General
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
Back in the News – OJ Simpson Granted Hearing on AppealPosted in General on January 12, 2015
By Jason Dunkle on G+ I read an article today stating that a Clark County District Court Judge agreed to schedule a hearing for OJ Simpson’s pending appeal. The article advised that OJ is alleging that his criminal defense attorney at trial was ineffective. Such proceedings are called “collateral appeals.” A “direct appeal” is the… view more
Penn State Football – Not “Fair Weather” FansPosted in General, Penn State on January 12, 2015
By Jason Dunkle on G+ Talk about a poor sport! New Orleans Saints football fan David Mancina has filed a class-action suit against the NFL for $5 million, probably sparked by the Saints’ current 1-4 record. Not only has the league suspended the head coach and several players for supporting an alleged pay-to-injure program, the… view more
Centre County District Court Starts Program For VeteransPosted in General on January 12, 2015
By Jason Dunkle on G+ Centre County Magisterial District Courts are implementing a pre-trial diversionary or pre-adjudicative disposition program for military veterans that have been charged with summary non-traffic violations such as Public Drunkenness,Disorderly Conduct, Criminal Mischief, and Harassment. The Magisterial Veterans Diversion Court program became official as Centre County President Judge Thomas King Kistler… 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
State Patty’s Day Arrests – Is the Police Plan Legal?Posted in Constitutional Rights, General on January 12, 2015
By Jason Dunkle on G+ I have read numerous reports that the police intend to treat criminal cases that occur on State Patty’s Day differently than the same criminal cases that occur on other weekends, such as Penn State football or Arts Fest weekends. Primarily,the police have stated that they will: 1) arrest all people… 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
Misdemeanor Charges Filed in Centre County Theft of Street Sign Case – Overcharging?Posted in General on January 12, 2015
By Jason Dunkle on G+ Two teens were recently charged by the Pennsylvania State Police with Attempted Theft, Conspiracy, and Possession of Instruments of Crime when they were caught in the wee hours of the morning trying to steal signs at the intersection of Sleepy Hollow Road and Ichabod Lane. Taking signs is illegal, but… view more