OWI / Operating While Intoxicated
This a serious but also common criminal charge. The minimum penalty for a first offense is 2 days in jail, and a fine of $1250. The jail time can be avoided in some cases by negotiating a deferred judgment or by completing a 48-hour hotel OWI Weekend Program. The fine can be reduced by obtaining a Temporary Restricted License (TRL) and providing proof to the Court, or sometimes by the granting of a deferred judgment. The driving restriction for a first offense ranges from 180 days to 1 year.
University of Iowa Students
With the large student population in Iowa City, criminal charges tend to involve alcohol, recreational drugs, or other bar-related violations while in downtown Iowa City. Mark Thompson can help you achieve the best outcome possible when facing these criminal charges.
This includes OWI, Possession of Fake/Fictitious ID, Possession of Controlled Substances (Marijuana), Public Intoxication, In Bar Past Curfew, Interference with Official Acts, Possession of Alcohol Under Legal Age, and Assault charges.
Fake IDs
Possession of Fictitious ID is a serious misdemeanor. The maximum penalty is one year in jail and a fine of $2560, but a more likely outcome is a deferred judgment with a civil penalty of $430. The deferred judgment would require the defendant to avoid all new criminal charges while on a period of probation, and pay a probation fee of $300.
Marijuana / Drug Possession
The Johnson County Attorney’s Office use to run a diversion program for marijuana charges, but this somewhat died during the pandemic. However, in some situations a dismissal can be negotiated. Other cases will require a deferred judgment. Both scenarios avoid a conviction. A drug conviction can have serious future consequences, including applications for federal financial aid.
Public Intoxication and PAULA Charges
Public Intoxication and PAULA (Possession of Alcohol Under Legal Age) are very common simple misdemeanor charges. Generally these are resolved with a fine, and unlike any other charges in Iowa law, these have a built-in expungement provision. As long as the defendant avoids all disqualifying criminal charges for 2 years following the date of conviction, the conviction is eligible for expungement.
Interference With Official Acts (IWOA)
Interference with Official Acts (IWOA) often means a suspect did not comply with an officer’s instruction to stop, or put their hands behind their back when ordered to do so. But it can also include something more serious such as running from the police when commanded to stop. This carries a higher minimum fine and can only be expunged as part of a deferred judgment.
In Bar Under 21 Past 10 PM
The In Bar Under 21 Past 10 pm law is a local ordinance violation with a “scheduled” fine. A scheduled offense (like most traffic tickets) is not eligible for a deferred judgment.
Assault Charges
Assault charges can become very serious, and can range from simple misdemeanors all the way up to C-level felonies.
Students can face disciplinary action from the University of Iowa, and possibly driver’s license consequences from their home states. It is important to speak with a lawyer to prepare for the possible outcomes in the criminal court.
Our attorney Mark Thompson has handled thousands of local criminal cases.
Please give us a call at (319) 820-0444 for a free consultation for your pending criminal case in the Iowa City area.