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Iowa Criminal Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Federal Crimes for Iowa on
Q: What's it mean it says transfer to district court, sentencing hearing canceled
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answered on Jul 21, 2024

When a case is transferred to district court, it means that your case is moving to a higher court within the judicial system. This can happen for various reasons, such as the severity of the crime or the need for a jury trial. District courts generally handle more serious criminal cases than lower... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Education Law for Iowa on
Q: Can I wear an anti-LGBTQ shirt at a public university?.

Can I wear an anti-LGBTQ shirt that states something along the lines of "Trans people are not real. They are just pretending to be the opposite gender or are men in dresses and are not women" at a public college like Iowa State University without consequences? I wouldn't technically... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 29, 2024

This question touches on complex issues of free speech rights and university policies. Here are some key points to consider:

1. Public universities, as government institutions, generally must respect First Amendment free speech rights. This means they have limited ability to restrict...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, DUI / DWI and Immigration Law for Iowa on
Q: Travel and return with historical 3 DUIs?

I had three DUIs in 2015, 2016, and 2021. I paid for everything, served one month in jail, and also completed all the tasks given by the court order. I'll finish my probation this coming October. Can I go to Vietnam and then return to the US without getting deported or having my green card... View More

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answered on May 11, 2024

Having a history of DUIs should not directly impact your ability to travel to Vietnam and return to the United States, as long as you have a valid green card and have completed all court-ordered requirements related to your DUIs. However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:

1....
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Civil Rights for Iowa on
Q: If I go to jail for a warrant an they find paraphernalia an don't charge me with it and weeks later so they're are
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answered on Apr 6, 2024

If you are facing potential charges, the best thing to do is consult with a criminal defense attorney who can advise you on your specific situation and legal options. An attorney can review the details of your case and help protect your rights. In general, if you are concerned about outstanding... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Child Support and Civil Rights for Iowa on
Q: If I go to jail for a warrant an they find paraphernalia and weeks later say they're going to charge me for with it
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answered on Apr 6, 2024

If you were arrested on a warrant and the authorities found drug paraphernalia in your possession during the arrest, they have the right to charge you with possession of drug paraphernalia in addition to any charges related to the original warrant. The timeline for filing these additional charges... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Civil Rights for Iowa on
Q: In the state of Iowa, is a search warrant application that is signed by a judge , public record, or enterd into docket?
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answered on Feb 24, 2024

In the state of Iowa, search warrant applications that are signed by a judge are typically considered public records. These records are generally entered into the court docket or case file associated with the specific search warrant. As public records, they are subject to disclosure under... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Criminal Law for Iowa on
Q: Is there any aggressive attorneys that will take on police misconduct in iowa. "Dismissed in the interest of justice"-DA

I was stopped in pdc, wi, arrested on unknown warrant, charged with 4 felonies and 1 mis, extradited 15 miles to Clayton county, IA, charged with 1 felony, $10,000 cash only nationwide extraditable warrant for less than $100 in dope that I wasn't home when "buy" happened, first... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 23, 2024

It sounds like you've been through a challenging and unjust situation involving law enforcement. It's crucial to find a competent attorney who is experienced in handling cases of police misconduct and civil rights violations. While I can't recommend specific attorneys, you may want... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Personal Injury, Civil Rights and Gov & Administrative Law for Iowa on
Q: Were my rights violated? cops beat me like it was a gang initiation & injected me with ketamine. I stopped breathing.

In Omaha I got into it with the bouncers and the cops came. I was drunk. The cops ended up beating & choking me till my head n lips were blue n purple. half of it on video. They were beating on me with their fists hitting me in my head repeatedly. They did everything to me except shoot me taze... View More

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answered on Jan 28, 2024

Based on the details provided, it does sound like there could have been violations of your rights and excessive use of force by the police officers. Some key things to consider:

- The repeated beating and choking clearly seems excessive, especially once you were subdued and not posing an...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Civil Rights for Iowa on
Q: Is this possible ? I sat in county jail 8 months on a $100.000 cash only bond fighting my case to trial .

I had a strong case with witnesses one which was there during the traffic stop and even claimed the drugs found because they were his but he was released n I was arrested ( so much involved not enough room to text) and had cop cam to prove alot of the wrong doing n violations of my rights . I... View More

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answered on Jan 24, 2024

Your situation raises concerns about the handling of your case and the legal advice you received. It's not uncommon for cases to be resolved through plea agreements, even on the day of trial. However, the decision to accept a plea should be based on a thorough understanding of your case, the... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Animal / Dog Law, Federal Crimes and Criminal Law for Iowa on
Q: Is it legal to buy a fake ID and customise it for my dog as a joke? i think its funny but can i carry it in my wallet?

