Lawmakers in Iowa view heroin as a major threat to public safety, and individuals convicted of possessing small quantities of the drug can be sent to jail for up to a year even if they have never been in trouble with the law before. However, the harshest penalties are...
Drug Charges
How valid are roadside drug tests?
Iowa police are permitted to roadside drug tests to gather evidence that a person possesses illicit drugs. But an increasing body of evidence shows that roadside drug tests are questionable at best. Despite such evidence, police continue to use these drug tests as a...
Illegal search/seizures and your Fourth Amendment rights
Search and seizures performed by Iowa law enforcement officials involve searching or taking possession of someone's property. The property can include real estate, personal belongings, data and other items. Law enforcement typically takes these actions while...
Criminal penalties for cocaine sales in Iowa
Iowa state law treats the sale of cocaine harshly. The federal classification of cocaine is a Schedule I narcotic, and the penalties for selling cocaine vary according to the amount of cocaine you possess. Consequences of possession can range from jail time, fines and...
Drug possession defense strategies
An arrest for drug possession could lead to legal troubles that last a lifetime. Someone caught with a small amount of cocaine might not receive a harsh punishment, but the person might deal with a permanent criminal record in the aftermath. However, those caught with...
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....
Meth production and the presence of minors
Circumstances dictate specific drug crime sentencing in Iowa. With methamphetamine production so pervasive in the state, law enforcement and legislators chose to establish harsher penalties for those who expose minors to it. Likely, the hazards associated with...
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...
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...
Is drug possession a felony in Iowa?
Drug possession and consumption laws are changing every day. When neighboring states start legalizing certain drugs, it might be worth looking into if drug possession is a felony in your state. While Iowa's laws haven't changed that drastically, the fine print...
