Avoiding The Lifelong Consequences Of A Conviction
Last updated on January 6, 2026
A can leave you with a criminal record. A can get you kicked out of college or fired from your job. A conviction can follow you for decades. For serious charges, you need a serious Iowa City defense attorney.
At Foster Law Office, we have defended individuals charged with and in state and federal court. We are committed to protecting our clients’ futures, representing individuals charged with:
- Misdemeanor possession
- Felony possession
- Drug trafficking of marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, psilocybin mushrooms, heroin and other drugs
- Drug possession and of and prescription drugs
- Drug manufacturing (meth labs)
When charged with a crime, particularly trafficking, most defendants must decide immediately whether to cooperate with law enforcement. For example, a Mexico/Iowa/West Coast meth lab and operation was discovered and several individuals were charged. Those who cooperated fared better than those who did not.
Defending Students Charged With Crimes
Iowa City is home to several colleges and universities. Campus security and local law enforcement take use among college students seriously.
Drug delivery, an important part of a charge, can result from sharing a joint with a friend. Money need not change hands.
Foster Law Office helps students who are caught in their dorm rooms with drugs. We not only represent the student in court, but we also accompany him or her to meetings with the dean of students and work to prevent sanctions from the college or university. At our law firm, we will:
- Challenge any potential constitutional search and seizure issues
- Work toward results that help our clients move on without a criminal record
Prescription Cases
Our lawyers provide a vigorous defense for those charged with illegal or with prescription drugs, including:
- Adderall
- Oxycodone
- OxyContin
- Percocet
- Valium
- Vicodin
- Xanax
Police and law enforcement tactics change as the legal defenses change. It is important to stay current with the law as well as with police procedures. For example, we are noticing that law enforcement is choosing to obtain search warrants more often, which prevents an additional challenge as well as opportunity for criminal defense.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crimes
If you have questions about and their potential consequences, you may find your answers below:
What are the penalties for a misdemeanor vs. a felony charge in Iowa?
While all charges are serious, misdemeanor charges typically have lower penalties upon conviction than felonies. In Iowa, the consequences of a simple misdemeanor charge can include 30 days in jail and up to $625 in fines, while an aggravated misdemeanor charge (the most serious misdemeanor) can result in up to 2 years in prison and $5,000 in fines.
A felony charge is usually reserved for higher amounts, repeat offenses or with the intent to distribute. At a minimum, you could face up to five years in prison and thousands of dollars in fines, although the specific penalties can be enhanced due to the circumstances.
It is important to speak to an attorney to learn how your specific charges could impact you.
What is a “deferred judgment” for a charge, and am I eligible?
A “deferred judgment” allows a person facing to enter a guilty or “no contest” plea in exchange for probation and inclusion in a program that includes counseling, community service and other conditions. If successful, the case will ultimately be dismissed without conviction.
Eligibility for a deferred judgment is generally reserved for first-time offenders with simple charges. Speak to your defense attorney to learn more about your potential eligibility for an available program.
What’s the difference between a state and a federal in Iowa?
The main difference between the two is which body of law has jurisdiction and the severity of the potential penalties upon conviction. State charges involve crimes within the state’s borders and typically involve lower-level crimes. Federal charges are usually directed in cases involving trafficking, the crossing of state lines, activity on federal property and large-scale operations. Some defendants will face charges under both state and federal law.
What does it mean to “challenge a search and seizure” in a case?
A search and seizure allows the police to collect evidence against suspects. However, the police can only perform a search and seizure under a few conditions, such as with a warrant, pursuant to a lawful arrest or probable cause. If a search and seizure was illegal, it could be challenged in court, which may lead to a dismissal of evidence against a defendant.
A Successful Defense Starts Here
To discuss defense strategies with one of our experienced criminal defense lawyers, call our law offices at 319-383-0405 or contact us online.