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 charges, and no allegation of distribution. A successful diversion case will lead to a dismissal.
If the accused is not eligible for diversion, then a deferred judgment may be the best alternative. This option avoids a conviction, avoids jail time, and can lead to an expungement of the public criminal file. This is a common outcome for our clients ineligible for diversion.
Of course, before plea bargains are to be considered, the case must be examined to determine if the state’s attorney has sufficient evidence to convict, and if the evidence was obtained lawfully.
Drug charges are handled differently in Iowa City than in any other local jurisdiction. Mark Thompson is an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Iowa City. Give us a call, and we can advise you on your case.