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...
Criminal Charges
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....
Factors that can make drug charges worse
It is bad enough to face the prospect of the jail time, fines and other penalties associated with drug charges. Unfortunately, there are certain factors that, if proven by the prosecutor, can make these penalties much more severe upon conviction. Quantity of drugs...
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...
Differences between embezzlement and theft
Financial crimes in Iowa cover a group of illegal activities committed for the benefit of the offender. The perpetrator often uses deceit, bribery, or violence to gain control of property. They may also use deceitful methods to protect something they have already...
Proposed legislation eliminates firearms permit requirement
In early March 2021, a subcommittee in the Iowa House of Representatives advanced House Study Bill 254 on to the full House Public Safety Committee, legislation designed to do away with the law requiring a permit to purchase of carry a firearm in the state. The...