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Proposed Increase in Fine for Underage Drinking Awaiting Governor’s SignaturePosted in General on January 12, 2015
By Jason Dunkle on G+ Both chambers of the Pennsylvania legislature recently passed a proposal to increase the maximum fine permitted for Underage Drinking and Public Drunkenness charges to $1,000.00. For those that happen to remember the 1980’s School House Rocks series, the proposal is now a bill that is awaiting the signature of the… view more
Pittsburgh DUI – How Many Drinks to Reach .19% Blood Alcohol LevelPosted in Centre County DUI,General on January 12, 2015
By Jason Dunkle on G+ According to news reports in Pittsburgh, a rookie Pittsburgh Steeler’s player was charged with many criminal offense s, including felony counts of Fleeing and Eluding, Aggravated Assault while DUI, and Aggravated Assault, as well as misdemeanor charges of DUI and Resisting Arrest. It is alleged that the player refused to… view more
Pennsylvania Right to a Speedy Trial Not As Clear As WrittenPosted in General,Penn State Marijuana Possession on January 12, 2015
By Jason Dunkle on G+ Most people are familiar with some basic constitutional rights, including the right to a trial by jury, right to confront witnesses against you, right against self-incrimination, and the right to a speedy and prompt trial. Over the years that I have been a State College criminal defense lawyer, I have… view more
Penn State Students’ Response to Hurricane Sandy – Drink Hurricane Beer, Not Commit Criminal ActivityPosted in General on January 12, 2015
While some Penn State students took advantage of afternoon classes being canceled due to Hurricane Sandy by purchasing 40 ounce bottles of Hurricane malt liquor, there were no news reports of any increased criminal activity. Regrettably, news reports have stated that some people in South Brooklyn were involved in looting and fights. Stressful situations sometimes… view more
Fake ID to Law Enforcement Charge – Routine Occurrence in State CollegePosted in False Identification,General on January 12, 2015
By Jason Dunkle on G+ When mentioning False Identification to Law Enforcement, I am not meaning the routine situation in Centre County involving an underage person possessing a fake ID that is being used to buy alcohol. While such offenses are routinely filed by the State College police as Penn State students and their friends… view more
Drug Dealing in the 21st Century – Not Walking Streets, Instead Posting on CraigslistPosted in General on January 12, 2015
By Jason Dunkle on G+ In a recent blog, I discussed how a Chicago lawyer got into hot water with the state ethics board after he submitted a help wanted ad for a legal assistant that was willing to provide sexual services on Craigslist. While the actions of the lawyer only resulted in ethical violations… view more
State College Criminal Investigation – One Punch Ban Be Felony Aggravated AssaultPosted in General on January 12, 2015
By Jason Dunkle on G+ According to the Centre Daily Times, a Penn State student was physically assaulted and suffered a skull fracture. It is alleged that the student was only struck one time, but the punch caused the Penn State student to fall and most likely strike his head on the road or sidewalk…. view more
Suspended Judge Facing Criminal Charges Still Wins Retention VotePosted in General on January 12, 2015
By Jason Dunkle on G+ A judge in Illinois won a retention election despite serving a suspension since March with pending misdemeanor assault charges for pushing a sheriff’s deputy. Similar to sitting judges in Pennsylvania, judges in Illinois that are seeking re-election are not actually opposed by another judicial candidate. Instead, voters basically choose to… view more
What Can Happen to Hosts of Parties Where Drinking is Taking Place?Posted in Furnishing Alcohol to Minors,General on January 12, 2015
By Jason Dunkle on G+ At social gatherings, such as the upcoming Thanksgiving Holiday, I am often cornered and asked legal questions by family and friends, such as wills and estate issues, custody disputes, and, if people happen to be drinking at the gathering, discussions often gravitate towards DUI charges and the liability of the… view more
Would a Fake ID With a Cartoon Photo Work in State College?Posted in False Identification,General,Penn State on January 12, 2015
Being a State College criminal defense attorney since 2004, I have represented many Penn State students charged with Possession of a Fake ID. Of course, the quality of the Fake IDs varies from the high quality ones purchased from ID Chief to the low budget ones picked up at Jersey Shore vendors. I recently read an… view more