In Iowa, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, commonly referred to as DWI or operating under the influence (OWI), is a serious offense with severe consequences. If you face charges for DWI, it's important to understand the potential penalties and how to...
Drunk Driving
Aggravated OWI charges in Iowa
Suspected drunk drivers in Iowa are charged with operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated, which is usually abbreviated as OWI in that state. Getting behind the wheel while impaired by alcohol or drugs is a serious misdemeanor in Iowa, but OWI charges can become...
Can you refuse to take a field sobriety test in Iowa?
In Iowa, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If you are pulled over on suspicion of operating while intoxicated (OWI), the police officer may ask you to perform a field sobriety test. These tests are designed to...
DUI stats reveal dangers
Drunk driving arrests occur on Iowa roads far too frequently. Sometimes a driver feels sober enough to drive, but their blood alcohol content is above the legal limit. Regardless of why someone chooses to drink and drive, accident statistics show the decision could...
DUI convictions could greatly affect your career in Iowa
Iowa strongly prohibits driving while intoxicated. If convicted, you could pay hefty fines, serve jail time or have your driving license suspended. Apart from that, having a DUI on your record could also greatly impact your life in general, especially when it comes to...
Defenses for OWI/DUI charges
When the police pull over a car and arrest the driver for being under the influence, the driver might fear what comes next. Drunk driving penalties in Iowa could leave someone facing fines, jail time and a loss of driving privileges. Those facing a third or fourth...
The police might make mistakes in a DUI case
If you are seen driving in an erratic fashion, your vehicle may be stopped by an Iowa police officer. Depending on what the officer finds after making contact with you, it's possible that you will be charged with drunk or impaired driving. Of course, there is a chance...
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?...
What to know about OWI in Iowa
Every state enacts laws to combat drunk driving to keep roads safe, even if they use different initials. While most states call it DUI, Iowa calls it OWI, or operating under the influence. Drivers in West Des Moines, Iowa, who get caught drunk driving face several...
