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...
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West Des Moines Criminal Defense Law Blog
Iowa criminals and factors that cause crime
Sociologists and other professionals may look at criminals and their behavior to theorize why people break the law. Some assert that habitual criminals might repeatedly find themselves in an Iowa criminal court because they are victims of their environment. Others...
How incarceration impacts mental health
Incarcerated Iowa residents face a number of potential issues relating to their prison sentences. In addition to the long-term financial problems caused by incarceration, mental health struggles among inmates are common. These struggles relate to losing their sense of...
Is credit card fraud a federal crime?
Making purchases with a faked or stolen credit card can leave an individual open to fraud charges. These are usually handled by a state court. However, in certain cases, the fraud that is committed may merit the attention of a federal court. This usually occurs when...
Guarding against allegations of theft or fraud
As a financial advisor, it's your job to help clients manage their money and make educated decisions about their investment portfolios. Typically, you will work with a custodian such as an Iowa bank or credit union to ensure that client funds are secure. However,...
Self-defense laws in Iowa concerning home, workplace or business
The state of Iowa recognizes the right of people to defend themselves from the use of unlawful force. Commonly known as self-defense laws, these statutes define the use of reasonable force and where and when you may take action to protect yourself or others from the...
The elements of a burglary charge in Iowa
Most people associate burglary with theft, but the main element of a burglary charge is entering an occupied structure with the intent to commit a crime. Most people who are charged with burglary in Iowa are accused of entering a building without permission to commit...
Defining white-collar crime
White-collar crimes in Iowa are usually committed by executives, managers, and other professionals in positions of authority or power. These individuals use their access to resources or status to commit crimes for their financial gain. The crimes do not typically...
Problems inherent in police lineups
Police lineups have long been used to identify suspects in Iowa criminal investigations. However, in recent years, there has been growing concern over the reliability of eyewitness identification and the potential for police lineups to result in wrongful convictions....
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...