Madeline McClaran

  • 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.

  • Property Crimes

    Sticky fingers at the local department store? Skip-scanning a package of socks? Or are they accusing you of breaking into a house and stealing a gun? Property crimes range from the mundane (shoplifting) to the extremely serious (armed burglary). We know how to defend them all. And we take pride in tearing apart the investigation to find the crack in the State's case.

  • Violation of Probation ("VOP")

    Uh-oh. You were out on probation doing everything right and you forgot to check-in one month. Or you picked up a new charge. Or your ankle monitor ran out of battery. Whatever the violation, we've dealt with it. Your back is against the wall in VOP's, you need someone to protect you. We know the prosecutors. We know the probation officers. We know how to fight violations.

Attorney Madeline McClaran – Former Prosecutor. Fierce Criminal Defense Attorney.


Madeline McClaran is a criminal defense attorney based in Panama City, Florida, known for her strategic, aggressive representation of individuals facing misdemeanors, felony charges, and serious criminal accusations across Bay County and the surrounding counties. What sets her apart? She knows exactly how the prosecution thinks, because she used to be one.


As a former prosecutor for the 14th Judicial Circuit, Madeline brings a powerful edge to her clients’ cases. She’s been on the other side of the courtroom, and she understands the inner workings of State Attorney offices, law enforcement procedures, and courtroom strategy. Her relationships with local judges, prosecutors, and law enforcement give her clients a unique advantage at every stage of their case, from arrest to trial.


From Barrel Racer to Legal Powerhouse


Originally from Texas, Madeline’s work ethic and grit were forged early on. Raised on a farm and competing in rodeo from a young age, she learned discipline, resilience, and how to perform under pressure. As a collegiate barrel racer at Oklahoma State University, she not only competed nationally but was also entrusted with riding OSU’s live mascot, Bullet, at home football games — a rare honor earned through dedication and leadership.


She graduated magna cum laude from OSU in 2019 with a degree in Political Science and a minor in Religious Studies, before earning her law degree from Florida State University College of Law in 2022. While at FSU Law, Madeline was selected for an exclusive semester-in-practice program in Walton County, where she worked directly under a former judge and successfully tried her first criminal case before even graduating, an experience that confirmed her calling for the courtroom.



Former Prosecutor. Now Fighting for the Accused.


After passing the Florida Bar, Madeline began her legal career as an Assistant State Attorney in the 14th Judicial Circuit, prosecuting hundreds of criminal cases across Panama City, Lynn Haven, Marianna, and beyond. From DUI charges and drug offenses to battery, theft, and probation violations, she saw firsthand how the State builds cases — and she’s now using that knowledge to take them apart.


Her deep understanding of how prosecutors operate allows her to anticipate strategies, expose weaknesses in the State’s case, and fiercely protect her clients’ rights. That’s what makes her one of the most sought-after defense attorneys in Bay County for anyone facing criminal charges in Northwest Florida.


Before co-founding Gunter & McClaran, she was recruited by a local criminal defense firm where she continued defending misdemeanor and felony charges in nearly every courtroom within a 100-mile radius. Her caseload spanned DUI arrests, domestic violence cases, firearm and drug crimes, and more.




Criminal Charges Are Serious. So Is Your Lawyer.


At Gunter & McClaran, Madeline McClaran is committed to providing aggressive, informed, and no-nonsense criminal defense. Her clients aren’t just case numbers, they’re people with everything on the line. Whether it’s a first-time DUI, serious felony accusations, or defending your Second Amendment rights, Madeline builds each case with precision and purpose.




Free Criminal Defense Consultation in Panama City


If you’ve been arrested or charged with a crime in Bay County, Panama City, or anywhere in the Florida Panhandle, you need more than just a lawyer — you need someone who knows the prosecution’s playbook.


Schedule a free consultation with criminal defense attorney Madeline McClaran today. At Gunter & McClaran, we’re not here to play nice, we’re here to protect your rights, challenge the evidence, and fight for the best outcome possible.

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