Iowa City & Davenport Drug Crimes Attorney

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.