What Should I Do After An Arrest?
If you have been charged with any type of crime, you need a strong defense attorney on your side as soon as possible. At Johnson Law Firm, we are committed to protecting the rights of people who have been charged with misdemeanors and felonies in Iowa. General information about certain offenses are listed below.
Operating While Intoxicated
If you are arrested for drunk driving, or operating while intoxicated (OWI), your next actions can determine the course of your case. From Breathalyzer tests and your statements, law enforcement can obtain evidence they can use to prepare a case against you.
Since most OWI or DUI arrests happen when you are scared, drunk or tired, it isn’t always easy to remember your rights.
If you remember nothing else, remember:
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You have the right to an attorney.
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You have the right to speak to your lawyer before submitting to a Breathalyzer.
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Do not give any statement to law enforcement before you talk to a lawyer. Do not tell them where you have been or if you have been drinking.
Possession of Illegal Substances
If you have been charged with a drug offense in Iowa, you could be facing jail time, fines and a permanent criminal record. The experienced criminal defense attorneys at Johnson Law Firm can help defend you against drug charges.
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It is important not to talk to any police officer, sheriff or county attorney until represented by counsel, they can and will use any information against you such as times, places and events to put you near the scene of the crime or tie you to other people connected to the offense. Always have an attorney with you while talking to police.
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We represent people charged with drug offenses including the possession, sale, distribution or possession with the intent to distribute:
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Marijuana
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Heroin
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Methamphetamines
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Prescription narcotics
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Other drugs and controlled substances
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Domestic Altercations and No Contact Orders
If you are arrested for any type of Domestic Abuse Assault there are several things that you need to know.
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Because the law protects potential victims, you will not be able to live at your residence as long as the protected party lives there. Even if it is only you on the lease. Your landlord will have to evict the protected party.
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Even if the person named as the victim wants the charges dropped, it is important to know that the alleged victim does not get to make the decision to bring or drop charges. The county attorney makes that decision and will likely base his decision on past criminal history and the availability of cooperation with witnesses.
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Things to remember when charged:
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You may not have ANY contact with the protected party. No Facebook, snapchat, phone calls or letters. Even if the protected party contacts you, if you respond, you may receive new charges for violating the NCO.
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If you are convicted of violating a NCO, there is a mandatory minimum jail stay of 7 days.
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If convicted of any type of domestic assault, you will be required to participate and complete the IDAP program.
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The IDAP program is a very intensive class that can last as long as 24 weeks for 1 hour each session, depending on which district you are in. You will have to pay a registration fee and each session fee after.
