General

Detention or Custody in State College DUI Investigation

By Jason Dunkle on G+ In a recent blog, I discussed when police-citizen interactions are investigative detentions or custodial situations, and I reviewed a typical Penn State marijuana possession investigation to show both concepts in a practical situation. I also noted that the distinction between a mere encounter and custody can be important for 5th… view more

Unconventional Use for Toothpaste – Avoid Speeding Tickets

By Jason Dunkle on G+ I like those books and posts on the web that tell you that normal households products can be used to fix some problems, such as white vinegar being used to  clean hard water deposits from coffee makers. I recently came across an article that found a new use for toothpaste… view more

Penn State Fake ID Case – Providing Someone Else’s Identifying Information

By Jason Dunkle on G+ According to an Ohio newspaper, a man was being investigated for a criminal offense, and the man, hoping to avoid criminal charges, provided a fake ID to the police.  More specifically, the suspect provided the identifying information of another person, including the other person’s social security number. As irony would have… view more

Can Police Enter an Underage Drinking Party Without a Warrant?

By Jason Dunkle on G+ Many Penn State students wonder if the police can enter an apartment without a warrant to stop an underage drinking party.  Pennsylvania courts have considered both such a situation and expressly held that the police generally can  not enter the apartment without a warrant to conduct an Underage Drinking or… view more