When controlled substances are discovered, the police and the county attorneys have a decision to make: Should the crime be charged as “possession” or “intent to distribute?” Absent an admission from the suspect that he is a drug dealer, what do the charging authorities look at before they make their decision? And more importantly, what […]
Read More… from Drug Law in Iowa – "Possession" or "Intent to Distribute"
Many drug-related charges involve traffic stops. During the stop, the officer will be looking for any evidence of any additional crimes, including drug offenses. Drug paraphernalia in plain view, the smell of used drugs (particularly burnt marijuana), or signs of intoxication or drug use by the driver or passengers will all be used to further […]
Read More… from Iowa Criminal Law – Check the Car before you Drive It!
An “expectation of privacy” is what protects citizens from searches and seizures from the State. Generally, if a citizen has a reasonable expectation of privacy, there must be some additional fact which would allow an officer to conduct a search or seizure upon that person. One of such reasons may be that the person is […]
Read More… from Truck Drivers Have a Lowered Expectation of Privacy? – Iowa Criminal Law