The number of juvenile offenders tried in adult courts has hit historic lows. Following the tough stance on crimes of the 1980s and 90s, the U.S. legal system is refusing to charge juveniles as adults in Iowa. The U.S. juvenile justice system is now being used to...
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West Des Moines Criminal Defense Law Blog
What are burglary charges?
Burglary may rank as one of the more confusing criminal charges a defendant might face. While the law explicitly defines burglary under the Iowa criminal code, many defendants confuse burglary with other, often related crimes. Anyone charged with burglary would likely...
How consumers accidentally commit tax fraud
Statistics show the IRS only prosecutes 2% of tax fraud cases. While that isn't a huge figure, the penalties for fraud are tough. There are ways people in Iowa can accidentally commit fraud without knowing it. Ways to accidentally commit tax fraud One way consumers...
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...
What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony in Iowa?
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...
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....