State College Harassment Lawyer

If you have been charged with Harassment, even as a summary offense, the charge should not be ignored. A harassment conviction can result in fines, court costs, and a criminal record. Depending on the circumstances, Harassment allegations can also affect employment, professional licenses, relationships, and other aspects of your life.

Attorney Jason Dunkle represents individuals facing Harassment charges in State College and Centre County. He understands Pennsylvania harassment law and the potential defenses to a harassment citation.

Pennsylvania Harassment Charges

Pennsylvania’s harassment statute, 18 Pa.C.S. § 2709, prohibits certain conduct intended to harass, annoy, or alarm another person. Depending on the alleged conduct and a person’s prior record, harassment can be charged as either a summary offense or misdemeanor.

Harassment allegations can involve conduct such as:

• Repeatedly communicating with another person
• Following or repeatedly contacting someone
• Making threatening or abusive communications
• Using obscene or otherwise offensive language
• Engaging in certain physical conduct
• Striking, shoving, kicking, or otherwise touching another person in an offensive manner

The specific facts and subsection of the statute charged are important when determining the potential penalties and defenses.

Defenses to Harassment Charges

Not every argument, unwanted communication, or unpleasant interaction constitutes criminal harassment. The Commonwealth must establish the required elements of the particular subsection charged. Depending on the circumstances, potential defenses may include:

• The alleged conduct did not meet the statutory definition of harassment.
• The required intent to harass, annoy, or alarm was not established.
• The alleged conduct was constitutionally protected speech.
• The identification of the accused is unreliable.
• The Commonwealth cannot prove the charge beyond the applicable burden of proof.

The facts surrounding the alleged incident are critical in determining the best defense strategy.

Harassment as a Summary Offense

Many Pennsylvania harassment cases are filed as summary offenses and are handled in Magisterial District Court. Although a summary harassment charge is less serious than a misdemeanor or felony, a conviction can still result in financial penalties and a criminal record. Depending on the circumstances, it may be possible to challenge the citation or negotiate a resolution that would result in a dismissal of the charge. If the charge is dismissed or a not guilty plea is obtained, then an expungement petition must be filed to have records of the incident destroyed.

Experienced State College Harassment Attorney

Attorney Jason Dunkle has focused his practice on criminal defense since 2004 and represents clients charged with harassment and other criminal offenses in Centre County and throughout Central Pennsylvania. If you have received a harassment citation or have been charged with harassment, contact JD Law online for a free case evaluation.