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Penn State Has Not Decriminalized Marijuana PossessionPosted in General,Penn State Marijuana Possession on August 30, 2016
As many people are aware, the State College Borough recently passed an ordinance to allow the State College Police Department to issue a non-traffic summary citation for a person who is caught smoking or in possession of less than thirty grams of marijuana. According to many online newspaper articles, this is being called the decriminalization… view more
State College Did Not Legalize Marijuana UsePosted in Penn State Marijuana Possession on August 5, 2016
While the State College Borough’s decision to pass an ordinance to create non-criminal charge to use if people possess less than 30 grams of marijuana is being touted as a “decriminalization of marijuana,” that simply is not the case. First, a police officer in State College may use the ordinance violation, but the officer is… view more
State College Borough Makes Marijuana Possession a Summary OffensePosted in General,Penn State Marijuana Possession on August 2, 2016
On August 1, 2016, the State College Borough passed an ordinance that created a new violation of the State College Borough code that made possession of less than 30 grams of marijuana a summary, non-traffic offense. According to the proposed ordinance, a person caught smoking in public will receive a non-traffic summary citation that will… view more
Pennsylvania Man Gives Alcohol to Amish Kids Then Rear-Ended by BuggyPosted in Furnishing Alcohol to Minors,General on July 12, 2016
I would say that this could only happen in Pennsylvania, but there are actually Amish communities in many states across the United States. It just so happens that the Lancaster area may be the most famous area associated with Amish, and this case happened to occur in Lancaster County. While I do not believe that… view more
Man Blames Vandalism Spree on Too Much Music and MasturbationPosted in Burglary,General on June 27, 2016
I represent many Penn State students who are charged with criminal offenses stemming from alcohol and drug related incidents. Some charges are directly related to drugs and alcohol, such as possession of marijuana, underage drinking, and public drunkenness. However, many of my clients are charged with offenses such as burglary and criminal trespass after having… view more
Proposed Increase in Fine for Underage Drinking Awaiting Governor’s SignaturePosted in General on January 12, 2015
By Jason Dunkle on G+ Both chambers of the Pennsylvania legislature recently passed a proposal to increase the maximum fine permitted for Underage Drinking and Public Drunkenness charges to $1,000.00. For those that happen to remember the 1980’s School House Rocks series, the proposal is now a bill that is awaiting the signature of the… view more
Fake ID to Law Enforcement Charge – Routine Occurrence in State CollegePosted in False Identification,General on January 12, 2015
By Jason Dunkle on G+ When mentioning False Identification to Law Enforcement, I am not meaning the routine situation in Centre County involving an underage person possessing a fake ID that is being used to buy alcohol. While such offenses are routinely filed by the State College police as Penn State students and their friends… view more
Penn State’s Delay of McQueary Suit Scheduled for Centre County HearingPosted in General,Penn State on January 12, 2015
By Jason Dunkle on G+ Former Penn State assistant football coach Mike McQueary has filed a defamation and whistleblower suit against Penn State seeking over $4 million. Much of McQueary’s claim is based upon former Penn State President Graham Spanier’s public support of former Penn State administrators Tim Curley and Gary Schultz after they were… view more
Pennsylvania Right to a Speedy Trial Not As Clear As WrittenPosted in General,Penn State Marijuana Possession on January 12, 2015
By Jason Dunkle on G+ Most people are familiar with some basic constitutional rights, including the right to a trial by jury, right to confront witnesses against you, right against self-incrimination, and the right to a speedy and prompt trial. Over the years that I have been a State College criminal defense lawyer, I have… view more
Pittsburgh DUI – How Many Drinks to Reach .19% Blood Alcohol LevelPosted in Centre County DUI,General on January 12, 2015
By Jason Dunkle on G+ According to news reports in Pittsburgh, a rookie Pittsburgh Steeler’s player was charged with many criminal offense s, including felony counts of Fleeing and Eluding, Aggravated Assault while DUI, and Aggravated Assault, as well as misdemeanor charges of DUI and Resisting Arrest. It is alleged that the player refused to… view more