Can a Judge Dismiss a Criminal Case Before Trial in Iowa?
Yes, but only in limited circumstances. In most criminal cases, a judge cannot dismiss a charge simply because the judge believes the State’s evidence is weak or doubts that the...
Can the Police Test My Blood or Urine Without My Consent?
Iowa’s implied-consent law is not the only way police can obtain chemical-testing evidence in an OWI investigation. Police may also seek a search warrant for a blood specimen when they...
Can I Call a Family Member or Lawyer After I Am Arrested in Iowa?
Iowa law gives a person who has been arrested the right to make certain telephone calls after arriving at a jail or other place of detention. This includes the right...
When Can the Police Pull You Over in Iowa?
Police cannot stop a vehicle simply because an officer wants to investigate the driver. A traffic stop is a seizure under both the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution...
When Do Police Have to Read You Your Miranda Rights in Iowa?
Police do not have to read someone their Miranda rights simply because they ask questions, or even simply because the person has been arrested. Unlike what is often shown in...
What Should I Do If Police Ask to Search My Home or Car?
If police ask for permission to search your home or vehicle, you generally do not have to consent to the search. A person can clearly and calmly state that he...