Operating a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol (OWI) is against the law in Iowa. Those who cannot drive safely because they have had too much to drink and those who are over the legal limit for their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) are at risk of arrest and prosecution. The Iowa criminal courts can potentially hand down an assortment of different penalties for an OWI conviction. Drivers often worry about jail time or financial penalties. They may also feel quite anxious about the prospect of losing their driver’s license. After all, being unable to drive can affect someone ..read more

Your teenager was caught with drugs in their possession, and you’re understandably upset – but don’t let your frustration push you into taking the wrong approach to the situation. If you’re tempted to let your teen “take their punishment” for the drug possession charge in hopes that they’ll learn a lesson or get “scared straight,” you need to think again. Allowing a teen to get a criminal record or even go to jail over a minor drug possession charge can be a huge mistake.  The stigmatization is real A criminal record can make it harder for your child to find employment, secure housing, go ..read more

Amidst the upheaval of untangling a marriage and its many interwoven threads, it can be easy to focus only on the present. Unfortunately, this might mean you have not considered possible future economic concerns, which an alimony award could help forestall. While spousal support looks different in the 21st century than in bygone eras, it still plays a role in many Iowa divorces. Here are a few alimony options for those getting divorced in the Hawkeye State. Traditional spousal support Courts may award traditional support after a long marriage with one spouse who did not work outside the home ..read more

People who are very young when they get married have higher odds of divorce. Those who are 18 and 19 have extremely high divorce odds, and these marriages are relatively rare. But for every year that they wait, those odds will go down by roughly 11%. This means that just putting off marriage until 25 would be beneficial. But even 25 is not ideal. Studies have found that the divorce odds continually decline all the way until age 32. Therefore, some recommend to young couples that they should put off divorce until they are as close to 32 as possible, giving themselves the best chance at long-ter ..read more

As parents, we understand the necessity of teaching our children right from wrong; one of those “wrongs” is stealing. So, when you receive a phone call that your teenager was caught shoplifting, it’s understandable that you would be upset. Educating yourself about the juvenile justice system will allow you and your teen to find a way to navigate this challenging situation. Juvenile offender laws The juvenile justice system is for individuals under the age of 18. If a teenager commits an act that would be considered a criminal charge if committed by an adult, their case will be referred to Iowa ..read more

If you are about to divorce, it is important to be realistic. You are very unlikely to find it easy. The rupture of a marriage can be a very difficult time. However, if you are fortunate, you might find it less awful than you feared. It’s not all sheer luck, though. You can take steps to increase your chances of having a relatively smooth experience. Here are some examples. Set realistic goals If you expect to get everything your own way, you are in for a disappointment. Accept that divorce will require a lot of give and take and that your partner also has their wishes regarding certain matter ..read more

When a marriage ends, there are many things that have to be considered. One of these has to do with property division. What many people don’t realize is that property division is more than dividing assets.  Another primary component of property division is taking care of marital debts. There are two main options for this. Each debt can be assigned to a person or assets can be liquidated so debts can be paid. Anyone going through an Iowa divorce should learn about debts in divorce. Division of debt in Iowa divorces In Iowa, dividing debt during a divorce follows the principles of equitable ..read more

The police use several methods to collect evidence from drivers who are suspected to be drunk. The police will often begin by asking drivers questions, such as where the driver is going or if they were drinking. The police may also look in a vehicle to find open containers of alcohol or drugs. However, these two methods of collecting evidence often don’t help the police. Another way for the police to gather evidence is by asking a driver to perform standardized field sobriety tests. These tests are physical activities that may help the police spot signs of inebriation. Here’s how each of these ..read more

When two people have a glass of wine, they may assume that they are just as intoxicated. If they both have multiple drinks and one person knows that they can’t drive because their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is over the legal limit, they may assume that is true for the other person, as well. But the reality is that a BAC reading can be much different from one person to the next, even when they have had the exact same amount of alcohol. Here are a few different factors that influence how quickly a person’s BAC goes up. Their weight First of all, those who weigh less tend to see their BAC ..read more

Gray divorce, a term that refers to the increasing trend of divorce among older couples, typically after long-term marriages, presents unique challenges and considerations. Unlike younger people going through divorce, individuals experiencing a gray divorce must navigate a complex array of financial, emotional and logistical issues that are specific to their stage in life.  This transition can significantly impact retirement plans, living arrangements and family dynamics, necessitating a thoughtful approach to ensure a stable future. Preparing for a few points is critical for these indivi ..read more