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 […]
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 […]
On December 3, 2021 the Iowa Supreme Court reinstated a drug possession conviction in State v. Jones. The ruling provides a good reminder to the drug defense bar regarding the differences between actual and constructive possession. The drugs in this case were located in a small drawstring bag on the ground near Jones’ front bumper. […]
One of the collateral consequences to a drug conviction is the prohibition against possessing a firearm or ammunition. Even if the charge does not involve a firearm. Did you know that Iowa law tracks federal law when it comes to marijuana and firearms? A drug conviction within the past 365 days will trigger the prohibition. […]
Felony drug offenses committed within “drug free zones” risk more time in prison. A “drug free zone” can be in, on or within 1000 feet of certain property. This property includes schools, parks, swimming pools and rec centers as well as the contiguous land surrounding any buildings. Offenses committed on a marked school bus also […]
Webster City, Hamilton County, Iowa. A traffic stop on I-35 led to the discovery of marijuana in a car trunk. The trooper cited the driver for speeding, but charged the passenger with possession of marijuana. The drug defense attorneys at GRL Law have written before on the constructive possession defense. This case presented yet another […]
On February 17, 2021 the Iowa Court of Appeals in State v. Tucker dismissed felony drug charges against an informant who upheld her end of a task force proffer. Although both the factual and procedural histories are long and winding, the issue on appeal was fairly straightforward. Should the court enforce a plea agreement against […]
The drug defense attorneys at GRL Law are known for aggressively challenging searches by police, particularly those arising from vehicle inventories. Those searches occur after police impound a car following a traffic stop. Before towing, police will inventory the contents to protect primarily against claims of lost or stolen property. Police often locate drugs and […]
The drug defense attorneys at GRL Law have seen it all when it comes to traffic stops involving cannabis. This is especially true when police charge a driver with possession for weed located under a passenger’s seat. Is there a defense for the driver? Absolutely! Because this marijuana is not actually found on the […]
Police have historically relied on the Duquénois-Levine (D-L) colorimetric field test to presumptively identify botanical material as Cannabis for the purpose of arresting a suspect for possession of marijuana. The reagent used in the D-L test reacts with a particular part of the THC molecule producing an intense violet color that is readily identifiable by […]
