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Iowa Domestic Violence Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Domestic Violence for Iowa on
Q: If I want to file harassment charges on someone even if it's not physical to the police not have to file those charges?

I have no contact order with my husband. His girlfriend and his family are constantly harassing me filing false CPS reports. False welfare checks and every time it is proven that they lied nothing's ever done. However, I wanted to file a report and the sheriff told me there's two types of... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 25, 2024

When you're facing harassment that's not physical, such as filing false reports or other actions aimed to annoy or intimidate you, it's understandable to seek help from law enforcement. While the sheriff indicated that what you're experiencing falls under "annoyance"... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody, Civil Rights and Domestic Violence for Iowa on
Q: I want my kids and my house I don’t deserve this he does

i I have been with my husband 15 years married ten. The last two he started being abusive and I filed for a protective order against him. He didn’t obey the orders so I left the house and tried to get on my feet starting at the bottom. I got a 1 bd apt and he won’t let me see the kids he says... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 4, 2024

I'm sorry to hear about your difficult situation. In cases of domestic violence and child custody disputes, it's important to prioritize the safety and well-being of both you and your children. You have rights in this situation, including the right to seek legal help.

You may want...
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1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence, Immigration Law and DUI / DWI for Iowa on
Q: Can I pay bail to speed up immigration process while in custody?

I have been accused of domestic violence and placed under a $1,000 bail, but the judge has placed me in immigration custody at Hardin County Jail in Iowa. Can I pay the bail to expedite the process and proceed with deportation, as my court dates have been delayed and I have not been informed about... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 10, 2025

You’re in a difficult spot, and it makes sense that you’d want to speed things up, especially with delayed court dates and no clear information. Paying your \$1,000 bail might help resolve the *criminal* side of your case, but it won’t release you from *immigration* custody. Once immigration... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Domestic Violence and Personal Injury for Iowa on
Q: How can I safely press charges for a 2020 assault I'm scared to report?

In 2020, I was assaulted in my own apartment by someone I know, who hit me in the head with a metal knight button. I sustained injuries, including a split eye and ongoing issues such as headaches and memory loss. I didn't initially report the incident out of fear and only sought medical... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 7, 2025

I'm really sorry you’re going through this. It takes a lot of courage to come forward, especially after so much time has passed and while you’re still feeling unsafe. You’re not alone, and there are steps you can take to protect yourself as you move forward with pressing charges.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Personal Injury, Civil Litigation and Domestic Violence for Iowa on
Q: Legal options after daughter's abuse by employees at Children's Square, DHS founded abuse, law enforcement says cannot sue.

I am seeking legal advice regarding my daughter's situation. On Easter this year, she was physically abused by three employees at Children's Square, resulting in over 20 bruises from being put in a hold. The incident was reported to DHS, which substantiated the abuse, leading to the... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 31, 2025

I’m so sorry you and your daughter are going through this. Even though law enforcement says intent to harm can’t be proven, you still have civil legal options. Since DHS substantiated the abuse and employees were terminated, you may have grounds for a civil lawsuit against Children’s Square... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Domestic Violence for Iowa on
Q: Legal trouble for a 17-year-old dating a 15-year-old in IA.

I am 15, and my boyfriend is 17. My parents do not approve of our relationship. The age of consent in both of our states is 16. My parents have expressed wanting to get a restraining order against him because he gave me a vape and sent some sexual statements to me a few months ago. They have... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 15, 2025

This is a sensitive situation, and it’s understandable that you're trying to figure out where the lines are. In Iowa, the age of consent is 16, so if your relationship has not involved any sexual activity, the age difference alone doesn’t automatically mean your boyfriend is breaking the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Family Law and Domestic Violence for Iowa on
Q: Will moving affect custody visitation with a no car ex in Iowa?

My boyfriend was offered a job 50 miles away from our current residence, which may affect the visitation schedule with my ex, who does not have a car. I have primary physical custody of our children and there's a no contact order against my ex. His visitation is currently set for Mondays and... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 15, 2025

You're thinking ahead in a responsible way, and it's good that you want to minimize disruption while protecting your children's best interests. In Iowa, even a move of 50 miles can require court involvement if it significantly affects the current custody or visitation schedule. Since... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Domestic Violence and Real Estate Law for Iowa on
Q: What are my rights as a resident staying with a friend in Iowa?

