Experienced Dubuque IA OWI Attorneys

Penalties for Iowa OWI

An OWI arrest typically results in license-related penalties. But, if the arrested individual is subsequently convicted of OWI in court, even the first OWI offense will result in criminal penalties on top of the administrative consequences.

The State of Iowa imposes mandatory minimum jail time and other penalties for an OWI conviction. Bear in mind that these penalties increase depending on the driver’s prior OWI convictions.

For example, for the first offense of OWI, a driver can face a minimum jail sentence of 48 hours up to a year. For the second offense, jail time is from 7 days up to 2 years. The first offense carries a minimum fine of $625 to $1250. For the second offense OWI, a fine is from $ 1,875 to $6,250.

All offenders convicted of OWI must complete a substance abuse evaluation, follow any treatment recommendations, and a state-approved OWI education program. Don’t forget that an OWI also carries a driver’s license revocation of 180 days up to one year for the first offense. For every subsequent offense, the license revocation time is longer.

If an individual seeks a temporary restrictive license (TRL), an ignition interlock device (IID) has to be installed for the same period the license is issued. However, Iowa courts treat the requirement for an IID very seriously. If an individual is tampering with the device once installed, it can result in serious criminal charges and additional penalties.

Contacting skilled DUI attorneys is critical to avoid the penalties and consequences associated with an OWI conviction.

Why You Need the Assistance of a DUI Lawyer in Dubuque

If facing an OWI charge, the best thing to do is contact experienced and skilled attorneys right away. They can help you understand your rights as well as determine the best course of action for your particular case.

An experienced attorney has detailed knowledge of Iowa’s strict DUI laws. They know how to investigate your case and find any weaknesses in the prosecution’s argument. They will look at whether there was probable cause for the initial traffic stop, if the field sobriety tests were conducted correctly, and other factors that may lead to a dismissal or reduced charges.

Moreover, an attorney can negotiate a plea agreement with the prosecutor on your behalf. In some cases, this can lead to a reduced sentence or dismissal of certain charges. They can also represent you in court and provide a strong defense if your case goes to trial. Having an experienced attorney by your side can significantly increase the chances of a favorable outcome in your DUI case.

How Can Our Dubuque DUI Attorney Help?

If you have been charged with an OWI, you will quickly find yourself facing a long to-do list. In addition to the criminal justice system, you’ll need to work with the DOT, take a class, install a breathalyzer in your car, and schedule a substance abuse evaluation. And, to add to your stress, the organizations involved often aren’t very helpful—or concerned about your budget.

That’s where our DUI defense attorneys come in. Our legal team of criminal defense lawyers has figured out the most efficient way to get you back to driving as soon as possible. We’ve built partnerships to help you save money. And we offer a unique fee structure that makes it easier to budget for legal fees.

Most importantly, you will always know what is going on with your case because we work as a team to keep you in the loop, and we are just a text away.

For a FREE consultation, contact our skilled Dubuque County DUI lawyers today.