General
State College Cabbie Gets Illegal Payment of Marijuana from PassengerPosted in General on January 12, 2015
By Jason Dunkle on G+ I am used to people giving me tips that I do not want, such as my father-in-law telling me to never eat the yellow snow. A State College taxi driver was also recently given a tip that he didn’t want, a small amount of marijuana. While marijuana is legal or… view more
Pennsylvania Man Claims He Was Justified in Driving Drunk to Escape AssaultPosted in General on January 12, 2015
By Jason Dunkle on G+ I recently posted an article about a Florida man who argued that he should be found not guilty of driving under the influence because he had to get behind the wheel to drive a cat to an emergency veterinary clinic. Over the years, people have asked me as a Penn… view more
Judge Grants Suppression of Evidence in Centre County Drug Paraphernalia CasePosted in General on January 12, 2015
The Pennsylvania State Police routinely stop people that are traveling on interstate 80 for various traffic violations, such as speeding, driving in the left lane, or failure to use a turn signal. In some of those traffic stops, the police discover evidence of drug possession or possession of drug paraphernalia. In a recent Centre County… view more
Repeat Retail Theft Offenders Jailed for Stealing from State College StorePosted in General on January 12, 2015
By Jason Dunkle on G+ A Pennsylvania Furnace woman was recently arrested by the State College Police after she was allegedly caught stealing less than $30.00 worth of hair care products from a McClanahan’s store in downtown State College. In a State College retail theft case, the suspect is generally arrested and transported to the… view more
Twenty Pounds of Marijuana Found During Traffic Stop Near Penn StatePosted in Felony Drug Delivery / Possession with Intent to Deliver, General on January 12, 2015
Pennsylvania State troopers from the Rockview Barracks in Centre County recently stopped a rented van from Michigan after the driver failed to use a turn signal when switching lanes. During the traffic stop, the police asked the driver if the police could search the van, and the driver consented. The troopers removed two Christmas gifts… view more
Former Philadelphia Eagles Quarterback Charged With BUIPosted in General, Operating a Watercraft Under the Influence on January 12, 2015
Kevin Kolb, a NFL quarterback that once played for the Philadelphia Eagles, recently discovered the hard way that drinking and boating can lead to boating under the influence or BUI charges. Many people like to boat or ride a skidoo for fun and relaxation, and when people relax, they often like to enjoy a few… view more
Elf on the Shelf Charged With DUIPosted in DUI, General on January 12, 2015
It is my understanding that the Elf on the Shelf may get into some minor trouble from time to time, but such an elf was recently charged with driving under the influence after being found asleep behind the wheel of a running vehicle with its headlights on and music playing. I feel bad for this… view more
New Homeowner Nightmare – Buyers Stalked By Losing BidderPosted in General, Harassment/Stalking on January 12, 2015
I have been a criminal defense attorney for over 10 years and often read interesting criminal case fact patterns, but I recently read a story that surprised even me. I have represented many clients in Centre County over the years that have been charged with harassment and stalking, but the charges generally involve former lovers… view more
Ironman Pardoned by California GovernorPosted in Criminal Records/Expungement, General on January 12, 2015
Why would Ironman, a superhero and member of the Avengers, need a pardon? While Ironman has often saved the world from villains, he and his Avengers team often cause a significant amount of damage to property, and damaging the property of another is a criminal offense of Criminal Mischief. The severity of a Criminal Mischief… view more
When approached by a police officer, does a person have to stop and answer questions?Posted in General on January 12, 2015
Mere Encounter or Detention People often question whether or not they are required to stop and talk to a police officer if they are approached on the street. As with almost everything, the answer is “it depends.” There is a distinction in the law between a “mere encounter” with a police officer and an “investigative… view more