Iowa City Drug Crime Attorneys Protecting Your Future From Serious Charges
Last updated on April 11, 2025
Serious drug crimes come with serious drug convictions, which can leave you with a lifetime of complications and regret after a conviction. Instead of making the mistake of hoping for a plea deal on your own or representing yourself in court, let an experienced and skilled criminal defense lawyer stand up for your rights.
At Johnston, Stannard, Klesner, Burbidge & Fitzgerald, P.L.C., our drug crime attorneys know the challenges and consequences of these cases and how to overcome them. We have been defending the rights and futures of clients throughout the Iowa City and Cedar Rapids areas for over 50 years, and we are ready to help you stand against even the most severe drug charges.
What Is At Stake In Your Case
From college students looking to cut loose at a party to those who are involved in more serious drugs, we have represented all types of clients. In our decades of defending those who come to us for help, we have taken drug cases involving drugs like:
- Cocaine
- PCP
- Heroin
- Methamphetamine
- Fentanyl
Depending on the nature of your charges, like the quantity of a specific drug in your possession, you may be facing charges including intent to sell and felonies.
To help develop the strongest defense we can, we review all the unique details of our clients’ cases. In our work, we look into negotiating for reduced charges and sentencing, dismissing cases due to lack of evidence or police errors and developing defenses that can beat the charges in court. You can rest easy knowing that we are experienced and committed drug possession attorneys who are fighting for you.
What Are The Penalties For Drug Possession In Iowa?
In Iowa, penalties for possession of a controlled substance depend on the type and amount of drug involved, as well as prior convictions. For first-time offenders, penalties may include up to one year in jail and fines ranging from $430 to $2,560 for simple possession of marijuana.
For more serious controlled substances such as cocaine or methamphetamine, the consequences can increase, with potential felony charges.
Repeat offenses carry harsher penalties, including longer prison sentences and higher fines. Additionally, possessing drug paraphernalia can result in separate charges and additional penalties.
How Can Conviction Affect Driving Privileges In Iowa?
A drug conviction in Iowa has the potential to impact your driving privileges. For example, a conviction for possession of a controlled substance can result in a driver’s license suspension. The suspension period is 180 days, although this can vary based on the specific circumstances of the case and prior driving offenses.
It is important to note that the suspension applies even if the drug offense did not involve a motor vehicle. Reinstating driving privileges requires completing specific requirements, such as a substance abuse evaluation or attending treatment programs.
What Are Some Common Defense Strategies Against Drug Charges?
Several defense strategies may be used to challenge drug charges in Iowa. Common approaches include:
- Challenging the legality of the search and seizure: If law enforcement violated your Fourth Amendment rights during the search, evidence obtained may be inadmissible in court.
- Questioning possession: Prosecutors must prove that you knowingly possessed the controlled substance. Demonstrating that the drugs did not belong to you or that you were unaware of their presence can be an effective defense.
- Testing the evidence: The prosecution must establish that the seized substance is illegal. This may involve lab testing and any inconsistencies or errors could weaken their case.
- Negotiating a plea deal: In some cases, agreeing to a plea bargain for a lesser charge or reduced sentence may be a viable option.
Our drug crime attorneys can help determine the most effective strategy for your specific situation.
What Penalties Can College Students Face?
A drug conviction can be especially devastating for college students. College students charged with drug offenses may face consequences beyond legal penalties. One of the biggest potential impacts is to financial aid. Under federal law, students convicted of drug crimes can lose eligibility for federal financial aid, including grants, loans and work-study programs. Additionally, a conviction for drug possession, selling drugs on campus or intent to sell can be enough to result in expulsion from the school.
Your Defense Starts Here
A conviction for a drug crime can cost you your education, career, relationship and/or future. Do not take chances with any of them by reaching out to an attorney you can depend on to fight for you.
Call our Iowa City drug crime attorneys at 319-354-1712 or email us here to schedule your initial consultation with a skilled lawyer today.