General
$1,000.00 Fine for Underage Drinking in the Future? Possible Change in the WorksPosted in General, Underage Drinking on January 12, 2015
Perceived Underage Drinking Problem in State College On September 12, 2012, the Pennsylvania House Judiciary Committee held a public meeting session in State College, and part of the agenda was discussion of a proposed amendment to the Underage Drinking and Public Drunkenness laws that were sponsored by Centre County Senator Jake Corman. The proposed amendments… view more
Lawyer’s Online Ad Sought Legal Assistant That Provided “Benefits”Posted in General on January 12, 2015
By Jason Dunkle on G+ A lawyer in Chicago apparently tried to avoid a potential sexual harassment law suit by expressly advising applicants for a legal assistant position that sexual favors were expected a part of the assistant’s duties. The job was posted on Craigslist and stated that the assistant was responsible for secretarial tasks… view more
State College DUI Case – Officer Can Detain Person Based upon Report of Reckless DrivingPosted in Centre County DUI, General on January 12, 2015
By Jason Dunkle on G+ In a recent State College DUI case, a Centre County judge held that an officer can detain a person after receiving a report of reckless driving. In the case, a Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole officer was following a vehicle as it drove on state route 45 towards Boalsburg… view more
Police Officer Stops for Sex, Not Coffee, With Female ArresteePosted in General on January 12, 2015
By Jason Dunkle on G+ In Albuquerque, it is alleged that a state police officer arrested a woman for outstanding warrants, and, on the way to the prison, he pulled over to have consensual sex with the woman. It is unknown whether the woman hoped thatsex would result in a “get out of jail free”… view more
“Finders Keepers, Losers Weepers” – Not So in PennsylvaniaPosted in General on January 12, 2015
By Jason Dunkle on G+ I am sure that most of our parents told us the old adage “finders keepers, losers weepers,” basically telling us to take care of our possessions because if we lost or misplaced them, the finder got to keep them. Many of us understand basic human nature and understand that if… view more
DUI Charges Filed For Driving Motorized Cart in WalmartPosted in General on January 12, 2015
By Jason Dunkle on G+ A Florida man recently decided to take a joyride through a Walmart store on a motorized shopping cart while helping himself to alcohol from the shelves without paying for it. The man was charged with Driving Under the Influence (DUI) and Retail Theft. Grading of Pennsylvania Retail Theft Charges The… view more
Former Pennsylvania Judge Charged With Stealing Cocaine EvidencePosted in General on January 12, 2015
By Jason Dunkle on G+ A former western Pennsylvania judge recently was charged with theft and drug possession by the Pennsylvania State Police after allegedly stealing cocaine that had been submitted by prosecutors in drug cases. In drug possession and drug delivery cases, the prosecuting attorney must bring the drugs to court and present it… view more
Centre County Judge Reviews Miranda Issue in State College Assault CasePosted in General on January 12, 2015
By Jason Dunkle on G+ A Centre County judge recently considered whether or not to suppress statements made by two people to a police officer in a State College assault investigation. The officer responded to the reported fight in the wee hours of the morning in downtown State College, and, after arriving on scene, witnesses… view more
Reedsville Woman Charged with Marijuana Possession After Being Stopped for SpeedingPosted in General on January 12, 2015
By Jason Dunkle on G+ The Pennsylvania State Police recently filed Centre County Possession of a Small Amount of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia charges after marijuana and pipes were found in a car that had been stopped for speeding. I wonder how the police found the drugs and related paraphernalia. If the items… view more
Pennsylvania Court Reiterates Right of Defendant to Withdraw Guilty PleaPosted in Constitutional Rights, General on January 12, 2015
By Jason Dunkle on G+ While most people charged with a criminal offense have the constitutional right to proceed to a trial, the vast majority of cases are resolved through plea agreements that are reached between prosecutors and defense attorneys. The agreements require the client to plead guilty to certain offenses in exchange for a… view more