(814) 689-9139
(814) 689-9139

A strong advocate
for your rights and future

State College Criminal Law Attorney

Free Case Evaluation

Experienced State College Criminal Defense Attorney

Jason Dunkle has successfully helped people facing criminal charges in Cental Pennsylvania since 2004.

Experience Matters

When hiring a criminal defense attorney, experience and skill matter. You can often gauge the effectiveness of an attorney by considering factors like the years of experience, professional accolades and awards, client reviews, and recommendations from peers. With those criteria in mind, Attorney Jason S. Dunkle is the attorney for the job. He has been defending individuals charged with criminal offenses in State College and surrounding areas since 2004. He is not a “jack of all trades, master of none lawyer”.  For a criminal defense case, you want a lawyer that focuses on that type of law and does not dabble or know a little about many types of law. You don’t contact your general doctor for a surgical question, so why would you want a family law attorney for your criminal defense case?

Attorney Dunkle is recognized statewide for his legal skill and client advocacy. He is the only State College attorney that has been nominated as a Super Lawyer or Rising Star every year since 2011, and he has achieved a perfect 10.0 “Superb” rating on the attorney review website Avvo. Attorney Dunkle’s legal acumen is also recognized by fellow attorneys.  What do former clients think of Attorney Dunkle?  Check out the Google reviews here. Attorney Dunkle has a proven track record of success and is trusted by clients and colleagues alike to handle serious legal matters with care, knowledge, and professionalism.


Criminal Defense for Felony, Misdemeanor, & Summary Offenses

Attorney Dunkle has extensive experience in handling almost every type of criminal case, from severe felonies like Aggravated Assault, Rape and Sexual Assault, and Drug Delivery, to mid-level misdemeanors like DUI, Furnishing Alcohol to Minors, and Drug Possession, to relatively low level offenses like Underage Drinking and Public Drunkenness, Retail Theft, and Fake ID. Client reviews evidence that Attorney Dunkle has successfully represented many people over the years, and you can also read many of his successful case outcomes.

Attorney Dunkle carefully evaluates every case to:

 –  Identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence

 –  Explore dismissal or reduction options

 –  Minimize the long-term impact of the charges on your life

He has extensive experience representing Penn State students in both the criminal and university disciplinary processes.


Why Choose JD Law?

✅ Personalized Legal Representation

At JD Law, you work directly with Attorney Jason Dunkle—not a junior associate or assistant. You will receive responsive communication, strategic counsel, and one-on-one attention throughout your case.

✅ Focused Exclusively on Criminal Defense

Attorney Dunkle has dedicated his career solely to criminal defense, giving him deep insight into Pennsylvania criminal law, local court procedures, and defense strategies that work.

✅ Proven Results and Client Satisfaction

Clients regularly refer friends and family to JD Law because of the firm’s honest advice, straightforward communication, and record of success.


Free Consultation With a Criminal Defense Lawyer in State College

Facing criminal charges can be overwhelming. You deserve an attorney who will fight for your rights and help you make informed decisions at every step.

For a free case review, contact JD Law by email or leave a message at (814) 689-9139. Email is the preferred method of communication, as phone calls are directed to voicemail due to the high volume of spam and unsolicited calls.

Practice Areas.

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Message to.

parents

Your child or loved one has gotten into legal trouble, and you are worried about what is going to happen in the immediate future as well as long term.

Get Help

Message to.

students

I may have made a few poor decisions during my time at Penn State. Fortunately for me, I was never caught. Since you are checking me out online, you probably were not so fortunate and need help.

Get Help

Frequently asked questions.

What should I do if
I was charged with...

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  • Can I be removed from ARD if…….?
  • Can I appeal a denial of ARD?
  • Must I report criminal charges to a PA licensing board?
  • Why I am being charged with Assault when it was self-defense?
  • Why was I charged with Aggravated Assault and not just Simple Assault?
  • Why didn’t the police talk to me to get my side of the story in the assault investigation?
  • Marijuana is legal in the state in which I reside and I have a permit to possess it, so I how can I be charged with illegal possession of marijuana in Pennsylvania?
  • Can I get ARD for a felony drug charge?
  • How can I be charged with possession with intent to deliver when the police only found a small amount of drugs?

what our clients say.

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State College Criminal Lawyer Jason Dunkle

Meet the attorney.

Jason Dunkle

Since 2004, State College criminal defense attorney Jason Dunkle has been helping students and other individuals diligently pursue successful resolutions to criminal charges.

About Criminal Defense Attorney Jason S. Dunkle

Jason S. Dunkle is an experienced Pennsylvania criminal defense attorney and the founder of JD Law P.C. Based in State College, Attorney Dunkle has dedicated his career to defending individuals charged with criminal offenses throughout Central Pennsylvania, including Centre, Clinton, Huntingdon, and Mifflin Counties.

Jason is a Penn State alum, having graduated in 2000 with a Political Science degree. He earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law in 2004, where he received the prestigious Dean’s Scholarship, a merit-based award recognizing academic achievement. After graduating from law school, he returned to Happy Valley to begin practicing criminal defense law and established JD Law P.C. in 2012. Since then, he has represented thousands of clients facing charges ranging from DUI offenses and drug crimes to assault allegations, theft offenses, and other serious criminal matters.

Recognized Pennsylvania Criminal Defense Lawyer

Jason has been recognized by both peers and independent attorney-rating organizations for his commitment to criminal defense advocacy.

  • Selected as a Pennsylvania Super Lawyers Rising Star from 2011 through 2017, an honor reserved for outstanding attorneys early in their careers.
  • After turning 40 in 2018 and being too old be be a Rising Star, Jason was selected as a Pennsylvania Super Lawyer and has been selected every year since 2018.
  • Awarded a 10.0 “Superb” rating by Avvo, reflecting strong client reviews, professional experience, and peer endorsements.
  • There are no other attorneys in the State College area that can match those professional awards.

Leadership in Criminal Defense

Attorney Dunkle is actively involved in advancing criminal defense advocacy across Pennsylvania. He currently serves as President-Elect and a member of the Executive Board of the Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (PACDL), one of the state’s leading organizations dedicated to protecting the rights of individuals accused of crimes. He has been on the board of directors since 2011.

Commitment to the Community

Beyond the courtroom, Attorney Dunkle remains committed to serving the community he calls home. He is a proud member of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity, Beta Delta Chapter, from Washington & Jefferson College. He and his wife are raising three children, and his twin daughters currently attend Penn State University.

Attorney Dunkle previously served as Vice President of the Penns Valley Youth Center Board, supporting local youth through after-school programming. He has also volunteered extensively as a coach in his children’s sports activities. His dedication to community involvement reflects the values that guide both his personal life and legal practice.

Experienced Criminal Defense Representation in Central Pennsylvania

If you have been charged with a crime in Centre County, Clinton County, Huntingdon County, Mifflin County, or elsewhere in Central Pennsylvania, Attorney Jason S. Dunkle has the experience, local knowledge, and commitment necessary to help protect your rights and your future.

Contact JD Law P.C. today to schedule a confidential consultation with an experienced Pennsylvania criminal defense attorney. Send Jason an email here.

Read Jason's Profile