Brian Vincent Manchester

PRO

Brian Vincent Manchester

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 25 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Bellefonte, PA
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, DUI & DWI

124 W Bishop Street, Bellefonte, PA

About Brian

Biography

Practice Areas

2

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 50%

26 years | 2,000 cases

50%
DUI and DWI 50%

26 years | 2,000 cases

50%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2018 2017 2016
...
+ 4
Top Contributor
Top Contributor
2012
Silver Client Champion
AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating

Licenses

Licensed in Pennsylvania for 25 years

State: Pennsylvania

Acquired: 2000

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Law Offices of Brian Vincent Manchester

124 W Bishop Street, Bellefonte, PA, 16823-1927

manchesterandassociates.com/

Online Presence

Other places you can find Brian online.

Brian Vincent Manchester's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

75 Client Reviews

Showing 1 - 5 of 27 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge

Posted by Brenda | February 14, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Gave my son a second chance

My son was facing charges for possession of marijuana. Because he was caught in the dorms, he was also facing disciplinary action from his university. Brian's thorough knowledge of the law and his familiarity with the university's disciplinary process immediately put us at ease that we had hired the ...right person. Brian took the time to speak to us and explain everything any time we had questions for him. He not only accompanied our son to his court dates - he also accompanied him to his campus disciplinary hearing. My son was admitted into the ARD program, and was allowed to return to the university with minimal disciplinary action. If your college student gets into in trouble, as kids will do, you cannot make a better decision than hiring Brian Manchester to help. Thank you Brian for all that you did for us!

Posted by David | August 02, 2018 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

Excellent counsel

I hired Brian and he represented me on a DUI case. He knew every step and guided me with much professionalism. He is knowledgeable and compassionate. I would recommend him anytime, always.

Posted by Tim | July 24, 2018 | Criminal Defense

STUNNING word choices, that flat out WORKED, outstanding Counsel.

I consulted with Brian Manchester prior to being a character witness during the recent sentencing of my friend. As a result of Brian's STUNNING recommendation for me to use specific words, that flat out WORKED, the minimum sentence was imposed on my friend and prison time was avoided. What was so h...elpful was that Brian skillfully assembled facts for me to point out to the judge, that clearly impacted this favorable outcome. As a result of my consultation with Brian that resulted in a positive outcome in court, there is additionally a GREAT CHANCE that this case will YET get overthrown. Consult with Brian? A GREAT BIG YES! Don't think twice, just do it and thank me (and him), later. I plan to recommend Brian to my own clients whether they need a consultation or need to hire a reliable attorney.

Posted by Michael | May 16, 2018 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

THE CREAM OF THE CROP

If you don't hire Brian Manchester, you just may be legally insane. I have 4 DUI in 6 years, 5 lifetime. I was facing 1-5yrs. State Prison MANDATORY MINIMUM for my 3rd in 10. I served 60 days county. With my 4th in 10 still pending, I'm facing 18-60 months State Prison MANDATORY MINIMUM. The District... Attorney would not move off this sentence. That did not deter Brian Manchester. By the time he was done this morning, I have to serve 11 months in county with work release. His work behind the scenes and what I witnessed in the court room this morning was impressive. I'm sitting home with my feet up right now writing this because the judge told me go home and relax and report to county tomorrow. Crazy right?? There's more... the judge remarked at end, and I quote, " I've never given a sentence like this in 22yrs on the bench ". Don't waste your time deciding on which attorney to hire. Pay Brian Manchester and get out of his way. If you don't, you just may be legally insane.

Posted by anonymous | March 21, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Drug Crime

Marijuana case

I hired Brian for a distribution case for weed and he takes everything you say into consideration and treats you like a real person, not just another client. Highly recommend him, also has given me free consultations after my case was closed each time I had a question. Great man!

See All Client Reviews

Brian Vincent Manchester's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Brian
David Reed Erhard headshot
David Erhard

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 10

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 E. Meanix headshot
Richard Meanix

DUI and DWI lawyer | May 22

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 D'Auria Spurlin headshot
Diana Spurlin

DUI and DWI lawyer | Feb 12

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 Todd Winters headshot
Michael Winters

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 25

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 Joseph Perkins headshot
Robert Perkins

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 05

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 Taylor Goldstein headshot
Zak Goldstein

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 09

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 M Lukach III headshot
Stephen Lukach

DUI and DWI lawyer | Nov 07

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 Michael Oliver headshot
Chad Oliver

DUI and DWI lawyer | May 08

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 Michelle Grant headshot
Deandra Grant

DUI and DWI lawyer | Apr 17

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 Lee Lockett headshot
Lewis Lockett

DUI and DWI lawyer | Apr 12

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 Scott Hershey headshot
Ryan Hershey

DUI and DWI lawyer | Apr 11

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 Morris Balagia headshot
James Balagia

DUI and DWI lawyer | Apr 04

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 Wallace Thurston headshot
John Thurston

DUI and DWI lawyer | Mar 24

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 Paul Miller headshot
Justin Miller

DUI and DWI lawyer | Mar 24

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 Michael McClenahen headshot
Matthew McClenahen

DUI and DWI lawyer | Mar 24

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. Keith Barber headshot
W. Barber

DUI and DWI lawyer | Mar 03

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 Milton Cook headshot
John Cook

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 21

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 David Handy headshot
Stephen Handy

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jan 13

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 L. Phillips headshot
Karen Phillips

DUI and DWI lawyer | Sep 08

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 D Lee headshot
Josh Lee

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 26

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."

