific knowledge to represent a person accused of DUI/DWI or drug possession. For either charge it is very important to have an attorney fighting for you who understands the scientific principles behind the testing of drugs, blood, and breath. Brian is that guy. He has built a strong reputation among forensic science attorneys as being one of the most knowledgable. I highly recommend Brian if you are facing any drug or alcohol related accusation.
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