State College Criminal Defense Attorney
Joseph Amendola became a practicing criminal defense attorney in State College, PA in 1978. After attending Penn State as an undergraduate student, he fell in love with the community and decided to build a practice there. He’s spent the past 35 years working with clients and State College, Penn State and Centre County law officials to successfully resolve criminal defense cases.
Joe Amendola’s practice places particular emphasis on criminal law litigation including charges such as driving under the influence (DUI) and alcohol related charges, drugs, sexual assault, aggravated assault and simple assault, and homicide cases.
The criminal defense attorney also specializes in white collar and fraud criminal defense cases, as well as in summary offenses such as traffic violations. These types of charges are also common areas for criminal charges in the State College, PA and Penn State communities.
Mr. Amendola currently practices law out of his State College office located at 1374 South Atherton Street. He resides in Boalsburg, PA with his family.
The Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office
Joseph Amendola started his career in the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office, serving under former Senator Arlen Specter. While an Assistant District Attorney, Mr. Amendola earned significant trial experience in the prosecution of misdemeanor, felony and homicide cases for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
His responsibilities included advising members of the Philadelphia Police Department on constitutional aspects of the criminal justice system. He served as the Assistant Chief to the Division in 1975, during which time his responsibilities included the supervision of 15 other assistant district attorneys.
Mr. Amendola was assigned to the Investigations Division as a Special Prosecutor responsible for investigating and prosecuting political corruption cases in January 1976.
Early Life
Joe Amendola was born in South Philadelphia in 1948. One of five children of an Italian father and a Swedish mother, Joe spent his early years playing sports and caring for his younger siblings. He attended Bishop Neumann High School in Philadelphia where he graduated with honors in 1966.
Military Service
Joe Amendola served in the U.S. military as a U.S. Army ROTC Cadet at Penn State. He later served as a Reserve JAG Officer in the U.S. Army Reserves and the Pennsylvania National Guard.
State College Community Involvement
No Joseph Amendola bio would be complete without a brief summary of his community involvement. He has been actively involved with State College and Centre County charities since the early 1980s. He has held multiple leadership offices for local benevolent and charitable organizations, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars toward college scholarships and local support activities.
Joe takes great pride in his ability to give back to the State College and Penn State communities. His future plans include a continued focus on promoting local charities.
Collegiate Legal Instruction
Joe Amendola has served as an Instructor in Criminal Law at The Pennsylvania State University twice while practicing in State College. The first time was from 1978 to 1979, and the second time was during Penn State’s 1996 spring semester.
Local Relationships
Decades of practice as a criminal attorney in State College have helped Joe Amendola establish positive professional relationships with local law enforcement and judicial officials. He’s able to put these relationships to work in helping clients resolve their criminal legal matters as best possible.
Expertise on Local Justice System
If you’re interested in speaking with Joe Amendola about a criminal defense in State College or a surrounding area, then feel free to request a free consultation. This confidential discussion will let you get to know Mr. Amendola, as well as provide him an opportunity to gather important facts about your case.