Criminal Defense Lawyers in Idaho
Iowa has long been known as a hub for aspiring writers and other creatives. It is home to the Iowa Writers Workshop and Iowa City was even designated as a City of Literature by UNESCO. In addition, Iowa is home to the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum. The state also has a number of top schools such as the University of Iowa and Iowa State University. Of course, if you are pulled over or otherwise contacted by authorities while in the state, you may also get the chance to see the inside of one of its jails.
How to Minimize Your Risk of Going to Jail
There are a number of reasons why authorities might be compelled to take you into custody. For example, if you have an outstanding warrant, you may need to see a judge regardless of the reason for your most recent interaction with authorities. You may also be taken into custody if you’re accused of committing a serious offense such as murder or arson or if you were driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
However, you may also be taken to jail if you are combative with or otherwise seen as a threat to authorities. In fact, you may be charged with assaulting an officer, evading arrest, or other crimes simply because you failed to comply with lawful orders. Therefore, it’s in your best interest to pull over, freeze, or otherwise do what an officer asks to minimize your risk of being taken to jail on what might be a minor offense.
Put our highly experienced team on your side
Brian J. Kuester
Former U.S. Attorney
Former DA
Amanda Marshall
Former U.S. Attorney
Local Counsel
Joe Brown
Former U.S. Attorney
& Former District Attorney
Local Counsel
John W. Sellers
Former Senior Trial Attorney
U.S. Department of Justice
Local Counsel
Linda Julin McNamara
Former Chief, DOJ Appeals
Local Counsel
Joanne Fine DeLena
Former Assistant U.S. Attorney
Local Counsel
Aaron L. Wiley
Former Federal Prosecutor
Local Counsel
Roger Bach
Former Special Agent (OIG)
Chris Quick
Former Special Agent (FBI & IRS-CI)
Kevin M. Sheridan
Former Special Agent (FBI)
Ray Yuen
Former Supervisory Special Agent (FBI)
Dennis A. Wichern
Former Special Agent-in-Charge (DEA)
You Don’t Want to Say Too Much
While you want to be cooperative with an officer, it doesn’t mean that you want to overshare either. In most cases, you’re required to provide your name and other information that can be used to positively identify you. However, you don’t have to give an overview of what is in your vehicle or tell an officer if you have been drinking or using drugs prior to a traffic stop or other interaction.
If you are detained or taken into custody, you have the right to remain silent. If you are taken into custody, you also have the right to request an attorney, and questioning must come to a stop after you make such a request. However, anything that you say of your own free will may be used against you before or during a trial.
The Importance of Hiring an Iowa Criminal Defense Attorney
Hiring an Iowa criminal defense attorney may be a great decision for a variety of reasons. First, you will have someone to talk with in an open and honest manner as whatever you say in private to your advocate is generally privileged information. Therefore, you have an opportunity to obtain honest advice as well as the ability to provide counsel with the details needed to craft a zealous defense of your interests.
Furthermore, your advocate may minimize the risk that you say or do anything that might undermine your legal position. For instance, during an interrogation, your lawyer may stop you from answering a question that might be irrelevant to the case or otherwise improper. Your attorney may also do interviews with the media on your behalf or take other steps to prevent you from talking publicly while the case is ongoing.
Working with The Criminal Defense Firm may be ideal because our attorneys are former federal agents and prosecutors. Therefore, you will have someone on your team who understands what the government is thinking throughout the legal process. You’ll also have someone who knows how to communicate with state authorities in a way that might create leverage to get a favorable plea deal or to get charges dropped entirely.
The Types of Cases The Criminal Defense Firm Handles
Our firm will handle almost any kind of criminal case that you might need help with. For instance, if you are charged with drunk driving, assault and battery, or drug possession, we will likely be able to create a defense against those allegations. If you are charged with murder, robbery, or other violent crimes, we might be able to create a defense against those allegations as well.
The same is likely true if you are charged with tax evasion, larceny, or any other offense that might result in jail time or other serious consequences. Depending on the nature of your crime, you may face both federal and state charges. The person who is assigned to your case may be able to help you defend against both sets of charges.
Penalties Typically Levied After a Conviction
If you are convicted of a crime, you may face a number of penalties such as jail time, prison time, or probation. You may also have to pay a fine, pay restitution to your victims, or perform community service. It’s also possible that you will be placed on probation or other forms of supervised release as part of your sentence.
You may also need to give up a professional license, a driver’s license, or other credentials after being convicted of drunk driving, tax evasion, or other offenses. Other penalties may include the need to install an ignition interlock device (IID) to your vehicle or the need to refrain from living 1,000 feet from a school.
Your Iowa criminal defense attorney will likely be able to explain more about the types of sanctions that might be levied in your case. Your attorney may also suggest that you appeal the case or take other steps to help you obtain the best possible outcome in your matter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I testify at my trial?
You have the option to testify at your trial if you wish. However, your attorney will likely advise against doing so unless it may make you look more sympathetic to jurors. In most cases, staying quiet is the right play because it minimizes the risk that you’ll say something that might jeopardize your chance of obtaining an acquittal. It’s worth noting that if you do decide to take the stand that you’ll be subject to cross-examination by the prosecution.
Will my case make it to trial?
There is no way to know for sure how your case will play out before anything actually happens. Of course, you can request that your legal team seek a plea deal on your behalf if you want to avoid a trial at all costs. Your legal team may also take steps to get charges dropped or reduced without the need for a trial. For instance, an attorney may obtain evidence that may weaken the prosecution’s case to the point where there is little chance of proving your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
What constitutes an illegal search or seizure?
Searches and seizures are illegal if there is no warrant and no exception to the warrant requirement applies. An exception may apply, for example, if authorities search a public area or find evidence of a crime that is in plain view. For instance, if there is a gun on your front doorstep, it might be considered evidence that a crime has been committed. If evidence is found to have been obtained illegally, it will likely be ruled inadmissible at trial. Depending on how strong the rest of the case against you may be, it’s possible that charges might be dropped right away.
What should I know about plea deals?
If you accept a plea deal, you are essentially accepting responsibility for the charges included in the agreement. In exchange for a guilty plea, you may be able to avoid jail or prison time or other serious penalties. However, there is no guarantee that the judge in your case will accept the terms of the deal. If the judge feels as if your punishment is too light, you may ultimately be sentenced to jail time or other sanctions that you hoped to avoid. Of course, it’s unlikely that a prosecutor would make an offer that would likely be rejected by a judge.
Can I use my phone after being charged with a crime?
Unless a judge tells you that you can’t use a phone or other devices, you should feel free to do so. As a general rule, the government can only track your phone or computer with a warrant. Therefore, as long as you’re careful about who you talk to or what you talk about, it may be possible to use these items without incident.
Contact Us Today
If you need a criminal defense attorney, call our nationwide intake number by dialing 866-603-4540 or get in touch with a representative through our site’s live chat feature or contact form. The initial consultation is free and does not imply a relationship between yourself and the firm. It’s also worth noting that you don’t need to tell us your name, location, or any other identifying information during the initial phone call.