Apparently, Prohibition did not end in 1933 after all, at least in State College, Pennsylvania, where it has now become a tradition to revive the failed social experiment each State Patty's Day. All the downtown bars, six pack shops, beer distributors and state stores...
State College Criminal Law Blog
Marijuana Policy Schism Epitomized by Girl Scout Cookies
Last week, a 13 year old Girl Scout made national news when she set up shop in front of a San Francisco medical marijuana dispensary and sold 117 boxes in two hours. This past weekend, another Girl Scout in Phoenix found success using the same marketing technique....
Corpus Delicti Rule’s Purpose Illustrated by Craig’s List Killer’s Confession
The corpus delicti rule is a concept few outside of the legal field are familiar with, but it likely applies to "Craig's List killer," Miranda Barbour, who, along with her husband Elytte Barbour, is charged with the unprovoked and premeditated murder of a 42 year old...
State Patty’s Day Mayhem Not Caused by State College Bars
State Patty's Day is one of Penn State's newest traditions, and also by far the most controversial. Few people were ever truly offended by the time-honored and comical Mifflin Streak, but many State College residents have expressed annoyance over the unabashed...
What is a Hung Jury in a Criminal Trial?
In Pennsylvania, a jury in a criminal trial consists of 12 citizens drawn from the county where the charges are filed, unless it is a high profile case, in which case the jurors may be brought in from another county. These 12 jurors must reach a unanimous decision...
Pennsylvania Aggravated Assault Fugitive Nabbed by FaceBook Savvy Cops
A Pennsylvania aggravated assault defendant is no longer a fugitive, after police in Luzerne County used FaceBook to nab 35 year old Anthony "Jimi" Lescowitch, but certainly not in the way the police had anticipated. The Freeland Police Department posted a mug shot...
No SORNA Ramifications for “Swiss Cheese Masturbator”
A 41 year old Pennsylvania man was take into custody today, alleged to be the man variously described as "The Swiss Cheese Pervert" and "Swiss Cheese Masturbator." Christopher Pagano is accused of having a rather strange paraphilia. He allegedly would drive around...
Pennsylvania Teen Conceals Stolen Property and Drugs in Rectum
A Pennsylvania teen is accused of receiving stolen property in a very unique manner. Hanover Police allege that 18 year old Christopher Scheller managed to conceal four stolen bracelets, 11 stolen rings, a metal smoking device and synthetic marijuana in his rectum,...
Pennsylvania Marijuana Legalization is Inevitable, But Far Off
With the start of 2014, Colorado became the first state since the 1930s to allow the sale of marijuana in retail establishments for recreational use. As a Pennsylvania criminal defense attorney who handles a lot of marijuana cases, I am frequently asked when...
Santa Clause Charged with Indecent Assault of Elf
Santa Clause faces charges of indecent assault in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts following allegations that he groped the buttocks of an 18 year old female elf while the two were working at the Hanover Mall on November 23, 2013. Santa Clause impersonator Herbert...