I have been living with a friend in Iowa for about five months without any requirement to pay rent. Our agreement was that I could stay as long as needed to save for a vehicle and my own place. I've voluntarily contributed some money to help out. However, my friend has displayed harassing and... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 8, 2025

You've been living in your friend's home for five months, which likely gives you the status of a tenant under Iowa law—even if there’s no formal lease or rent payment. In Iowa, once someone has lived in a place for an extended time, especially with the owner’s permission, they may... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Criminal Law, Domestic Violence and Gov & Administrative Law for Iowa on
Q: Police incident involving retrieval of tools, homeowner threats, and subsequent police apology.

I went to a person's house with a police officer to retrieve a few tools (a hammer, texture sprayer, trowel, and other items). The officer asked if he should lock the keys inside after we left, and I agreed. Later, the same officer was there with the homeowner and other officers to search the... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 7, 2025

It sounds like you’ve been through a very stressful and confusing situation. From what you’ve described, the police officer’s failure to properly communicate with both you and the homeowner about the key left room for misunderstandings. When the officer mentioned locking the keys inside,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Civil Litigation, Personal Injury, Criminal Law and Domestic Violence for Iowa on
Q: What can I do if a trespassing warning wasn't served correctly after calling 911?

I called 911 because someone threatened my life via text and then showed up at my home, causing damage to my windows and doors. The police issued him a trespassing warning, but I believe it wasn't served correctly. Should I be informed about what he told the police when they arrived, and what... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 1, 2025

When a trespassing warning is improperly served, you may have grounds to question its validity and enforcement. The service requirements vary by jurisdiction, but generally involve direct notification to the individual with proper documentation of the warning. You have the right to inquire with the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Education Law and Domestic Violence for Iowa on
Q: Can I take legal action after being set back in school due to abuse in Iowa?

My mom and her boyfriend assaulted me, and when I called the cops, she had me committed to St. Luke's in retaliation. I was evaluated and found to be fine. This happened multiple times, and I was sent to places like 4 Oaks, setting me back 12 credits in school. I am now 20 and in my second... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 24, 2025

I'm sorry to hear about your difficult experience. You might have grounds for legal action based on what you've described, as your situation potentially involves various legal issues including assault, improper institutionalization, and educational harm. In Iowa, there are statutes of... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law, Domestic Violence and Federal Crimes for Iowa on
Q: Abuse- mental, physical and emotional. Torture by shocking, invasion of privacy. Assault- pulled my tooth after being

Injected with unknown substances. I'm being stalked and harassed by my ex-boyfriend's mother and possibly my ex-boyfriend they know everything I'm doing all the time and somehow have access to my Gmail and while I lived with them they were giving me drugs

that I didn't... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 9, 2025

I'm so deeply sorry you're experiencing this severe trauma and abuse - your fear and distress are completely valid, and you deserve to be safe and protected. What you're describing includes serious crimes, and you need immediate support and protection.

Consider reaching out...
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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Personal Injury, Domestic Violence and Sexual Harassment for Iowa on
Q: What exactly is slander or deformation of character? Can I be sued if what I'm saying is absolutely true?
William Jaksa
William Jaksa
answered on Oct 14, 2019

It varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction and can vary from one situation from another. Simply put it is a false statement that hurts a person's reputation. You are allowed to express an opinion and you are allowed to state facts - everything else is a grey area. Yes, you can be sued even if... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Domestic Violence for Iowa on
Q: I was charged with domestic abuse assault- first offense in Iowa

After sentencing my ex put a five year no contact order against me. Can I request to have this dropped?

Gary Kollin
Gary Kollin
answered on Jul 11, 2019

Yes

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1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Domestic Violence for Iowa on
Q: So my parents abused me and I left about a year ago. I want to go back for my dogs. How would I do that?

My father abused them also but it was only two dogs he did it to.

Erik Steven Fisk
Erik Steven Fisk
answered on May 8, 2018

Were you a minor? Are you a minor now? What's your claim to the dogs over your parents'? Generally speaking, pets are treated just like personal property under the law.

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