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Jason S. Dunkle
About Jason
Biography
State College Criminal Defense Attorney
Jason S. Dunkle is an experienced State College criminal defense and DUI attorney who has represented people facing criminal charges in Centre County and throughout Central Pennsylvania since 2004. He represents clients charged with DUI, drug offenses, underage drinking, theft, assault, disorderly conduct, and other misdemeanor, felony, and summary offenses.
Experience matters when your freedom, driver's license, education, or future is at stake. Attorney Dunkle has been recognized by Super Lawyers every year since 2011, first as a Rising Star and, since 2018, as a Super Lawyer. He is also recognized by his fellow criminal defense attorneys through his membership in the Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (PACDL), where he has served on the Board of Directors since 2015 and is currently the President Elect.
Client service and results matter, too. Attorney Dunkle has earned numerous positive reviews from former clients on Google and Avvo. His approach is straightforward: understand the facts, identify the legal issues, explain the available options, and aggressively defend his client's rights.
Penn State Student Criminal Defense Attorney
As a Penn State alumnus, Attorney Dunkle understands the unique challenges that Penn State students can face after an arrest or criminal charge. A criminal case can affect more than a student's criminal record. It can also create consequences involving housing, financial aid, employment, professional licensing, and Penn State's student disciplinary process.
Attorney Dunkle represents Penn State students facing charges such as underage drinking, DUI, drug possession, marijuana possession, drug paraphernalia, Fake ID, public drunkenness, disorderly conduct, theft, assault, and other criminal and summary offenses. He also helps students understand how a criminal case may interact with separate university disciplinary proceedings.
DUI and Criminal Defense in Centre County
Attorney Dunkle represents clients charged with DUI and other offenses throughout Centre County and surrounding counties. Every criminal case is different, and the best defense depends on the facts, the evidence, and the applicable Pennsylvania law.
When appropriate, a defense may involve challenging a traffic stop, field sobriety testing, probable cause, chemical testing, the admissibility of evidence, or whether the prosecution can prove each element of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt.
If you have been charged with a crime in State College, Centre County, or surrounding Pennsylvania counties, an experienced criminal defense attorney can explain the potential consequences and the options available in your case.
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Pennsylvania for 21 years
State: Pennsylvania
Acquired: 2004
No misconduct found
Location
JD Law
210 West Hamliton Avenue, Suite 330, State College, PA, 16801
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Jason S. Dunkle's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
91 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Case Results (62)
Communication Style (46)
Professionalism (44)
Responsiveness (44)
Recommendation (43)
Advocacy (39)
General Knowledge (27)
Practice Area Knowledge (27)
Character & Conduct (25)
Cost of Services (18)
Trustworthiness (17)
Compassion (14)
Punctuality (4)
Staff & Support (4)
Payment Plans (1)
Showing 1 - 1 of 1 review | Payment Plans
Posted by anonymous | September 18, 2012
Professional and honest, with the most favorable result!
A short time ago, I found myself in need of professional legal help. Having nowhere else to go, and worried that I would suffer the worst possible consequences (as had happened in the past), my search led me to Jason Dunkle. Not only was he intimately familiar with the jurisdiction in which my case...
Jason S. Dunkle's Lawyer Endorsements
"I enthusiastically endorse Jason Dunkle. I’ve had occasion to work with and referred cases to Jason and he is a top notch lawyer in all regards."
"Without hesitation, I endorse this lawyer. If you send your son/daughter to Penn State, hope you never need his number, but keep it on speed dial in the event you do. We all make mistakes in college. Jason's job is to minimize the ramifications of those mistakes and he does it exceptionally well. If you're arrested in State College or the surrounding area, he's the go-to criminal defense attorney. If my child was at PSU and a problem arose, he'd be the first, and only, person I'd call."
"I have been in need of doing this for a long time. I have known Attorney Dunkle for several years now and he is a fantastic Attorney. He is always willing to take the time needed to talk to his clients and fellow attorneys about the current issues with the law and current cases. He is very well versed and educated on the developments of the ever changing legal field. I highly recommend Attorney Dunkle as a follow attorney in Centre County."
"I strongly endorse Jason as a lawyer. He is an excellent litigator that possesses a vast knowledge in the area of criminal law. If you get in trouble with the law Jason is the guy to use."
"I endorse this lawyer. He was a great asset to me when I took a Criminal Case in Centre County where I do not normally practice."
"I endorse this lawyer. Jason is a true professional who is dedicated to his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Dunkle is a great attorney based upon my review of his profile."
"I endorse this lawyer. Jason is a dedicated criminal defense lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Jason is an excellent criminal defense lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Jason is dedicated to customer service and defending the rights of his clients. I would highly recommend his services."
"I endorse this lawyer. Jason is a very well respected member of the Pennsylvania bar. I would not hesitate to recommend him."
"I endorse this lawyer. Jason is a very skilled criminal defense attorney. I would not hesitate to recommend him to my clients."
"I endorse this lawyer. Jason is a very well respected and talented criminal defense attorney."
