Some states call driving under the influence DUI, but Iowa calls it OWI, or "operating while intoxicated." Drivers in West Des Moines, Iowa, may face several stiff penalties and fines, but they can challenge the charges with some valid defenses. Overview of OWI in...
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Year: 2021
What are Iowa’s involuntary manslaughter laws?
There are many different felony charges a person can face in Iowa. One of those is involuntary manslaughter. While this offense is a lesser charge than murder, it’s a type of homicide that is classified as a felony. If you were arrested on these charges, it’s...
The most common types of financial crimes
If you live in Iowa, you may benefit from learning about some of the most frequent types of financial crimes people commit. These crimes are nonviolent offenses committed by or against a person or group resulting in a financial loss or an illegal conversion of...
Iowa cocaine charges and penalties
The penalties for violating Iowa’s drug laws can be severe. Individuals found in possession of small quantities of controlled substances are usually charged with misdemeanors and may avoid prison altogether, but people accused of manufacturing, trafficking or...
How does Iowa handle felony charge cases?
Understanding the consequences and categorization of a felony conviction in Iowa is essential if you're accused of committing a crime in this category. Here's more information about the different classes of felonies and their associated penalties. The four classes of...
When is DUI a felony or a misdemeanor?
Iowa has one of the strictest impaired driving laws in the nation. While some states set the bar for a felony charge at a fourth offense for DUI, Iowa lowers that standard to three impaired driving arrests. Iowa does follow the standardized guideline of .08 BAC when...
Is mortgage fraud a widespread crime?
Although it's perfectly legal to seek a mortgage to finance your Iowa home, you must get the right amount toward that loan. Unfortunately, fraud does occur, including mortgage fraud. This is a federal crime that is taken very seriously, which means the consequences...
When is eyewitness testimony unreliable?
When a compelling eyewitness takes the stand, a jury may feel swayed to believe what the person says. Not all eyewitness testimony is credible, though. A defense attorney might point out several holes in the witness's statements, and an Iowa jury might exceed...
What to know about Iowa’s drunk driving penalties
Most Iowa residents are charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated when chemical tests reveal that they were behind the wheel with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher, but the BAC threshold is reduced for commercial vehicle drivers and motorists...
Open container laws in Iowa
While the initials used to refer to drunk driving differ, all states mandate laws to combat intoxicated driving. Iowa calls drunk driving OWI, or operating while intoxicated. Drivers in West Des Moines, Iowa, know that it's illegal to operate vehicles under the...
