General
Marijuana Activist in Philly Gets Reminded that Marijuana Still Illegal Under Federal LawPosted in Drug Possession, General on January 12, 2015
While many states have de-criminalized or even legalized marijuana, it is still illegal in Pennsylvania and under federal law. Many people wonder why the federal government does not prosecute people in states like Colorado where marijuana is openly sold and used because of the state law legalizing pot. Years ago, the Department of Justice issued… view more
Pennsylvania May Expand Good Samaritan Law to Drug Overdose CasesPosted in Drug Possession, General on January 12, 2015
When someone references a “Good Samaritan” law, I am reminded of the Seinfeld episode that put the group behind bars because they failed to help a person that was in trouble. The law in the show required a person to render aid, and the failure to help was a crime. In reality, Good Samaritan laws… view more
Pittsburgh Man’s Attempt to Avoid Sitting On Jury Lands Him In JailPosted in Constitutional Rights, General on January 12, 2015
A Pittsburgh area man recently learned the hard way that some judges expect Pennsylvania citizens to take their civic duty to serve on a jury very seriously. The man had reported to the local county courthouse to be considered as a possible juror on a homicide trial. According to a Pittsburgh Tribune article, the man… view more
Father Arrested at Three Hundred Person Underage Drinking PartyPosted in Corruption of Minors, General on January 12, 2015
Underage Drinking happens. We all know it. We also know that it is illegal, and most of us will not, either for moral, ethical, or legal reasons, purchase alcohol for minors. There is a big difference between supporting something and acknowledging that it happens. Police recently responded to a house party that was attended by… view more
Centre County Driving – Should We Join The Texas Speedway At 85 Miles Per Hour?Posted in General on January 12, 2015
By Jason Dunkle on G+ According to a recent news story, the statement that “Everything is bigger in Texas” continues to ring true. Governor Rick Perry cut the ribbon to open the 41-mile of road between Austin and San Antonio, which now claims the highest speed limit in the nation – 85 mph. Keeping in… view more
Penn State Football Continues Winning TrendPosted in General, Penn State on January 12, 2015
By Jason Dunkle on G+ The Penn State football team’s dominant win at Iowa not only extended Penn State’s winning streak to 5 games, but it was also Penn State’s first win in Iowa City in 13 years. After dropping the first 2 games of the season to teams that the Nittany Lions were expected… view more
Centre County DUI Court Program – Rehabilitation of Third Time DUI OffendersPosted in Centre County DUI, General on January 12, 2015
By Jason Dunkle on G+ A few years ago, the Centre County DUI program was launched to try and rehabilitate third time offenders of DUI. Some Centre County residents oppose the program and simply want to put third time DUI offenders in prison and throw away the key. While I think that some prison time… 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
Stopping State Patty’s Day – Will Bar Closings Help?Posted in General, Public Drunkenness on January 12, 2015
By Jason Dunkle on G+ Barely a week ago, Penn State University and the State College community embraced the annual Penn State THON event, held by the world’s largest student philanthropy organization. There was much celebration over the success of the event, only to be almost immediately overshadowed by the dread of the following weekend’s… view more
Change to Pennsylvania Agg Assault Law – Cable Employees Get Special Protection?Posted in General on January 12, 2015
By Jason Dunkle on G+ The Pennsylvania legislature is considering changing the Aggravated Assault law to change the definition of “public utility employee” to include employees of cable television, phone, and electrical companies or independent contractors working for such companies. This would generally mean that an assault involving such a person as a victim would… view more