Category: GRL Law

How GRL Law is Dealing with COVID-19

GRL Law remains committed to continuing to assist our current and potential clients. During this time of chaos caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, we are implementing certain procedures and protocols. The attorneys and staff at GRL Law are committed to ensuring that we do our part to flatten the curve consistent with the recommendations of the State of Iowa and CDC. Effective Monday, March 23rd, our physical office locations will be closed. We are confident that we are able to continue to effectively serve our client without needing to physically gather in one location. Importantly, our phones are still being […]

USDA Approves Iowa’s Hemp Program

Today, the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service finally approved the state’s hemp plan submitted by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. This brings Iowa farmers one step closer to putting seed in the ground for the 2020 growing season. Farmers can apply for a hemp license or seed permit starting April 1, 2020. We expect the official notice to be published in the Iowa Administrative Bulletin on April 8, 2020. Regrettably, until then, it is not legal for farmers to grow, possess, buy or sell hemp. We should also see clarification on state’s position on over-the-counter CBD now that […]

Murphy Presents on Hemp Extract to Bar Association

On March 6, 2019 GRL’s own Colin Murphy presented the topic of the Legal Status of Hemp Extract in Iowa before a full room at the Webster County Bar Association’s annual March Madness CLE. Colin thoroughly explained the history of cannabis in the United States and the rise of “Refer Madness” that led to decades of prohibition against hemp. The highlight of the presentation was an in-depth explanation of the return of hemp and hemp extracts, based on the 2018 Farm Bill, and the potential legal defenses to raise in over-the-counter CBD possession offenses until such time as SF 599 […]

Class B Felony Drug Charge Amended and Time Served WIN

The Story County District Court recently sentenced our client to credit for time served and minimum fines for simple possession of a controlled substance. Originally, the state charged him with four felonies: possession with intent to deliver LSD, marijuana and tax stamp violations. The Class B felony alone was punishable by a mandatory term of imprisonment up to 25 years and a fine of up to $100,000. We were able to limit the admissibility of certain evidence and arguments that are typically used by the state in these types of cases on the issue of intent in constructive possession cases. […]

Felony Theft Charges Amended to Misdemeanor Operating Without Consent and Time Served WIN

On March 11, 2020 the Marshall County District Court granted the state’s motion to amend a two-count felony trial information and allowed our client to plead to a single misdemeanor charge of Operating without Owner’s Consent. The State initially charged our client with class C and D felony theft, allegations which, if not aggressively defended, could have resulted in 15 years or more in prison and thousands in fines. However, the firm’s vigorous approach to pretrial discovery depositions raised considerable doubt over whether the state could prove that our client knowingly exercised control over stolen property, a 1977 Corvette, and […]

OWI Amended to Public Intoxication WIN

The Cerro Gordo County District Court recently granted the state’s motion to amend the charge from OWI to Public Intoxication following an aggressive, independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding a private party raided by the sheriff’s office. We were able to establish that more than two hours elapsed between the time our client last drove his vehicle and the time of chemical testing on the DataMaster DMT. Had we not done so, the state would have been entitled to a “two-hour presumption” instruction at trial that would have allowed the jury to presume the DMT result was our client’s breath […]

The Legal Status of Hemp Extract in Iowa (Current as of 3/20/2020)

If you are a regular visitor to the blog, then you will recall that way back in May 2019, GRL predicted that it would only be a matter of time before the state explicitly legalized hemp and cannabinoids extracted from hemp, like cannabidiol or CBD following passage of the 2018 Farm Bill. We couldn’t have been more prescient. Not long after the post published, Governor Reynolds signed Senate File 599, now known as the Iowa Hemp Act codified under Iowa Code chapter 204. That means the over-the-counter CBD is legal for retail sale, right? Not exactly. The law in Iowa […]

Grant “The Wizard” Gangestad Accepts Promotion

We are thrilled to announce that Grant “The Wizard” Gangestad has accepted a promotion to Junior Partner at GRL Law! We haven’t told him yet, but this promotion really means a lot more work and a little less pay. All kidding aside, GRL Law could not be more excited that Grant has enthusiastically accepted these additional leadership responsibilities. We look forward to his continuation of the great work he has come to be known for producing. Our team continues to be strengthened with each member pushing the entire team with unique and progressive ideas. Grant in a leadership role will […]

Posted on February 24, 2020February 24, 2020
Scott Michels
GRL Law

How Laws are Made in Iowa

It’s that time again where we are inundated with those annoying political ads and door-to-door solicitors. What you may not know is that it is also the time of year when the future of Iowa law is being shaped. Right now our elected legislators are working to try to create new laws and amend existing laws. The media has covered a number of controversial proposed legislation lately: an anti-abortion bill; the “Religious Freedom Restoration Act”; and paying college student-athletes. While these bills have grabbed the headlines, there are many other bills that have gone under the radar that would affect […]

Posted on January 30, 2020January 31, 2020
Matthew Lindholm
Articles, GRL Law, Recent Results

All Charges Dropped in Dallas County Courthouse Security Breach

Adel, Dallas County, Iowa. All charges have now been dropped in the Dallas County Courthouse security breach fiasco. The case that started as Burglary allegations turned out to be two men just doing their job – testing the security of Iowa courthouses. There was no shortage of national and local media coverage arising out of this unusual case. Stories were run on national media outlets including CNBC , The New York Times and U.S. News and World Report. Lawmakers on the Iowa Senate Oversight Committee even convened a special hearing to look into the security breaches. Unfortunately, GRL Law’s clients […]