A DUI conviction can change a person's life in many ways, both in the long term and the short term. However, most people typically only focus on the short term. This is why it is important for individuals facing DUI charges to understand the exact extent to which a...
Protecting Your Rights Throughout Eastern Iowa Since 1981
Criminal Defense
Can you avoid a sobriety stop?
When approaching a surprise sobriety checkpoint, your kneejerk reaction may be to turn around right away and get out before you go through it. Fortunately for you, this is actually legal. However, the way you go about it will make a world of difference. It is legal to...
Drunk driving charges and ignition interlock devices
If you currently face drunk driving charges, you need to familiarize yourself with the potential penalties you could face, including the loss of your driving privileges. OWI charges in Iowa can lead to driver's license revocation, and this could make it very difficult...
Iowa amendment for recreational marijuana fails in the Senate
The number of states with laws allowing recreational marijuana continues to grow. This pressures other states and their policymakers to consider the same efforts. Enforcement and legal arguments may have a harder time standing up to scrutiny when neighbors allow for...
Misdemeanor vs felony theft charges in Iowa
In the state of Iowa, an instance of theft is any action to unlawfully acquire goods and services without the consent of the owner. Theft involves deceptive conduct to seize property without an intent to return it, or to misuse or control another’s property against...
How do you establish consent in a rape case?
If a person you had consensual sexual relations with accuses you of raping him or her, one defense is to argue what you know to be true — that the plaintiff consented to the interaction. Consent is a strong defense but only if you can prove the existence of certain...
The ramifications of fighting
During a night out with your friends, things can get carried away. Someone might misinterpret a joke, a playful scrap can become serious or there could be a disagreement over a game. Before you know it, fists are flying and someone gets hurt. There may be times when...
How can a drug conviction affect student financial aid?
When you send your children off to college, you hope they are responsible and focus on their studies. However, even good kids can make mistakes and find themselves in legal trouble. If your child faces a drug charge, here is what you need to know about how a...
What are Miranda rights and when do police cite them to you?
If you’ve watched any fictionalized crime show on television, you might notice a pattern any time police arrest someone. They often read a suspect their rights, the minute they put the handcuffs on. Usually, police will say something like the following: “You are under...
Former Iowa office manager convicted of fraud, theft
A woman has been put on probation after pleading guilty to two separate charges. The Iowa resident was charged with credit card fraud and first-degree theft. She was accused of stealing $30,000 from her employer, which the judge ordered her to pay back. The judge...