Protecting Your
Rights And Future

Iowa College Student Defense FAQs For Parents

If your college student child is facing criminal charges, the stress and anxiety you feel as a parent can be overwhelming.

The lawyers at Johnston, Stannard, Klesner, Burbidge & Fitzgerald, P.L.C., understand your uncertainty and want to help your family move forward. Led by attorney Shawn Fitzgerald, our criminal defense practice has extensive experience defending college students, particularly at the University of Iowa, against a worst-case scenario.

We offer free consultations to discuss your case and are conveniently located near UI. In the meantime, the answers to some common questions about college student defense can provide you with some clarity.

Does Johnston, Stannard, Klesner, Burbidge & Fitzgerald, P.L.C., have experience working and communicating with out-of-state parents?

Yes. We frequently work and communicate with out-of-state parents, especially those from Illinois and the Chicago suburbs who have students at UI. Attorney Fitzgerald can represent students facing criminal charges in Iowa City and effectively communicate with parents who are not local to the area.

What penalties could my child face at the University of Iowa?

The penalties UI may impose on your child vary depending on the nature of the offense. They may include academic probation, suspension or even expulsion for severe cases. Additionally, criminal charges can lead to fines, community service or jail time.

Attorney Fitzgerald will represent your child in court, and before any university disciplinary proceedings to facilitate the best possible outcome.

What criminal charges can Johnston, Stannard, Klesner, Burbidge & Fitzgerald, P.L.C., defend college students against?

We can defend against a wide range of criminal charges, including:

We have experience handling all types of criminal cases in Iowa.

What can I expect working with Johnston, Stannard, Klesner, Burbidge & Fitzgerald, P.L.C.?

When you work with our firm, you will receive dedicated and compassionate legal representation from an experienced defender. Attorney Fitzgerald understands the stress and fear both college students and their parents face when criminal charges are on the line and can provide hands-on, communicative support.

He will keep you and your child informed throughout the process, helping you understand each step and feel confident in the defense strategy.

Secure Your Child’s Future

With our extensive experience and professional approach, Attorney Fitzgerald can help you and your child navigate this challenging time. Call 319-359-6492 or contact us online in Iowa City to schedule your free consultation and safeguard your child’s future.

Notable Cases

Cedar County AGCR024516 — PLEA OFFER ACCEPTED — Attorney Shawn Fitzgerald’s client was accused of the crime of Operating a Motor Vehicle While License is Barred as a Habitual Offender §321.560/ §321.561/ §321.555 /§321.556 (An Aggravated Misdemeanor), as well as Failure to Use Child Restraint Devise §321.446 (A Scheduled Violation). Attorney Shawn Fitzgerald was able to secure a plea offer satisfactory to both client and state.

Notable Cases

Muscatine County AGCR057733 — PLEA ACCEPTED, CHARGE REDUCED — Attorney Shawn Fitzgerald’s client was accused of Domestic Abuse Assault §708.2A(2)(b) (A Serious Misdemeanor). An initial plea offer stated the client would have to plead guilty as charged, attorney Shawn Fitzgerald worked for a better offer for his client. The client was able to plead guilty to an amended lesser charge of Disorderly Conduct §723.4(2) (A Simple Misdemeanor).