Drivers in Iowa know, or should know, that if they are arrested for drunk driving they will face fines, license suspension and a possible jail sentence. They should also know that the penalties get worse for repeat offenses.
For some types of charges, a driver's license will be revoked. License revocation is mandatory for those found to have committed a number of infractions, including committing manslaughter while driving drunk. A license may be revoked immediately for those who fail a blood alcohol test. What's more, Iowa has an implied consent law, meaning that licensed drivers are considered to have consented in advance to submitting to a blood alcohol content test if they are pulled over on suspicion of drunk driving. This means that those who refuse to take a test can have their license revoked on the spot, too.
Drivers may be able to get a license reinstated after a suspension period. To do so, they may have to pass tests and pay fines.
It's important to remember however, that all those who are accused of drunk driving are entitled to a defense. A suspension period can seriously limit a person's ability to live a normal life, or even get to work. It's important to try to minimize or avoid this penalty.
Fighting traffic citations and habitual violator penalties is serious business, especially for those who depend on their vehicles for work and daily transportation. For information on fighting these charges and the penalties that go along with a conviction, people should consult with an experienced Iowa defense attorney.
Source: Iowa Department of Transportation, "Protecting Your Driving Privileges," accessed Feb. 20, 2015