"Jason Dunkle is a tremendous and hard working attorney. He has many years of experience and provides his clients with the representation needed to ensure that their rights are always respected. I recommended Jason Dunkle without reservation."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse attorney Jason Dunkle based on his extensive experience and track record of success defending his clients against any type of DUI or criminal offense issues."
"Mr. Dunkle possesses the vast amount of legal knowledge, the courtroom skill and the willingness to prepare that are all required of an excellent criminal defense attorney. In my opinion, he is a zealous advocate who truly cares about his clients and the outcomes of their cases. I have absolutely no hesitation in endorsing Mr. Dunkle."
"I endorse this lawyer. Jason Dunkle is a phenomenal lawyer and the personification of the honor bestowed on him as a SuperLawyer. To be quite frank, I can only echo the accolades of the other more than thirty endorsements he's received on AVVO. But I will add that I am proud to endorse and prouder still to call him my brother at the defense bar."
"I endorse this lawyer. Jason Dunkle is an excellent DUI and Criminal Defense Attorney. He is an experienced litigator, and takes pride in providing the highest quality of service to each and every client. He is dedicated to raising awareness about the laws and consequences of criminal convictions and publishes high quality content on social media. I often share his articles which are informative, and beneficial. He has my highest regards and is well known in the legal community for obtaining the best possible results for his clients, and networking to exchange useful law information to benefit all clients. Jason Dunkle's 10 out 10 AVVO rating is well deserved!"
"I endorse this lawyer. Jason is a very skilled criminal defense attorney who truly cares about his clients."
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Experience
Honors
2026
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2023
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2022
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2021
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2020
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2019
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2018
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2017
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2017
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2016
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2016
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2015
Clients' Choice Award Criminal Defense, AVVO
2015
Clients' Choice Award DUI, AVVO
2015
Lead Counsel Criminal Defense, Lead Counsel
2015
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2015
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2015
Lead Counsel DUI, Lead Counsel
2014
Clients' Choice Award Criminal Defense, AVVO
2014
Clients' Choice Award DUI, AVVO
2014
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2014
Lead Counsel Criminal Defense, Lead Counsel
2014
Lead Counsel for DUI, Lead Counsel
2014
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2013
Clients' Choice Award DUI, AVVO
2013
Rising Star, Pennsylvania Super Lawyers
2013
Lead Counsel Rated for DUI, Lead Counsel
2013
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2013
Lead Counsel Rated for Criminal Defense, Lead Counsel
2013
Clients' Choice Award Criminal Defense, AVVO
2012
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2012
Clients' Choice Award Criminal Defense, AVVO
2012
Rising Star, Pennsylvania Super Lawyers
2011
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2011
Rising Star, Pennsylvania Super Lawyers
Work Experience
2012 - Present
Owner, JD Law, P.C.
2011 - 2012
Partner, D & H Law Group
2004 - 2011
Associate Attorney, State College Criminal Defense Firm
2002 - 2002
Intern, Judge David E. Grine
Associations
2017 - Present
Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember of Executive Board
2015 - Present
Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense LawyersBoard Member
2009 - Present
Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2004 - 2013
Centre County Bar AssociationMember
2004 - 2016
Pennsylvania Bar AssociationMember
Sample of Legal Cases
Com. v. H.M.
Case nol prossed by District Attorney
Com. v. M.H.
Admission Suppressed
Com. v. T.B.
DUI case dismissed
Com. v. J.M.
Not Guilty of Underage Drinking
Education
2004
University of Pittsburgh School of Law
JD
2000
Pennsylvania State University
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2014
Handling of a Felony Drug Case in State Court
Legal Marketing and Ethics
2013
Guest Speaker at Penn State Sorority Event
Criminal Defense Overview
2012
Radio Broadcast of the Goon Show
Legal Analyst on Jerry Sandusky Trial
2010
Statewide Seminar
Suppression Issues in Pennsylvania Drug Cases
Publications
2012
State College Criminal Defense Lawyer Blog
Back to School - Focus on Bus Safety
2012
State College Criminal Defense Lawyer Blog
Possible Change to Self-Defense Jurisprudence on Horizon?
2012
State College Criminal Defense Lawyer Blog
Prosecutor Loses Conviction Because of Outrageous Conduct
2012
State College Criminal Defense Attorney Blog
Prosecutor Loses Conviction Because of Outrageous Conduct
2012
State College Criminal Defense Lawyer Blog
Increased DUI Sentences If Juvenile In Car
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
Can I be charged with a DUI-first offense, twice? As of right now, I am, but wasn’t sure if it will change.
29 Jan 2025
Q&A
Will I get in trouble driving my car with intoxalock installed, without a ignition interlock license?
11 Aug 2024
Q&A
Summary offense of harassment - follow in public place, possible record clearing?
22 Jun 2023
Legal Guides
Legal Guide
Frequently Asked Questions in Penn State Marijuana Possession Cases
17 Sep 2012
Legal Guide
Pennsylvania Expungement Eligibility Frequently Asked Questions
25 Aug 2012
Legal Guide
Pennsylvania Drug Delivery Frequently Asked Questions
18 Aug 2012