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...
The Responsive, Accomplished Legal Allies
You Want In Your Corner
Year: 2019
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...
When can Iowa cops seize your property before a conviction?
Recently, the libertarian Reason magazine called attention to Linn County. The Sheriff's Office there has just purchased a BearCat G2 armored vehicle for $297,061. They apparently got the money for the military vehicle through civil asset forfeiture.Civil asset...
Clearing up confusion: Are CBD products still illegal in Iowa?
On May 13, 2019, Iowa's governor signed the Iowa Hemp Act. Many supporters saw this as an opportunity for products containing hemp-derived Cannabidiol (CBD) to be manufactured, sold and bought within the state.Months later however, the legality of CBD products remains...
ABA, NACDL urge Congress to fully fund federal First Step Act
The American Bar Association's (ABA's) House of Delegates and the National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys (NACDL) have just passed a unanimous resolution urging Congress to fully fund the federal First Step Act and to make it retroactive.As we've discussed...
Diversion programs limit the consequences of criminal convictions
Diversion programs offer a way for people with minimal criminal histories to avoid becoming trapped in the criminal justice system."You don't want to see people make that one mistake in life and have to live with it for the rest of their lives," commented the...
Some eyewitnesses are mistaken. Is it possible to tell who?
In many criminal cases, the police rely on the testimony of an eyewitness to the crime. Eyewitnesses may have crucial information about what happened, of course. They are also frequently used to identify a suspect. These identifications are typically done by having...
What happens if I get arrested at the Iowa State Fair?
Well over 1 million excited people cross through the gates of the Iowa State Fair every August. It's a time to celebrate the state's culture, get some delicious food and drink and check out the variety of entertainment.Of course, all the crowds can invite extra...