A recent article in ESPN Magazine highlighted universities and their decisions to allow alcohol purchases at college events. Traditionally, all campus sports activities (basketball games, football games) have been dry. The point was either “moral,” or some sort of prohibition-like attempt to reduce alcohol consumption. As in the case with many prohibitions, the results may […]
Category: Iowa City Law
Police and Body-Worn Cameras
The University of Iowa Department of Public Safety officers almost always wear body cameras. The officers with the Iowa City Police Department sometimes, or rarely wear body cameras. And other agencies in the area only have the recording equipment that exists in their squad cars. Body cameras are an excellent tool, and I’m pleased whenever I am […]
Diversion and Substance Abuse Classes at the University of Iowa
Attached is the flyer available from the University of Iowa regarding their substance abuse services, through University Student Health & Wellness. The University offers non-OWI Substance Abuse Evaluations for their students at a rate of $80. For OWI-related Evaluations, students may proceed through the University of Iowa Chemical Dependency Services, which operates separately from Student […]
Read More… from Diversion and Substance Abuse Classes at the University of Iowa
Marijuana Diversion Program Update
The Johnson County Attorney’s Office has recently updated their marijuana diversion program eligibility criteria. The program has been expanded to include more defendants. This is excellent news for people charged with Possession of Controlled Substance – Marijuana, but did not meet the prior criteria. The rules regarding amount of seized marijuana have been loosened. Previously […]
Keeping Your Criminal Record Clean in Iowa City
For a young person, keeping a clean criminal history is the single most important aspect of a criminal charge. I am a big believer in doing as much a possible in the short term, so that on the long term, a criminal case has the least lasting effects. The way to do this in Iowa […]
Read More… from Keeping Your Criminal Record Clean in Iowa City
In Defense of “Vodka Samm”
Last week, the Internet exploded with stories about a University of Iowa student (real name and photos kept out of this article) with the Twitter username @vodka_samm. “Vodka Samm” gained international attention for tweeting about her high BAC while in police custody at an Iowa football game. These stories were largely sensationalized. Vodka Samm may […]
Thompson Quoted in Cedar Rapids Gazette
In an article “Judicial Budget Woes Delay Eastern Iowa Cases” on December 26, 2012, Mr. Thompson was quoted regarding his experience with the financial cutbacks. Please see the full article here: http://thegazette.com/2012/12/26/east-iowa-officials-say-tight-funding-hampers-court-system/ […]
Johnson County Jail Inmate Information Now Online
The Johnson County Jail has now provided online information regarding their current inmates. Please follow the link for information: https://ww1.johnson-county.com/Sheriff/JailRoster/index […]
Read More… from Johnson County Jail Inmate Information Now Online
Johnson County Attorney’s Alcohol Diversion Program Cancelled
A conversation with the Assistant County Attorney in charge of the simple misdemeanor alcohol diversion program has revealed that it will NOT be revived this fall. There are no plans to revive it in the future. This means that PAULA and Public Intoxication charges can no longer be diverted. […]
Read More… from Johnson County Attorney’s Alcohol Diversion Program Cancelled
Johnson County Alcohol Diversion Program Suspended
The local Alcohol Diversion program (PAULA, Public Intoxication) has been suspended for the summer. Below is a statement from the County Attorney’s office: As of May 30th the Johnson County Attorney’s Office Alcohol Diversion Program will be suspended for the summer. This summer, we will be reviewing the program to determine whether it will continue this […]
Read More… from Johnson County Alcohol Diversion Program Suspended