It seems much of rural Iowa is facing an increase in violent crimes. These felony crimes in are being pinned on the increase of not only Iowa residents facing mental health issues, but also on the burgeoning drug problem, especially the use of crystal meth. Headlines in local papers screaming rape, arson and murder are becoming much more prevalent.
Authorities are noticing the marked increase in these types of serious crimes. In fact, the problem is so widespread that the Department of Corrections has scheduled a summit to address the issues. Those who have moved to rural area with the perception that smaller is safer, have apparently been disappointed in what is taking place — often in their own backyards.
Places with fewer than 10,000 inhabitants had a 50 percent crime rate increase from 2006 to 2016. The state crime rate only rose by 3 percent in the same time frame, while areas with between 10,000 to 49,999 residents had a 16 percent increase in violent crime. Guthrie County seems to be leading the pack with a monumental 84 percent increase in felony crime between 2015 and 2017.
Other Iowa counties experiencing heightened felony crimes are Monroe, Osceola, Page, Monona, Madison and Jones. Those who have been charged with violent crimes typically fare better with the help of legal counsel. An Iowa attorney is in the position to review evidence and to provide advice on which avenues his or her clients might pursue to mount an aggressive defense against serious allegations. A lawyer may help to make a difference in reducing formal charges and/or securing more lenient sentencing, if not having the charges totally dropped.
Source: thedesmoinesregister.com, “Meth, mental health crises fuel surge in violent crime in rural Iowa“, Lee Rood, May 7, 2018
