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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
Topless Woman Under Influence of Bath Salts Charged With Public Drunkenness in Centre CountyPosted in General on January 12, 2015
By Jason Dunkle on G+ Rockview State Police recently filed a charge Public Drunkenness before a Centre County district court against a Bellefonte woman after they found her walking topless near the State College Nittany Mall. The police stopped the woman to investigate, and they came to the conclusion that she was under the influence… view more
Suspended Judge Facing Criminal Charges Still Wins Retention VotePosted in General on January 12, 2015
By Jason Dunkle on G+ A judge in Illinois won a retention election despite serving a suspension since March with pending misdemeanor assault charges for pushing a sheriff’s deputy. Similar to sitting judges in Pennsylvania, judges in Illinois that are seeking re-election are not actually opposed by another judicial candidate. Instead, voters basically choose to… view more
Will Higher Fines Reduce Underage Drinking in State College?Posted in General on January 12, 2015
Penn State Underage Drinking Problem Centre County Senator Jake Corman has proposed amendments to Pennsylvania law that would increase the maximum fine for Underage Drinking and Public Drunkenness to $1,000.00. I believe that it is safe to presume that Senator Corman’s proposal was not intended to garner votes amongst the 40,000 Penn State students at… view more
Drug Dealing in the 21st Century – Not Walking Streets, Instead Posting on CraigslistPosted in General on January 12, 2015
By Jason Dunkle on G+ In a recent blog, I discussed how a Chicago lawyer got into hot water with the state ethics board after he submitted a help wanted ad for a legal assistant that was willing to provide sexual services on Craigslist. While the actions of the lawyer only resulted in ethical violations… 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 Students’ Response to Hurricane Sandy – Drink Hurricane Beer, Not Commit Criminal ActivityPosted in General on January 12, 2015
While some Penn State students took advantage of afternoon classes being canceled due to Hurricane Sandy by purchasing 40 ounce bottles of Hurricane malt liquor, there were no news reports of any increased criminal activity. Regrettably, news reports have stated that some people in South Brooklyn were involved in looting and fights. Stressful situations sometimes… 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