Iowa City Criminal Defense Attorneys Defending Your Freedom And Future
Last updated on April 21, 2025
At Fitzgerald, Klesner, & Pavelich, PLC, our Iowa City criminal defense attorneys have more than 50 years of combined experience providing our community with excellent legal advocacy in criminal law. We’re thoughtful, skilled and resourceful legal professionals prepared to fight for your rights and protect your best interests wherever your case may take you.
Take control of your situation with trusted legal guidance. Fitzgerald, Klesner, & Pavelich, PLC, offers free 30-minute consultations to help you understand your options. Call 319-320-4569 or fill out this form to schedule yours today.
The Criminal Cases We Defend Against
Our criminal defense lawyers have represented over 1,000 clients facing a wide variety of felony and misdemeanor criminal charges, including:
- College crimes: representing UI students and others facing charges for OWI, underage drinking, underage possession and more.
- OWI/DUI: defending drunk driving charges and answering questions on license suspensions, underage driver penalties and more.
- Public intoxication: we represent college students facing criminal penalties and academic consequences for public intoxication.
- Domestic abuse and assault: including violations of no-contact orders involving significant others, spouses and other family members.
- Drug crimes: defending against drug offenses including possession, possession with intent to deliver and college student offenses.
- Violent crimes: including simple assault, aggravated assault, gun crimes, manslaughter, attempted murder and more.
- Sexual offenses: defending against sex crimes including sex abuse and assault with intent to commit sex abuse.
- Property crimes: representing Iowans facing criminal charges for burglary, robbery, theft, vandalism and more.
- Felon in possession of a firearm: defending against various probation violations and providing guidance on complying with restrictions.
- White collar offenses: representing those facing state charges for embezzlement, forgery, fraud and other white collar crimes.
Located in Iowa City, home of the University of Iowa, we help college students charged with criminal conduct and mitigate its impact on their education.
A list of matters we’ve assisted clients with, including our recent successes, can be found here.
What Does A Criminal Defense Attorney Do?
After an arrest or when criminal charges are filed in Iowa City, a criminal defense attorney is a critical advocate for the accused. From the moment of arrest, a defense attorney:
- Works to protect your constitutional rights
- Thoroughly investigates the charges
- Builds a strong strategy aimed at achieving the best possible outcome, whether a dismissal, a favorable plea agreement or a trial defense
Involving a criminal defense attorney as early as possible is crucial. Early intervention allows for a full review of the circumstances surrounding the arrest, identifying any procedural errors, violations of rights or weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
In Iowa City, many individuals facing charges are college students at the University of Iowa. A criminal conviction can have devastating effects beyond legal penalties. It can jeopardize scholarships, academic standing and future career opportunities. Criminal defense attorneys in Iowa City are more attuned to the needs of students, working to defend their rights and freedom and protect their educational and professional futures.
Fighting Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) Charges
In Iowa, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle with an alcohol content over .08%, under the influence of a controlled substance or while under the influence of an alcoholic beverage or other drugs or combinations. This is what Iowa calls “operating while intoxicated” (OWI).
The penalties for OWI include jail time, fines and loss of driving privileges. The collateral impact of an OWI conviction may include being suspended from work or school suspensions, increased insurance costs and losing one’s vehicle. Many factors can drastically change the outcome of an OWI case, including:
- Whether the individual was operating the vehicle
- The basis for the police stopping the driver
- The legality of any chemical testing
- Whether the interaction with law enforcement was constitutional
Finding legal representation that will thoroughly and diligently review all factors and elements in an OWI case is crucial. Our Iowa City criminal defense attorneys review all reports as well as dashboard, body and police department camera footage. We will conduct depositions to determine if officers complied with state and federal laws while interacting with our client.
Representing Those Accused Of Possession Of Controlled Substances
In Iowa, a first-time possession of a controlled substance charge carries a mandatory 48-hour jail sentence. Possession of any controlled substance charge is enhanceable, and each subsequent offense is elevated to a more severe crime. The Johnson County attorney’s office in Iowa City instituted a diversion program for first-time marijuana possession. We can help you determine if that may be appropriate for your situation.
Generally, a first offense is a serious misdemeanor carrying up to one year in jail, a second offense is an aggravated misdemeanor and third or subsequent offenses are class D felonies. A conviction for possession of a controlled substance can have the collateral effect of loss of student financial aid and other government benefits. Depending on the amount of substance found and other factors, an individual may be charged with the intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance. Possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver carries a sentence anywhere from five years in prison to 50 years.
What To Do After An Arrest In Iowa City
Facing an arrest can be overwhelming, but taking the right steps early on can protect your future:
- Stay calm and polite: Avoid arguing with officers or resisting arrest.
- Exercise your right to remain silent: You are not required to answer questions without an attorney present.
- Request an attorney immediately: Do not discuss your case with anyone until your lawyer arrives.
- Be cautious with phone calls: Calls from jail are typically recorded and can be used against you. Limit your conversation strictly to arranging legal representation.
- Attend your court dates: Missing a court date can lead to additional charges or a warrant for your arrest.
Our Iowa City criminal defense lawyers can represent you if you have been arrested.
Being Convicted Of A Crime In Iowa Could Change Everything
Prosecutors often “stack” charges, making penalties even more severe. Take, for example, fines. The minimum fine for a first-time OWI conviction is $1,250, $1,875 for a second offense and $3,125 for a third.
Prison sentences also get longer. Prior OWI, possession of a controlled substance, public intoxication, theft, assault, domestic abuse and sex abuse convictions can be used to enhance the penalties of subsequent offenses. Prior felony convictions can cause an individual to be considered a habitual felony offender, requiring a 15-year sentence.
Certain crimes like robbery and sex offenses disqualify people from deferred or suspended sentences. Upon conviction, they carry a mandatory prison sentence. However, depending on the specific facts of a case, the charge can be amended to a different one, potentially making a deferred judgment or suspended sentence possible.
Consequences Of A Conviction Go Beyond Criminal Penalties
A criminal conviction can have negative consequences beyond the fine and jail or prison sentences. Depending on the nature of the charge, there are direct and collateral consequences. These consequences include suspension of a driver’s license, suspension of a professional license, suspension of a student’s financial aid, expulsion from school, loss of child custody or visitation and loss of employment.
Our Iowa City criminal defense attorney fights for your rights, freedom and future to guard against both steep criminal penalties and collateral consequences.
What Sets Fitzgerald, Klesner, & Pavelich, PLC, Apart In Criminal Cases?
We will analyze your case from all angles. All evidence must be obtained to determine if there are grounds for suppressing evidence, violation of constitutional rights and other evidentiary issues. Today, too many criminal defense attorneys lack the skill or desire to ensure all available information has been collected. We will ensure any evidence available will be obtained, reviewed and shared with the client. We review all evidence, including videos from law enforcement, security camera footage, reports, witness statements, 911 calls, test results, dispatch logs, etc.
Where Does Fitzgerald, Klesner, & Pavelich, PLC, Represent Clients?
Based in the heart of Iowa City, Fitzgerald, Klesner, & Pavelich, PLC, is positioned to serve clients throughout the city and surrounding areas. Our central location makes us a trusted choice for college students at the University of Iowa and Iowa City residents alike.
In addition to Iowa City, we represent clients in Cedar Rapids and across Johnson County, offering experienced criminal defense wherever our clients need it most.
Contact An Iowa City Criminal Defense Attorney Today
If you have questions about a criminal defense issue, contact our firm at 319-320-4569 or complete a contact form to request a free initial consultation. Based in Iowa City, we serve clients throughout Johnson County and surrounding areas, including Cedar Rapids.