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 […]
Read More… from Defending a Drug Possession Charge in Iowa City
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 […]
Read More… from The Most Important Change to Iowa OWI Law in Ten Years
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 […]
The Johnson County Attorney’s Office started a marijuana diversion program in July of 2010. The program is fantastic for those who qualify. Prior to this program becoming available, defense attorneys would only have a slight chance if getting a charge dismissed. And then it was only if the defendant possessed less than one gram of marijuana. […]
[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 […]
For those who don’t know, Iowa football player Derrell Johnson-Koulianos aka “DJK” was arrested recently on various drug charges. It is one of several recent pieces of bad news involving the Hawkeyes. DJK was charged with six drug-related counts: 4 Possession of Controlled Substances charges, 1 Unlawful Possession of Prescription Drugs charge, and the previously-criticized […]
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 […]
Read More… from Cheers to ICPD, Planning to Use More Body Cameras
What happens when you get caught with a fake ID in Iowa? There are several different ID-related crimes that are associated with trying to get into a bar, or purchase alcohol while underage. Let’s take a look at the different ID-related crimes, the level of severity and the potential charges/penalties for each. Misuse of Drivers […]