Initial Appearance The initial appearance is the first formal contact that a defendant in a criminal case has with the court system. What happens when I am arrested? In Iowa, a person must be brought before a judge without unnecessary delay after they are arrested....
Protecting Your Rights Throughout Eastern Iowa Since 1981
Criminal Defense
Expungement
When can the record of a criminal charge be expunged from a person's record? We receive a lot of inquiries about expungement of criminal charges from a person's record. Iowa law generally does not provide a method for expungement of criminal charges except in a few...
Miranda Warnings
Miranda Warnings One of the most frequent things I am told by new clients is that they were not read their Miranda rights when they were arrested. Implicit in this statement is a question, "does the fact that I was not read the Miranda warnings mean anything for my...
Federal bank fraud charges filed against Iowa men
Five men in Des Moines have been charged with federal bank fraud. They are accused of "flipping" homes, using short sales to generate a quick profit. This type of transaction is prohibited by the laws governing the banking industry. The alleged fraud involved 18 home...
Iowa robbery suspect arrested on his birthday
Iowa City residents may celebrate their birthdays in a variety of ways. Some prefer an intimate dinner with a loved one. Others may opt for a big birthday bash, surrounded by friends and loud festivities. A few thrill-seeking souls may even decide to conquer their...