Let’s say you’re out for a drink or two with friends one night. You all meet at a local establishment and sit at the front bar, where the only other customer is an older gentleman. A couple of hours later, the older gentleman pays for his drink and leaves. You notice...
Protecting Your Rights Throughout Eastern Iowa Since 1981
Criminal Defense
Over 50% of underage drinkers in Iowa start at 15 years old
Teenagers are at a phase where they crave independence and want to start being treated like an adult. With the prevalence of underage drinking, your teens may see their friends drinking alcohol and become curious about it themselves. Some parents even let their teens...
Understanding Title IX and your child’s rights in college
As a parent, protecting your child's rights in college is of utmost importance. One crucial aspect of these rights pertains to Title IX, a federal law that prohibits sex discrimination in educational institutions that receive federal funding. But how can you tell if...
What actions can lead to assault charges?
Getting into fights is never fun. Altercations might start as disagreements and escalate to physical violence. Attacking someone could result in assault charges, but it is not always required. Even nonphysical encounters could bring about assault offenses. The law has...
What do I do if someone accuses my child of sexual misconduct?
Teenagers and young adults tend to act out. They are at a very confusing age of mental, physical and hormonal development, and face peer pressure daily. The problem is when they act out and involve an innocent party due to petty revenge or unresolved issues. What...
Bar fights: disciplinary action and felony charges
Aside from education, entering college is also one way to meet new friends and bond over a few drinks after a long week of classes. Unfortunately, there are times when drinking in bars or restaurants leads to heated arguments, which can turn into fights. While it is...
Can officers lie during interrogations?
You have many rights when you interact with the police. One of the biggest is your right to remain silent and not answer questions. However, when you become silent, it makes an officer's job more difficult. They may begin to try a variety of things to get you to...
How should I dress for court?
If you have a court date for a criminal charge, it is always in your best interest to make a good impression on the judge. While the court is there to hear the case and the facts, the way you look could influence decisions. The courtroom is a formal setting. You do...
What is extradition?
If officers arrest you on a warrant but you are in an area that is different from the one from where the warrant came, then you will have to go through extradition. A court that did not issue the warrant has no jurisdiction over the case, so you legally have to go...
What are defenses to drug possession charges?
Drug possession is a serious offense in Iowa, with even a first-offense conviction for possession of any controlled substance, outside of marijuana, being an aggravated misdemeanor. Fortunately, defenses to drug possession charges do exist. FindLaw explores the most...