Have You Been Charged With OWI In Iowa?

If you have been charged with operating while intoxicated (OWI, and sometimes called DWI or DUI) in Iowa, there are three major concerns to note:

• Under what circumstances will you be able to continue driving?
• Do you have a viable defense?
• What will the consequences be if you are convicted?

These charges are not to be taken lightly and can involve:

• Driver’s license revocation
• Up to 365 days in jail
• Probation
• Significant fines
• Increased insurance rates
• Mandatory substance abuse evaluation

In Iowa, a first-time drunk driving charge alone is a misdemeanor punishable by a minimum of two days in jail and a fine of $1,250 plus a 35 percent surcharge. If you refuse a breathalyzer test, your license will be automatically suspended and you could lose your driving privileges for one year. If you decide to take the breath test and you blow over the limit, your license will be revoked for 180 days.

Because of the severity of these consequences, it is critical to partner with an experienced lawyer who can provide you with the strongest defense possible.

Many OWI Cases Resolved

 

I am criminal defense attorney Michael Culp, and at Culp Law Office, P.L.C., in Des Moines, I have helped many drivers facing OWI charges in Iowa.

I am prepared to bring my experience in many OWI cases to help you with the administrative hearing before the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT). This hearing will determine if you will have driving restrictions and is separate from the criminal hearing regarding your charges for OWI.

More About My Approach

 

I will examine all of the evidence in your case to determine exactly what happened including:

• If the reason for your stop was proper
• If all information was correctly obtained during the course of the field sobriety tests
• If there were sufficient grounds for arrest
• If tests for alcohol content were valid
• If police advisories or requests for phone calls were handled properly

If the police acted unlawfully at any point in the legal process, I will fight to suppress it.

My advocacy has led to dismissals, acquittals at trial or guilty pleas for my client. Let me use my skills and experience to help you mitigate the consequences you could face.

Don’t Delay In Taking Action

 

You only have 10 days to file an appeal and request an administrative hearing with the Iowa Department of Transportation. It is critical to start right away.

Schedule an appointment with me to discuss your OWI charge. Call 515-288-3333 or email my firm. I offer free initial consultations and evening and weekend appointments.