When someone is charged with a crime in Iowa, it will usually be labeled under one of two categories: a felony or a misdemeanor. There are several key differences between a misdemeanor and a felony. The type of sentence a person faces following conviction will depend...
West Des Moines Criminal Defense Law Blog
Types of financial crimes and impact on business
Financial crimes are acts that are committed using deceit and omission for monetary gain. Most financial schemes are nonviolent, but they can impact the economy. There are several types of financial crimes in West Des Moines, Iowa, a consumer should know. Types of...
How Ponzi schemes work and red flags
Financial crimes in West Des Moines, Iowa happen when the perpetrator has the intention of depriving a person of property through deceit. These schemes are commonly committed by individuals, corporations, or organizations. A Ponzi scheme is an example of a financial...
Handling a police interrogation in Iowa
If you have ever been in an interrogation room, you know that it can be an intense and stressful experience. This is a place where innocent people can end up making mistakes that cost them their freedom. It is important to understand your rights and what you should do...
Eyewitness defense testimony is problematic
Eyewitness testimony for crimes committed in Iowa can make or break a case. However, several high-profile cases involving wrongful convictions show that eyewitness testimony is not always accurate and can lead to problems, even though such accounts are deemed crucial....
Iowa laws regarding heroin
Heroin is an addictive drug that can have severe consequences for those who use it, so in Iowa, there are laws meant to help protect people from the dangers of heroin. Here are the rules you should know regarding heroin possession, distribution and trafficking....
Important facts about firearm possession
Owning a gun can feel like a big responsibility in Iowa. This is especially the case if this is your first time owning a firearm. However, firearm possession is actually very easy as long as you follow a few simple firearm laws. So, if you are looking for firearm...
Iowa refusal to submit to chemical testing law
All states have a specific approach to processing impaired driving cases through the court system. With one exception, which is Utah, they are uniform regarding the .08 blood alcohol concentration standard, but they differ somewhat when it comes to punishment and...
What happens to your driver’s license after a first DUI offense?
A DUI charge can be devastating for residents of Iowa. If you have been arrested for drunk driving, you might want to know what to expect. You might wonder what happens to your license and if it could be suspended even after a first offense. What are Iowa’s DUI laws?...
Money laundering and the financial world
Money laundering is the practice of taking money received for a criminal act and getting it into the financial system in a way that makes it look like it was legitimately earned. If you work in any branch of finance in Iowa, you are probably well aware of the many...