Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Iowa City, IA

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Iowa City, Iowa?

  The non-emergency contact number for the Iowa City Police Department is (319) 356-6800.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Iowa City, Iowa?

  To obtain a copy of a police report for incidents related to your case in Iowa City, Iowa, you can send a records request via email to icpdrecords@iowa-city.org. Records are open Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• What are the penalties for a larceny charge in Iowa City?

  Punishment depends on the stolen item's value: 30 days prison and a $65-$625 fine for $300, but a $1,000-$10,000 fine and a maximum of 10-year jail time for over $10,000. Johnson County, whose county seat is Iowa City, has reported larceny as the most prevalent criminal offense in the area, with over 1,800 cases in 2022.

• How can a criminal law attorney in Iowa City defend a client accused of extortion?

  A criminal defense attorney in Iowa City may argue that their client's threats were made to recover property or obtain payment for services from an at-fault party. In cases involving debt, the attorney may also assert that their client acted in good faith and used intimidation tactics because they reasonably believed they were owed the debt. Johnson County—which includes Iowa City—saw an increase of 222% in extortion cases from 2021 to 2022.

• What evidence can an Iowa City criminal defense attorney use to build a strong case for a college student charged with OWI?

  The Iowa City criminal defense attorney will primarily review the video from the car of the arresting police officer to analyze factors like:

  • Whether the stop was legal
  • Whether the process of arresting the suspected individual is in violating procedures The attorney can also check the police officer's breathalyzer test results to determine technical issues. Gathering evidence is one of the things that an attorney will do to help a student avoid legal consequences and adhere to their university's code of conduct.

• What behavior can be considered disorderly conduct in Iowa City?

  An Iowa City resident could be charged with disorderly conduct if they engaged in various types of behavior, which includes fighting people in a public place and producing excessive noise in a place where individuals are lawfully assembled (like an event hosted by a non-profit organization). Saying threatening and inflammatory language is also considered disorderly conduct.

• Can an Iowa City criminal defense attorney challenge an extradition order on behalf of their client?

  An Iowa City attorney can claim that the extradition documents are not in order or that the suspected criminal differs from the person who committed the crime. A lawyer can also assert that their client was neither a fugitive from the law. In some cases involving double jeopardy—a situation where a person cannot be tried for the same offense in the same jurisdiction—an individual can challenge a governor's extradition order.

• What does a criminal defense lawyer do?

  Criminal defense attorneys provide help to those facing misdemeanor or felony criminal charges. The attorney will research the circumstances surrounding the charge and investigate the case on behalf of the client. This may involve talking to police, interviewing witnesses, determining a plea, and assessing possible sentences. With this information, the defense attorney can negotiate plea deals or navigate a court case on behalf of the client. In some cases, the attorney may get a case dismissed entirely, a reduction in bail or jail time, or probation or community service instead of prison.

• How do I know if I need a criminal attorney?

  Any criminal charge that could result in a prison sentence requires the help of a criminal defense lawyer. This applies to both misdemeanor and felony charges, including:

  Misdemeanors

  • Petty theft
  • Public intoxication
  • Simple assault
  • Disorderly conduct
  • Vandalism
  • Reckless driving

  Felonies

  • Murder
  • Rape
  • Kidnapping
  • Aggravated assault
  • Specific types of fraud
  • Possession of certain types of drugs

• What steps should I take after being charged with a crime?

  The first thing to do after being charged with a crime is to contact a criminal defense attorney. It is best to hire a defense attorney as soon as possible after being released from arrest, and before an arraignment takes place. The attorney will explain charges in detail, and possible consequences, to help you decide whether a plea deal or a jury trial is the best option. Most attorneys offer free consultations to discuss the circumstances of a criminal case and how they're able to assist. Speaking with a number of defense attorneys before hiring one can increase the likelihood of finding the right fit, and getting the best defense possible.

• What if I can’t afford a criminal defense lawyer?

  All Americans are afforded the right to hire an attorney to act as a defense in a legal case. However, not everyone can afford one. If an attorney isn’t in a defendant’s budget, and the defendant’s income meets designated state or local thresholds, the court system will provide a public defender. This attorney usually works on cases pro bono or without any fees paid by the defendant. Many public defenders have a high caseload, which can limit the amount of time they are able to devote to each case. In most situations, hiring a dedicated criminal defense lawyer ensures the best outcome. This is particularly true in more serious felony cases that can result in a significant prison sentence without the involvement of a skilled, experienced defense attorney.

• Why hire a criminal defense attorney?

  Working with a criminal defense attorney is the best way to minimize the ramifications of committing or being accused of a crime. Criminal attorneys thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding a case to prove innocence or inspire reasonable doubt in a jury. Criminal defense lawyers also are better prepared to negotiate with the prosecutors. Due to the high cost and logistics involved with taking a case to trial, many prosecutors are willing to reduce sentences in exchange for avoiding a jury trial. An experienced criminal attorney understands what would be a reasonable deal for a specific criminal charge, and will negotiate it on behalf of the defendant.

• Are legal fees for criminal defense tax deductible?

  Whether legal fees from a criminal case can be deducted on a tax return depends on the circumstances. If criminal charges pertain to activities related to a trade or business, attorney fees can be deducted on a business tax return, as they are considered an expense associated with the normal course of business. However, personal legal fees cannot be deducted.