Iowa City College Crime Attorneys Defending University And College Students

Last updated on January 30, 2025

If you – a college student – or your son or daughter who is a student at the University of Iowa (UI), Kirkwood Community College (KCC) or another college in the Iowa City area has been charged with a crime, rest assured that reliable help is available right here in Iowa City. You do not have to turn to a law firm in Des Moines or elsewhere for the sophisticated representation you need at this critical time.

Since 1968, Johnston, Stannard, Klesner, Burbidge & Fitzgerald, P.L.C., has established a strong reputation among the UI community as well as the student bodies at KCC and other institutions of higher learning in the region. Even after graduation, many alumni have discovered that our firm is well-suited to serve as a trustworthy legal resource for life.

Our College Student Defense Attorneys Defend Those Accused Of Criminal Offenses

Skilled litigators at our firm provide customized criminal defense for college students accused of crimes such as:

• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol (OWI/DUI): Driving under the influence in Iowa occurs when a person operates a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher or is impaired by drugs or alcohol. Penalties can include fines, license suspension and even jail time.
• Crimes involving drugs: Drug-related crimes cover offenses including possession, manufacturing and distribution of controlled substances. Penalties depend on the type and quantity of the drug involved. Iowa law takes a firm stance on drug crimes, especially when they occur near schools or involve minors.
• Violent crimes: These include offenses such as assault, battery, domestic abuse and homicide. These crimes often involve physical harm or the threat of harm to another person. Penalties for violent crimes can be severe, ranging from fines and probation to lengthy prison sentences.
• Sexual offenses: Sexual offenses encompass crimes such as sexual assault, statutory rape and indecent exposure. These crimes are taken very seriously in Iowa and often require offenders to register as sex offenders. Convictions can result in lengthy prison sentences, mandatory counseling and other penalties.
• Public intoxication and other alcohol offenses: Public intoxication occurs when an individual is visibly impaired by alcohol in a public place. Other alcohol-related offenses include underage drinking, providing alcohol to minors and open container violations. These offenses can result in fines and may include mandatory alcohol education programs.
• Assault: This involves intentionally causing harm or attempting to harm another person. This offense can range from simple assault, which might result in minor injuries, to aggravated assault, which involves the use of a weapon or intent to cause serious harm.
• Disorderly conduct: Disorderly conduct includes actions that disturb the peace or endanger public safety, such as fighting, making excessive noise or disrupting public events. These actions are considered misdemeanors and may result in fines, community service or short jail sentences.

Potential clients who inquire with our lawyers are often parents from out of state and statewide in Iowa whose children are college students in Iowa City or nearby. Sometimes those accused of crimes are student-athletes and collegiate leaders who have much to lose with a conviction. We fully understand how a criminal record can jeopardize a student’s academic status and future prospects. Our defense strategies are aggressive and personalized.

Will You Lose Your Financial Aid?

Incarcerated people are not eligible to receive federal student loans. Still, they may qualify for some grants if enrolled in a prison education program approved by Federal Student Aid (FSA). They could also be eligible for a Federal Work-Study program. 

In most cases, people become eligible to receive federal student loans again once released from prison, even if they were convicted of a felony or are on probation or parole.

Drug convictions do not affect eligibility for federal financial aid. Being convicted of sexual offenses also does not disqualify students from receiving a Federal Pell Grant. 

Will You Have A Criminal Record Now?

If you are convicted of a crime in Iowa, it could remain on your record for years – potentially forever. A criminal record can limit your education, employment, and housing opportunities. You could lose your gun rights and the right to vote. It can also damage your reputation. 

That’s why seeking help from a skilled and experienced college crime defense attorney is so crucial if you’re charged with a crime in college. We help young people explore options that mitigate the damage their criminal issues have on their lives and fight hard to defend them from the penalties of a criminal conviction. If escaping conviction isn’t possible, we can help seal criminal records through expungement.

If The Offense Happened Off Campus, Will You Face Consequences At School?

It doesn’t matter if the offense happened on or off campus; you could face disciplinary action at school. You could be suspended, expelled, not allowed to participate in student organizations, barred from campus housing and more. We suggest reviewing your institution’s policies to determine how a criminal issue could affect your life on campus.

What Penalties Will I Face At The University Of Iowa?

At the University of Iowa, students are expected to adhere to a certain standard of behavior. If you are suspected of violating those standards through criminal activity, you will likely receive a letter from the Office of Student Accountability, informing you that an investigation has started. UI students who violate the Code of Student Life or other policies can expect consequences that can affect their academic futures.

Whether you or your child faces charges for underage drinking, public intoxication, possession of controlled substances, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a fake ID, OWI or disorderly conduct, you could receive, at best, a written warning or disciplinary probation that could lead to more serious penalties after a subsequent slip-up. However, stiffer punishments include:

• Suspension, with conditions placed on your return and the possibility of a required reapplication
• Expulsion, which means permanent separation from the University
• Alcohol and/or drug education programs, at personal cost
• Denial of privileges, including involvement in campus activities and certain academic programs
• Housing transfers or prohibitions from all student housing accommodations

UI students may also face fines, restitution and other potential penalties. Plus, the outcome of the hearing will be reflected on transcripts, which can complicate enrollment in another institution of higher education.

It’s important to remember that the outcomes of hearings in front of the Office of Student Accountability are not predetermined, but this is not something you want to navigate alone. The sooner you get experienced legal representation from a college crime lawyer, the faster your defense strategy can be formed. We can help you achieve a favorable outcome both inside and outside of the university.

Will You Lose The Ability To Participate In Sports Or Extracurriculars?

Being charged with a criminal offense may affect your ability to participate in sports or extracurricular activities. Iowa schools and universities have codes of conduct prohibiting participation if a student faces legal issues.

Depending on the nature of the offense, students may face suspension or expulsion from teams and clubs. However, outcomes vary by institution and may sometimes allow for appeals or conditional participation.

Does Johnston, Stannard, Klesner, Burbidge & Fitzgerald, P.L.C., Work With Parents Of College Students?

Johnston, Stannard, Klesner, Burbidge & Fitzgerald, P.L.C., works with parents and college students, even if the parents reside outside Iowa. We understand families’ challenges when dealing with criminal charges and provide support to help ensure the best possible outcome for students. We can answer questions parents of college students have, ranging from what to expect to possible penalties to expect from the school or university.

What Our College Crime Attorneys Offer University And College Students

We are known as knowledgeable, caring and professional. We offer tangible solutions for students facing common life challenges such as false accusations of sexual assault. Our solid credentials and extensive experience are reasons to take advantage of our free initial consultations. We will represent you in any court as well as before university administrators when advocacy of this type is necessary.

Talk To An Iowa City College Crimes Lawyer Today

Reach out to our Iowa City office today to learn how we can assist. To schedule your initial meeting with one of our defense lawyers who serve college students and others in town, call 319-359-6492 or send an email inquiry.