Tag: drunk driving defense

Iowa Court of Appeals Throws Out Operating While Intoxicated Conviction

Adel, Dallas County, Iowa.  The Iowa Court of Appeals reversed the conviction of GRL Law’s client’s operating while intoxicated conviction, concluding that the Waukee and West Des Moines police officers entrance into the client’s residence was illegal.  At the district court level, the prosecution claimed that the officers were justified in entering the residence without a warrant under the “hot pursuit” doctrine.  However, GRL Law established that the officers were not in immediate pursuit of the client when they entered the house and consequently, that justification was not valid.  On appeal, the prosecution argued that consent was given, justifying the […]

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Phone Calls are not Just Limited to Advice

Lyon County, Iowa.  Iowa Code Section 804.20 provides that an arrestee may be allowed to “call, consult, and see” an attorney family member or both at the place of detention and before being required to make a decision concerning a blood breath or urine test that his being requested by an arresting officer in an OWI case.  When an officer limits the purpose of the phone call to “only getting advice about the test,” this infringes upon an arrestees rights under Iowa Code Section 804.20.  This exact situation recently resulted in the breath test results being thrown out and an […]

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If you are in need of responsive, knowledgeable, and fast acting defense then this is your guy!

If you find yourself in a situation in which you are needing a defense attorney…choose Matt and his team. From the beginning they eased any worries I had about my case. With a nowhere near perfect criminal record Matt was able to use his reputation to not only reduce my charge but also remove any possibility of jail time. He was able to fight the original plea bargain and come to an agreement with a better plea bargain that drastically reduced what was originally offered. Emily (his assistant) was extremely responsive and stayed on top of court dates, requirements, etc. […]

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Effective July 15, 2020, Fines for Criminal Offenses Change

Effectively July 15, 2020, the financial penalties for all criminal offenses undergo significant changes. Maximum and minimum fines for five separate categories of offenses will change to the following: Simple Misdemeanors: Minimum Fine – $105.  Maximum Fine – $855 Serious Misdemeanors: Minimum Fine – $430.  Maximum Fine – $2,560 Aggravated Misdemeanors: Minimum Fine – $855.  Maximum Fine – $8,540 Class D Felony:  Minimum Fine – $1,025.  Maximum Fine – $10,245 Class C Felony:  Minimum Fine – $1,370.  Maximum Fine – $13,660. The changes do not alter the otherwise mandatory minimum fines applicable to offenses such as operating while intoxicated. The new law […]

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DWI? Absolutely call this law firm!

Bob’s expertise, knowledge, and experience is hands down the reason why I never lost my license and was able to keep my CDL. Through such a stressful time, Bob had the ability to put me at ease, even considering I live four hours away from his office. Don’t think your local attorney is good enough to fight a DWI. Bob and his team know so much more about the laws and your rights. I want to extend a sincere thank you to Bob and his team and would absolutely recommend them every time! 5.0 stars Posted by CraigJune 27, 2020

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Officer’s error leads to reduced charges for GRL client

Client was arrested and charged with OWI.  While at the jail she was read the implied consent advisory and a breath sample was verbally requested by the officer.  The client declined to provide a sample.  Subsequently, the officer asked the client to sign the implied consent request and notice form.  The court granted suppression of the breath test refusal for the officer’s failure to make his request for a breath sample in writing.  Client pled guilty to the reduced charge of reckless driving.  Client’s driver’s license was spared.

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Implied Consent Form Not Completed

Jasper County, Iowa.  A GRL client recently had his OWI charge dismissed and was able to save his license after it was determined that the arresting officer failed to complete a written implied consent form at the time he request the client to submit to a breath test.  The law requires that the officer make a “written request” for a breath sample and the failure to do so, renders the results of the test inadmissible.  As a result of losing this crucial piece of evidence, the State dismissed the OWI charge and the client was able to avoid the loss […]

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Officer’s Error Saves Client’s License

A Story County Client was arrested and taken to the station for chemical testing.  She agreed to provide a urine sample.  After she provided the urine sample, the officer provided the written request for her consent.  Law enforcement is required to make a written request for a body specimen prior to the person consenting or refusing the test.  The State agreed to throw the test results out and amend the charge from OWI to public intoxication and reckless driving.  Client retained their driver’s license.

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