Johnston, Stannard, Klesner, Burbidge and Fitzgerald, P.L.C.

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Johnston, Stannard, Klesner, Burbidge and Fitzgerald, P.L.C.

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    4.  — Penalties for OWI In Iowa

Penalties For Iowa OWI Convictions

The law is clear in Iowa: Society is against drinking and driving. Penalties become worse for repeat offenses and for people who refuse chemical testing at the time of an arrest.

Operating while intoxicated (OWI) is a crime that also involves administrative law with the Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT) including the possible loss of driving privileges. If you have been arrested and charged with OWI, effective legal counsel is essential for your future.

College students and other members of the general public in and around Iowa City often turn to Johnston, Stannard, Klesner, Burbidge & Fitzgerald, P.L.C., for advice with the following goals:

  • Keeping their driver’s licenses
  • Staying out of jail or getting out of jail
  • Minimizing fines and other penalties, such as interlock ignition device installation requirements

Rest assured, if you are facing OWI charges, we will work hard to get the outcome you need to move forward with the least repercussions for your future.

Minimize Or Avoid Penalties Such As These

Iowa’s laws spell out punishments that people convicted of OWI may face, including:

  • For a first offense: Two days to one year in jail; $625-1,250 in fines
  • For a second offense: Seven days to two years in jail; $1,875-6,250 in fines
  • For a third offense: 30 days to five years in jail; $3,125-9,375 in fines

Suspensions and revocations of driver’s licenses are also likely for 180 days to six years, depending on whether a driver submitted to a chemical test and/or had prior OWI convictions.

Someone who seeks a temporary restricted license will normally have a requirement to have an ignition interlock device installed in their car(s).

For many people, the worst penalties are more personal, namely:

  • Loss of the ability to drive legally for work and personal purposes
  • Loss of reputation
  • A criminal record

These aspects of an OWI arrest and/or conviction can throw one’s entire life into upheaval. It is important to fight the charges and penalties with the help of an experienced OWI defense lawyer.

Don’t Delay – Schedule A Free Consultation

Regardless of what has happened in your OWI case so far, our defense attorneys are ready to do whatever is necessary to help you move forward. If possible, we will help you get out of jail, keep or recover your driver’s license and pursue an outcome you can live with, such as substance abuse treatment and probation instead of jail.

To schedule a consultation, call 319-359-6492 or send a message for a prompt response.

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).