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Johnson County OWI / DUI Deferred Judgment Update

A few legislative terms ago, a deferred judgment would allow a defendant to plead guilty to a crime without being assessed any fines. In an OWI, a defendant could be granted a deferred judgment, and instead of the (then $1000.00 + 30% surcharge) minimum fine, the defendant would pay only a supervision fee of $250.00-300.00. [...]

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On April 9th, 2008, posted in: Criminal Law by

Substance Abuse Evaluation for Iowa OWI / DUI

When an arrest is made for OWI in the State of Iowa, a substance abuse evaluation must be ordered to be completed. In Johnson County (Iowa City) the judge will order that this substance abuse evaluation be completed within 10 days. This is one of the most immediate deadlines that will occur with an OWI [...]

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On April 7th, 2008, posted in: Criminal Law by
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Refusing to Blow During an OWI / DUI Stop in Iowa

During most police stops on suspicion for OWI, the officer will request a breath sample. What happens if a defendant refuses? There are two different breath samples which the officer may request. The first is the preliminary breath test or “PBT” or field test. This is the small box which officers carry with them in [...]

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On April 6th, 2008, posted in: Criminal Law by

Iowa Criminal Law – Search and Seizure

One of the biggest mistakes defendants make during an encounter with the police is failing to exercise their right to remain silent. The Miranda warnings have been read so many times on television that the general public has forgotten to actually listen to and understand these rights before they continue an interview with the police. [...]

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On April 1st, 2008, posted in: Criminal Law by
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