DUI vs OWI What exactly is the difference between DUI and OWI? For the most part, they mean the same thing, but there are some slight differences to justify the different acronyms. DUI stands for “Driving Under the Influence.” OWI stands for “Operating While Under the Influence.” In the State of Iowa, it is illegal […]
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The most common possession of controlled substances charge in Iowa City is for marijuana. This charge is unique in that it may be eligible for a local diversion program. The diversion program is reserved for defendants with clean criminal records, who are alleged to possess less than 10 grams of marijuana, no significant contemporaneous criminal […]
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On July 1, 2018, a new law went into effect regarding driving privileges in the State of Iowa following an OWI allegation. House File 2338 amended Iowa Code 321J in regard to obtaining and using a Temporary Restricted License (TRL). This new law eliminated the mandatory waiting periods, or “hard suspensions,” following test failures and test […]
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Operating While Intoxicated (OWI/DUI) in Iowa has lasting impacts and consequences long after an individual’s final court date. The State of Iowa considers any prior drunk driving offenses within 12 years when determining if the present charge is a second, third, or subsequent offense. The Iowa Department of Transportation reviews prior test failures and refusals, […]
Being arrested for the first time for Operating While Intoxicated can be terrifying, embarrassing and an unsettling experience. It also leaves anyone arrested with many scary questions. As the hours pass, those questions can lead to more questions. What happens next? How long will I lose my driver’s license? Am I facing prison time? What […]
[Edit 9/4/12 – All alcohol diversion programs are cancelled.] There are currently four criminal diversion programs available in Johnson County, Iowa. Prior to July 2010, there were no diversion programs available. As of today, there are now programs for PAULA, Public Intoxication, Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. The Possession of Marijuana diversion […]
We have moved our office to 250 E. Court St., Iowa City, Iowa. This location will be more convenient to the student population, and for anyone that is going to court. We are located about 2 blocks to the east of the Johnson County Courthouse, in the new Telluride building, near the corner of S. […]
Months ago, I commented that the wearing of body cams by patrol officers increases the positive behaviors on both sides of the badge. Last week it was announced that the Iowa City Police Department has received and will be using body cameras for their patrol officers. This will cut down on disputes on “what really […]
As previously discussed in this blog, body cameras help both sides of a police encounter. Bad behavior from the officer and the citizen decreases with use, and evidentiary questions are easier to resolve, avoiding a “he said, she said,” situation. Check out the Iowa City Police Department’s statement to use more body cams in the near […]
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In each of my cases, I require my clients to sign various PDF documents and return them to me. The majority of the time, people figure this out. However, this might be the first time doing this for some people, and it can be a bit confusing. This article provides a simple tutorial for some […]
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