View All Endorsements
Christopher A. Ferro headshot
Christopher Ferro

Criminal defense lawyer

Jason W. Lepley headshot
Jason Lepley

Criminal defense lawyer

Michael Todd Winters headshot
Michael Winters

Criminal defense lawyer

Matthew Francis Sullivan headshot
Matthew Sullivan

Criminal defense lawyer

Robert Joseph Perkins headshot
Robert Perkins

Criminal defense lawyer

Philip M. Masorti headshot
Philip Masorti

Criminal defense lawyer

Gregory Eugene Davidson headshot
Gregory Davidson

Criminal defense lawyer

Zak Taylor Goldstein headshot
Zak Goldstein

Criminal defense lawyer

George E. Lepley Jr. headshot
George Lepley

Criminal defense lawyer

W. Keith Barber headshot
W. Barber

DUI and DWI lawyer

Gary M. Wilson headshot
Gary Wilson

DUI and DWI lawyer

Lewis Lee Lockett headshot
Lewis Lockett

DUI and DWI lawyer

John Piazza III headshot
John Piazza

DUI and DWI lawyer

Marc A. Decker headshot
Marc Decker

Criminal defense lawyer

Justin Paul Miller headshot
Justin Miller

Criminal defense lawyer

Matthew Michael McClenahen headshot
Matthew McClenahen

Criminal defense lawyer

Thomas C. Grajek headshot
Thomas Grajek

Criminal defense lawyer

Jeremy C Brehmer headshot
Jeremy Brehmer

DUI and DWI lawyer

John Wallace Thurston headshot
John Thurston

Criminal defense lawyer

Douglas Lowell Wilder headshot
Douglas Wilder

DUI and DWI lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2024

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2023

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2022

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2021

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2020

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2019

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2016

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

2015

Zealous Avocacy In Sexual Assaoult and Child Victims Cases, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

2015

Mastering Scientific Evidence (Speaker and Attendee), NCDD

2014

Forensic Principles of DUID II, American Chemical Society

2014

Zealous Advocasy in Sexual Assault and Child Victim Cases, NACDL

2014

Forensic Metrology Course Graduate, National College for DUI Defense

2014

ACS-CHAL Lawyer-Scientist, Certified Lawyer-Scientist by the American Chemical Society

2013

DNA for Lawyers I, Greg Hampikian

2013

Forensic Drug Analysis, American Chemical Society

2013

Forensic Chromatography Theory and Practice IX, American Chemical Society

2012

SFST Instructor Certification, NHTSA

2011

Scien. Truth - HS-GC-FID & Pharm. ETOH, Marij., Benzodiazepines, Dr. Jimmie Valentine, Ph.D. and Justin McShane Esq.

2010

DUI Detection & Standardized Field Sobriety Testing, Ron Lloyd & Tony Corroto

2010

Intro. to Advanced Topics in Analytical Chemistry and Metrology, McShane Firm, LLC.

2010

Forensic Chromatography: Theory and Practice, American Chemical Society

2010

Forensic Chromotography: Theory and Practice, Professor Harold McNair, Ph.D. and Lee Polite, Ph.D.

2010

NHTSA/IACP (DRE) Overview Course, Lance Platt

Work Experience

2000 - Present

Owner, Manchester and Associates

Associations

2016 - Present

Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

2014 - Present

Driving Under the Influence Defenders Association

Founding Member

2013 - Present

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

2012 - Present

Society of Forensic Toxicologists

Associate Member

2011 - Present

Pennsylvania Association of Drunk Driving Defense Attorneys

Chairman of Education Committee

2011 - Present

American Chemical Society

General Member

2009 - Present

National College of DUI Defense

General Member

2008 - Present

NORML Legal Committee

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

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

Probation in sex offense case

Probation and no sex offender registration

All DUI charges dropped at preliminary hearing

All DUI charges dismissed

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

See More Legal Cases

Education

2000

Thomas M. Cooley Law School

J.D.

1994

Pennsylvania State University

BS - Bachelor of Science

Speaking Engagements

2016

DUI Defense Lawyers Association Winter Seminar

Hospital Blood Testing

2015

Mastering Scientific Evidence

Hospital Based Blood Testing

2014

Presentation to the in house counsel of a Fortune 200 company

How science can help your bottom line.

2013

PADDDA SFST Workshop for Public Defenders

DUI

2012

PADDDA Public Defenders Training Institute

Phase II: Personal Contact Phase of the Vehicle Stop

2006

USA Bail Annual Meeting

Forfeiture of Bail for Violation of Conditions

Publications

2017

Self Published PA DUI Defense Assassin's Manual

2016

Amacom Books publication Effective Criminal Defense

Languages

English

Activity

Top Contributor

Brian earned significant contribution points in 2012.

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution