Iowa City & Davenport Drug Crimes Attorney

Defending Against Drug Crime Charges in Cedar Rapids, Quad City, Scott County & All of Eastern Iowa

If you have been charged with a drug offense in eastern Iowa, choosing the right attorney can significantly impact your future and your freedom. Keegan, Tindal & Jaeger have the experience to make a difference in your case. Since 1992, we have been aggressively defending people charged with drug offenses in the Iowa City, Cedar Rapids, and Davenport areas. We are here to help you. Call today to schedule your free consultation and get started planning your legal defense.

Dial (319) 499-5524 now to schedule a free consultation with our drug crimes lawyer in Iowa City & Davenport. You can also contact us online.

Understanding Drug Offense Penalties in Iowa

Being convicted of a drug offense in Iowa can have serious consequences, including potential jail time, fines, and a criminal record. It's important to understand the potential penalties associated with different drug offenses in Iowa, as well as any enhanced penalties for offenses committed near schools or public parks.

Our experienced drug offense lawyers at Keegan, Tindal & Jaeger have a deep understanding of Iowa's drug laws and can provide an aggressive and skillful defense to protect your freedom and rights. We are dedicated to helping our clients navigate the legal system and achieve the best possible outcome for their cases.

If you are facing a drug offense in Iowa City, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, or the surrounding areas, don't hesitate to contact us for a free consultation. Our team is committed to providing successful results for our clients and will work tirelessly to defend your case.

Drug Crime Cases We Handle

Drug crimes defense lawyer J. Dean Keegan worked as a probation officer prior to earning his law degree. He can anticipate how prosecutors think and develop your defense accordingly. Our attorneys have experience in both State and Federal courts with drug cases ranging from simple possession of drug paraphernalia to felony offenses like conspiracy and intent to deliver.

We have successfully handled drug defense cases in Iowa that include:

• Felony possession
• Possession or delivery of marijuana, methamphetamine, crack cocaine, cocaine, and other street drugs
• Possession of pseudoephedrine — a precursor to methamphetamine
• Prescription drug offense charges
• Driver's license sanctions after a drug conviction

Will I Lose My License If I am Convicted of a Drug Offense?

Yes. Iowa does impose a six-month suspension on your driver's license if you are convicted of a drug offense. This suspension will not go into effect until any existing sanctions are complete.

Enhanced Drug Penalties Near Schools & Public Parks

Under the Iowa controlled substances statutes, people who sell or otherwise distribute illegal drugs may have their criminal penalties enhanced significantly, including but not limited to up to 5 additional years in prison upon conviction if they possess a controlled substance with the intent to distribute it in, on, or even near the grounds of a public or private school, school bus, or even a public park or recreation center.

Those who simply possess drugs in such areas are also subject to additional penalties, including 100 hours of community service. The intent of this law is to discourage people from dealing drugs in public areas where children and families are often present, but the enhancement also applies to people within 1000 feet of these areas, which can be confusing and may lead to extremely illogical consequences.

For example, a person gives a gram of marijuana to a friend at his home, which is a block from a small playground. Even if the transaction occurs behind closed doors on private property, and even if it occurs at night when there are no children present at the playground, this would still potentially fall under the Iowa sentence enhancement, and this person could face up to 5 years in prison simply because of where he lives.

People who face felony possession, distribution, and other controlled substance charges should immediately seek their defense options in order to address any legal issues and avoid serious consequences.

What Happens to My Student Financial Aid If I am Convicted of a Drug Offense?

A drug conviction can interfere with your financial aid, though this is a question best answered by contacting your school's financial aid office and by consulting the FAFSA application itself. For more information, please visit the FAFSA website.

Defenses Against Drug Crime Charges

Some common defenses include the following:

• Unlawful Search and Seizure: One of the most powerful defenses in drug crime cases is challenging the legality of the search and seizure. The Fourth Amendment helps protect individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures. If law enforcement officers searched without a valid warrant or probable cause, any evidence obtained during the search might be deemed inadmissible in court. This could lead to the dismissal of charges or a reduction in penalties.
• Lack of Possession: To secure a conviction for drug possession, the prosecution will need to confirm that you had actual or constructive possession of the controlled substance. Actual possession means the drug was found on your person, while constructive possession implies that you had control over the location where the drug was found. If it can be demonstrated that the drugs did not belong to you or were found in a shared space, it may be possible to argue lack of possession.
• Entrapment: Entrapment often occurs when law enforcement officers induce a person to execute a crime they would not have otherwise committed. If it can be shown that you were coerced or persuaded by undercover officers to engage in illegal activity, an entrapment defense may be viable.
• Insufficient Evidence: The burden of proof rests with the prosecution, which must establish your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Challenging the evidence presented by the prosecution can be a very effective defense strategy. This may involve scrutinizing the credibility of witnesses, questioning the chain of custody for the seized drugs, or highlighting inconsistencies in the prosecution's case.
• Medical Necessity: In some cases, individuals charged with drug possession may have a legitimate medical reason for using the substance. If you have a valid prescription for a controlled substance or use medical marijuana in compliance with state laws, a medical necessity defense may apply. This defense requires presenting evidence of a diagnosed medical condition and a doctor's recommendation.

Iowa Drug Offense Lawyers Serving Iowa City, Cedar Rapids, and Davenport

All cases are unique, and some who are charged with drug offenses have special circumstances. Students who face drug charges are at risk of losing financial aid. Conviction of a drug offense can result in significant jail or prison time, which can cause significant hardships and loss of employment. Our Iowa drug possession lawyers work with you to craft a resolution that focuses on your priorities.

Our firm has a deep understanding of the issues involved in drug cases. We bring this understanding and experience to your unique situation to develop a skillful defense. Whether you have been charged with felony drug possession, intent to deliver, or a drug delivery, you have the right to an attorney who can help.

Areas We Serve

Defending those accused of drug offenses in:

• Cedar Rapids
• Davenport
• Quad City
• Scott County
• All of Eastern Iowa

Contact Keegan, Tindal & Jaeger today by dialing (319) 499-5524 to schedule a consultation with our drug crimes attorney in Iowa City & Davenport.