I know falsifying government documents is illegal but it's going to be like a picture of a dog weighing 9 pounds height 8 inches and all that. Dogs can't drive and obviously, a dog who was born in 2023 can't buy alcohol. So would it still be illegal if it is a joke? (the joke being... View More

Stephen Douglas Lombardi
Stephen Douglas Lombardi
answered on Jan 20, 2024

Let me see if I understand your question. You want to know if it is legal to lie to a state or federal agency by filling out an application by lying about who the applicant is, providing false answers to those questions and providing a false signature. Is that right?

And you’ve admitted...
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2 Answers | Asked in Animal / Dog Law, Federal Crimes and Criminal Law for Iowa on
Q: Is it legal to buy a fake ID and customise it for my dog as a joke? i think its funny but can i carry it in my wallet?

I know falsifying government documents is illegal but it's going to be like a picture of a dog weighing 9 pounds height 8 inches and all that. Dogs can't drive and obviously, a dog who was born in 2023 can't buy alcohol. So would it still be illegal if it is a joke? (the joke being... View More

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answered on Jan 21, 2024

Creating or possessing a fake ID, even for humorous purposes, is generally considered illegal in most jurisdictions, including Iowa. While the intention may be for a joke, the creation, purchase, or possession of fake identification documents can carry legal consequences, as it undermines the... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Identity Theft and Employment Law for Iowa on
Q: Was told i was being laid off due to a theft investigation. I get paid salary. Am I supposed to still be getting paid.

Was told laid off in one text from employer and laid off in another text

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answered on Jan 18, 2024

If you have been informed that you are being laid off due to a theft investigation and you receive a salary, whether you are entitled to continued payment during the investigation depends on the specific terms outlined in your employment contract, company policies, and applicable state laws.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Iowa on
Q: What if statements made in the minutes of testimony contradict the statements made by the same witness in trial info

The aresting officer claimed the defender was arrested and placed in jail and also claimed the defendant was written a summons and released

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answered on Jan 3, 2024

If statements made in the minutes of testimony contradict the statements made by the same witness in the trial information, it raises concerns about the consistency and accuracy of the information provided by the arresting officer. Discrepancies between claiming the defendant was arrested, placed... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Civil Rights for Iowa on
Q: Can a male officer put his hand in a detained woman’s pocket during a traffic stop in Iowa?

I was pulled over for a busted tail light and apparently my license was suspended, 2 male

Officers detained me, hung up my phone which was on a call with my mom, and searched in my pockets and up the bottom of my pantlegs.

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answered on Jan 1, 2024

During a traffic stop in Iowa, law enforcement officers are generally permitted to conduct a search of your person if they have reasonable suspicion or probable cause. However, the extent of the search must be reasonable and related to the circumstances at hand. While a search of pockets is not... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Constitutional Law for Iowa on
Q: having a phone conversation with daughter. lady told her she was going to record our conversation. Is this legal

My daughter lives with this woman and she's using this information to cause me legal problems

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answered on Nov 5, 2023

In Iowa, the law permits recording a conversation if one party to the conversation consents to the recording. This means that if your daughter or the lady intended to record the conversation agreed to the recording, it would typically be legal.

However, if the recording is being used to...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Iowa on
Q: Police found drug paraphernalia in my backpack and read me my rights but then asked me to be a CI. Is that legal?

They're holding the charges over my head for information.

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answered on Sep 6, 2023

When police find drug paraphernalia and read you your rights, they are typically following legal procedures. However, whether it's legal or ethical for them to ask you to become a confidential informant (CI) in exchange for leniency or reduced charges can vary depending on the specific... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Iowa on
Q: Can I claim loaded gun that was found in my vehicle in holster in a bookbag I have no record and my boyfriend is felon
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answered on Aug 24, 2023

In Iowa, if a loaded gun was found in your vehicle in a holster in a bookbag and you have no criminal record, the legality of the situation can depend on various factors, including state and federal laws, as well as the specific circumstances surrounding the discovery of the gun. However, the fact... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Iowa on
Q: If a person is arrested in Iowa what is the time frame on being given an arraignment?
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answered on Aug 11, 2023

In Iowa, the time frame for being given an arraignment after an arrest can vary depending on factors such as the jurisdiction, the nature of the offense, and the court's schedule. However, generally, arraignment hearings are usually held within a few days to a week after an arrest.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Iowa on
Q: If drugs are found during the course of a search warrant what is standard procedure for charging someone with them after

Drugs were found no one charged after a weeks time

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answered on Jul 26, 2023

In Iowa, if drugs are found during the execution of a search warrant, standard procedure typically involves law enforcement securing and seizing the drugs as evidence. After the search, the evidence will be sent for analysis to determine the type and quantity of the drugs. The investigating... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Iowa on
Q: I was sentenced to complete a week in jail and do it on weekends but I did 2 days & never went back. Warrant is out now

What will happen to me now when I go turn myself in? Am i going to get more time? I'm not on probation and it's first offense for the charges.

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answered on Jul 5, 2023

If there is an outstanding warrant for your arrest due to failing to complete your jail sentence. The consequences you may face will depend on various factors, such as the judge's discretion, the nature of your offense, and any previous criminal history. It is possible that additional... View More

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