General
Detention or Custody in State College DUI InvestigationPosted in Centre County DUI, General on January 12, 2015
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
Should Penn State Adopt a Policy Guiding Athletes’ Use of Social Media?Posted in General, Penn State on January 12, 2015
By Jason Dunkle on G+ As a State College criminal defense lawyer, I often use social media, like Twitter, Google +, and Facebook, to help promote my criminal defense firm. While I try to be interesting, I also avoid offensive or controversial topics. We all have heard horror stories of people that posted something improper… view more
Unconventional Use for Toothpaste – Avoid Speeding TicketsPosted in General on January 12, 2015
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
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
Pennsylvania Drug-DUI Charges – No Need to Prove “Under the Influence”Posted in General on January 12, 2015
By Jason Dunkle on G+ Everyone knows that it is illegal to drive under the influence of alcohol if a person’s blood alcohol level is above the legal limit. With alcohol, a person is “under the influence” or affected by the alcohol as long as it is present in the body. The body is able… view more
Meth Smoker Burns 3,500 Year Old Tree – Punishment?Posted in General on January 12, 2015
By Jason Dunkle on G+ While some states have legalized or decriminalized marijuana, no state has pushed for the legalization of methamphetamine, and the fact that a meth user was recently accused of destroying a 3,500 year old tree while getting high isn’t going sway public opinion in favor of legalization. The 120 foot tall… view more
Teacher Allowed Body Piercing in School – Charged With Corruption of MinorsPosted in Corruption of Minors, General on January 12, 2015
By Jason Dunkle on G+ A 37-year-old teacher at a school district outside of Philadelphia was recently charged with Endangering the Welfare of Children and Corruption of Minors after allowing a student in her care to pierce the teacher’s ear and another student’s stomach. There is no allegation that the student that was pierced did… view more
Penn State Student’s Return to Happy Valley Starts Badly, Sent to Jail With Aggravated Assault ChargesPosted in Assault, General on January 12, 2015
By Jason Dunkle on G+ A Penn State student returned to State College to start the fall semester, and, not unlike many other returning upperclassmen, chose to catch up with friends the weekend before the start of classes by having a few drinks. This young man’s weekend allegedly took a turn for the worse when… view more
State College Marijuana Possession Conviction Reviewed by Centre County JudgePosted in General on January 12, 2015
By Jason Dunkle on G+ A Centre County judge recently considered whether there was sufficient evidence to justify a conviction in a State College Possession of a Small Amount of Marijuana case. Under Pennsylvania law, the district attorney is not required to prove who owned the drugs or marijuana but instead must only prove possession…. view more
Pittsburgh Area Man Gets DUI for Riding Lawn Mower on RoadPosted in General on January 12, 2015
By Jason Dunkle on G+ Murrysville police recently stopped a man driving with an open can of beer, which is a violation of Pennsylvania law. Did the police stop the man solely for an Open Container violation? Probably not. It is more likely that the police stopped the man because he was driving a lawn… view more