Tag: Iowa Court of Appeals

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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Court of Appeals Reminds Drug Defense Bar to Preserve Error

On June 16, 2021 the Iowa Court of Appeals issued a reminder to the drug defense bar in State v. Britcher.  Police deployed a drug K9 around Britcher’s vehicle following a traffic stop for license plate lamp and registration plate violations.  A probable cause search ensued that revealed methamphetamine. Britcher argued on appeal that police impermissibly expanded both the duration and scope of the traffic stop.  He also challenged the use of the K9 inside his car.  Three issues in total. The Court of Appeals upheld the admissibility of evidence because police did not expand the duration of the traffic […]

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Iowa Supreme Court

GRL Law’s 15 Years of Appellate Advocacy

At GRL Law, we are preparing to argue yet another case before the Iowa Supreme Court next month in State v. Sewell.  The case involves law enforcement’s attempts to record phone conversations between arrested persons and their attorneys while at the jail.  As we prepare to argue Sewell, we also  eagerly await two pending decisions in State v. Kilby and State v. Wright.  Both of these cases involve significant issues related to the privacy and constitutional rights of Iowans. Looking back over the years, this year marks the 15th year of GRL Law’s zealous appellate advocacy.  In total, GRL Law […]

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The Best OWI Defense Attorney in Iowa

When faced with an out of state OWI charge, and feeling that something wasn’t quite right with the charges, I began reaching out to local attorneys in north Iowa. I was appalled at the number of attorneys I reached out to who instantly wanted a $1,200-$1,500 dollar retainer to plead me guilty and not even consider the charges or circumstances surrounding them. My last call was to Gourley, Rehkemper & Lindholm, P.L.C in Mason City, IA. I left a message for someone to reach back to me. This should have been my very first call! Within a few hours, I […]

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