Author: Colin Murphy

FMCSA Level II Inspections for Alcohol and Drugs

The drug crime attorneys at GRL have seen our fair share of searches involving commercial motor vehicles.  Whether its a random stop on the highway or the weight station, DOT officers will seize the opportunity to search closed containers in the truck cab under the authority for inspecting closely regulating industries. They will tell the driver the search is for receipts and permits and the like.  But you should know it is for alcohol and drugs instead. The DOT claims it has the authority to search your mini-fridge, Igloo coolers, personal belongings, etc., based on the reference to “alcohol and […]

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4/20 Conviction for Drug Paraphernalia Reversed on Appeal

The drug crime attorneys at GRL were in the news again recently after a successful appeal ruling. We persuaded the district court that a Benton County magistrate judge made a mistake in finding a container with marijuana residue constituted drug paraphernalia as that term is defined in Iowa Code section 124.414. We proved that substantial evidence did not support the interpretation of the paraphernalia statute as it applied to this container.  Had the county instead charged it under the local municipal ordinance, which is much broader than the statute, then things might have turned out differently. It pays to know […]

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GRL Secures Return of $7K in Cash Seized During Traffic Stop

The seized property attorneys at GRL pulled a rabbit out of the hat once again in winning the release of $7,000 seized during a traffic stop in Bremer County on Highway 63. The Iowa State Trooper admitted during a suppression hearing that he believed the seized cash was the illegal proceeds of drug activity.  In other words, the trooper believed that the cash was forfeitable. Under those circumstances, the State must initiate judicial proceedings within 90 days of the seizure, but that didn’t happen here.  Any failure to initiate forfeiture proceedings within that time frame deprives the district court of […]

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Court Grants GRL Motion to Dismiss Drug Charge

On November 28, 2022, the district court in Pocahontas County granted our application to dismiss a possession charge based on a violation of the one-year speedy trial provisions in Iowa Rule of Criminal Procedure 2.33. We were able to demonstrate that the state did not bring our client to trial within one year of his plea of not guilty and good cause did not exist to continue the prosecution under the circumstances. GRL took over the defense of this case from another firm and stood ready to defend the charge based on a constructive possession defense.  We believed there was […]

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Consent Searches to Verify Medical Cannabidiol Registration Status

The Iowa Department of Public Health began issuing digital medical cannabidiol registration cards for qualified patients and caregivers.  They come complete with a QR code that may be scanned by law enforcement to verify the person’s status.  The Department advises that “law enforcement representatives may request to temporarily handle your mobile device to verify your registration card.” The drug crime lawyers at GRL recommend that you consent to a request by a peace officer to briefly handle your phone to scan the QR code verifying your status as a person who can possess medical cannabidiol.  That will likely end the […]

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Don’t Answer this Question During an OWI Traffic Stop

The drunk driving lawyers at GRL Law routinely advise people what to do during a traffic stop. For example, you should provide your license, registration and proof of insurance upon request.  And, if the officer asks you to step out of your car, then follow those directions. But when it comes to field sobriety tests, you can politely decline.  A preliminary breath test?  Sure, if they agree to show you the result. However, there is one question that you should never answer at the roadside. “So, on a scale of zero to ten, with zero being the most sober and […]

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Highly Recommend Colin Murphy

I received a traffic ticket for excessive speeding in my personal vehicle and I have a CDL endorsement.  I was searching for the best lawyer and I definitely found him.  Colin Murphy not only defended the case with professionalism but also was always there to answer my questions. I highly recommend Colin because he pays attention to details and knows how the law functions. I am very thankful for his help and I am glad our paths crossed!   https://www.avvo.com/attorneys/50266-ia-colin-murphy-624792/reviews.html    

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GRL Secures Return of $35K in Cash Seized During Raid

The forfeiture attorneys at GRL Law routinely call for immediate action by citizens when police seize personal property like cash and firearms without a warrant.  If you don’t act promptly, you risk losing out on any claim for the return of your property. That’s right.  The police might keep your cash! We had the opportunity recently to challenge the seizure of more than $35,000 in cash seized during a search warrant raid.  The warrant didn’t specify cash, but the police seized it anyway. GRL Law went to work.  We argued that the money was not evidence of a crime or […]

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Felony Drug Charges Dismissed After New Garbage Rip Law Struck

Hey, Senator Dawson and Representative Holt!  It’s your boy, Murph.  Didn’t I tell you in March that this wouldn’t turn out well? I’m talking about your unconstitutional efforts to restore the illegal practice of warrantless garbage searches in Iowa.  You know, the police tactic that we struck down last year in State v. Wright? The first district court to consider your magnum opus found it unconstitutional. That’s right. The State even dismissed the charges the following day. Think about it.  It took less than 24 hours for the State to decide it wouldn’t defend your garbage on appeal. And who […]

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Objections to Inadmissible Evidence in Drug Crime Trials Must be Specific

On September 21, 2022 the Iowa Court of Appeals affirmed felony convictions for possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine and drug tax stamps in State v. Hansel. The ruling provides a great reminder to drug crime attorneys on the proper way to object to evidence, especially “prior bad acts” testimony. In this case, the arresting officer volunteered the defendant had numerous outstanding warrants including one for assault.  Defense counsel simply interjected, “Your Honor,” without making a specific objection.  It was enough to prevent any further prior bad acts from entering the record, but the toothpaste was obviously now out of […]

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