GUNTER & MCCLARAN
LAW
Criminal Defense Firm
So you've been arrested. What now? For those unfamiliar with the complexities of the criminal justice system, that can be a daunting question. That's why you need a dedicated team of attorneys on your side.
And that's what you'll get at Gunter & McClaran Law.
What We Do
From the simplest misdemeanor to the most serious felony, we treat every case as if it's the most important case of our careers.
DUI
Did you have one too many and blew a .08?
Or were you involved in a serious traffic incident with bodily injuries or even deaths? Even the most "basic" DUI is uniquely complicated in Florida. Trust our attention to detail and thoroughness to find a crack in the State's case.
Assault / Battery
Tempers flared and you hit someone? Did you threaten to beat down your neighbor's door because of his barking dogs? No matter the reason, we can help. Crimes of violence can have severe consequences: reduced job opportunities, loss of gun rights, and even prison time. These charges are serious, and you need an effective team on your side.
Drug Possession / Trafficking
Whether it's a dimebag of ditch weed or half a key of ice in the trunk of your friend's car, a drug offense can greatly affect your future.
We specialize in narcotics cases and take particular pride in finding the 4th and/or 5th Amendment violations present in nearly every drug stop. If law enforcement did something wrong in your case, we'll probably find it.
Sexual Offenses
Sex offenses are difficult for everyone involved: the Defendant, the alleged victim, even the attorneys. But that doesn't mean you deserve anything less than the best representation you can get. And that's what we provide: high-quality defense against these most serious of charges.
Internet / Digital Crimes
As dynamic as the internet is, so is the field of law dealing with internet-based criminal charges. We are tech-savvy and regularly familiarize ourselves with this rapidly changing legal landscape. Whether it's the methods law enforcement use to conduct sting operations, or the complexity of prosecutions concerning peer-to-peer networks, we're on top of it.
Firearm / Weapon Offenses
We know guns. As natives of Alabama and Texas, firearms were a regular part of our early lives. And since becoming criminal defense lawyers, we've encountered our fair share of firearm and weapon-related offenses. And they are very serious, especially when Florida's 10-20-Life sentencing enhancements come into play. Don't settle for good enough, you need the best.
WHO WE ARE
Meet the Team
The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.
-Aristotle (sort of)
Bill and Madeline started the firm for one simple reason: they make a nearly unbeatable team. They each bring separate talents and experience to bear on every case, and combined they can find a creative solution to virtually every issue that comes up in criminal defense. Difficult prosecutor? Madeline will work it out. Complex discovery issue? Bill will analyze it to death. Not interested in a plea deal? Then we're going to trial. Whatever your criminal defense needs, we'll provide it.
Bill Gunter
Bill Gunter is a dedicated criminal defense attorney with a proven track record of defending clients against a wide range of charges, from misdemeanors to life felonies. With a background in litigation, ethics investigations, and military service, Bill brings a unique and disciplined approach to defending his clients' rights.
Military Service & Education
After graduating from high school in Montgomery, Alabama, Bill enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, serving as an infantryman in TOW and Scout Platoons, 2nd Tank Battalion, from 2003 to 2007. He deployed twice to Fallujah, Iraq, in 2005 and 2006 before receiving an honorable discharge as a Sergeant.
Using the G.I. Bill, Bill attended Auburn University, where he graduated summa cum laude with a degree in economics and a minor in history. He went on to earn his law degree from the University of Alabama School of Law in 2012, launching his legal career in insurance defense litigation.
Legal Experience & Criminal Defense Practice
Bill’s experience extends beyond traditional litigation. As a Staff Attorney for the Alabama Judicial Inquiry Commission, he investigated and prosecuted judicial ethics violations, honing his skills in case investigation and legal strategy.
After passing the Florida Bar, Bill and his wife—also an attorney—relocated to Panama City Beach, where they established a law firm focusing on Social Security and Veterans’ Disability appeals. However, Bill soon realized his passion lay in the courtroom, leading him to transition into criminal defense law.
Since then, Bill has successfully defended hundreds of clients facing DUI, drug charges, violent crimes, white-collar offenses, and serious felony cases. His experience, combined with his military background and investigative skills, makes him a formidable advocate for those facing criminal charges.
Schedule a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges, you need an experienced and aggressive defense attorney on your side. Contact Bill Gunter and the team at Gunter & McClaran today for a free consultation and start building your defense.
Madeline McClaran
Madeline McClaran is a skilled defense attorney with a unique perspective drawn from her experience as a former prosecutor for the 14th Judicial Circuit. In 2023, Madeline transitioned to criminal defense, leveraging her deep understanding of the prosecution’s strategies and her established relationships with judges, prosecutors, and law enforcement. This invaluable insight gives her clients a decisive edge in the courtroom.
Education
A proud native Texan, Madeline grew up on a farm where she developed a strong work ethic and competitive spirit through her passion for rodeo. As a student-athlete at Oklahoma State University, she was recruited to join the rodeo team as a barrel racer. Her dedication and skill earned her the honor of caring for and riding OSU’s beloved mascot, Bullet, at home football games. The commitment and discipline she cultivated in rodeo continue to shape her approach to practicing law, where she advocates with both passion and strategic precision.
Madeline graduated magna cum laude from OSU in 2019, earning a Bachelor of Science in Political Science with a minor in Religious Studies. She went on to attend Florida State University College of Law, where she graduated in 2022. During law school, Madeline was accepted into a competitive semester-in-practice program in Walton County, where she worked under the mentorship of a former judge and successfully tried her first case before graduating.
Legal Experience & Criminal Defense Practice
After passing the bar, Madeline began her career as an Assistant State Attorney in the 14th Judicial Circuit. While there she prosecuted hundreds of cases and became intimately familiar with the machinations of the State. She got an insider view of how prosecutions work, from the internal to the external.
She was soon recruited a local criminal defense firm where she handled hundreds of more cases, from misdemeanors to felonies, in Bay County and basically every other courtroom within a 100-mile radius.
After much consideration, she decided to take the plunge and open her own firm with Bill.
Schedule a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges, you need an experienced and aggressive defense attorney on your side. Contact Madeline McClaran and the team at Gunter & McClaran today for a free consultation and start building your defense.
What You Should Know
Bear with us while we build out the rest of our website. We're working on a beefy FAQ section with all kinds of info, but that takes time. We promise it will be worth the wait.
Madeline McLaren is an exceptional lawyer whose expertise and professionalism make her stand out in the legal field. Her dedication to her clients is evident in every case she handles, always ensuring thorough preparation, attention to detail, and clear communication. Madeline possesses a deep understanding of the law and applies her knowledge strategically, tailoring her approach to each unique situation.
L.D.
I have known Bill for years. My story is way too much to put on a review but this guy helped me not only in the courtroom he genuinely cares and is by your side every step of the way. I’ve never seen someone work as hard as he does for his clients he takes each case very seriously and hands down is the best in Bay.
T.O.
During Spring Break and the other 11 months that you can get caught up with legal [issues] in Bay County there is only one option if you want to kick Bay County's [rear] in court!!!
1 option!!!!
Get your money's worth when it comes to defending your freedom and rights!!!
T.R.
Contact us
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