It's a tale as old as time. Someone is arrested and held in jail before trial. Naturally, they're desperate for a friendly face or a caring voice. They spill their guts to their new friend, giving details of the crime. That "friend" contacts the prosecution offering...
Month: September 2019
There are far, far too many things that are federal crimes
Do you know how many federal crimes are on the books? Neither do we. In fact, nobody does.In 1982, a group of Justice Department attorneys attempted to find out. After two years of reading countless federal statutes and regulations, the lawyers were only able to come...
Can DEA agents search people on Amtrak?
The next time you ride Amtrak, you may encounter an agent from the Drug Enforcement Administration asking you to allow a search of your belongings. Don't consent -- especially if you have something to hide.The mere fact that an officer has requested a search you may...
Iowa’s Good Samaritan Law seeks to save lives
Iowans should never have to choose between saving someone's life or putting themselves in legal jeopardy in the event of a drug overdose. That is the purpose behind the state's Good Samaritan Immunity Law enacted in 2018.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention...
5 things to keep in mind if pulled over for OWI
The best defense against an operating while intoxicated (OWI) charge in Iowa is to refrain from drinking and driving. However, drivers often take to the road after having a drink or two and are pulled over by officers under suspicion of drunk driving. If you are...
Federal judge rules the terrorism watch list unconstitutional
There are approximately 1.16 million people labeled "known or suspected terrorists" on the FBI's terrorism watch list. While most of them are from foreign countries, about 4,600 people on the list as of 2017 were U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents -- and many...
The penalties for drinking and driving when under the age of 21
In Iowa, like many other places, the legal drinking age is 21. This isn't news to most people, nor would it be a surprise to acknowledge that people under the age of 21 sometimes also consume alcohol -- particularly college students living on their own for the first...
In Iowa, dealers in illicit drugs are required to get tax stamps
Many people call it a punitive measure or an extra punishment for distributing drugs. If you're caught dealing illegal drugs in Iowa, you may be charged with tax evasion if you didn't obtain excise tax stamps for what you sell. Having the stamps proves you've paid the...
