Aggressive Defense
contact UsIowa OWI/DUI Penalties
Fighting for Clients Throughout Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Quad City, Scott County & All of Eastern Iowa
In Iowa, a person's first and second convictions for OWI/DUI are misdemeanors, while a third conviction within 12 years is a felony. Because penalties escalate with each subsequent offense, it is important to obtain skilled legal representation the first time you are charged with an alcohol-related offense. An experienced OWI/DUI defense lawyer may be able to negotiate a plea bargain, minimize your penalties or get the charges dropped in some situations. Attorney J. Dean Keegan is a former probation officer and chemical dependency counselor who understands how OWI/DUI penalties affect clients' lives.
To vigorously defend yourself against a first or second OWI/DUI charge, call (319) 499-5524 to schedule a free initial consultation with one of our drunk driving defense attorneys.
Penalties for First Iowa OWI Offense
These charges are serious. It is important that you do everything possible to avoid a criminal conviction.
The first time you are convicted of OWI/DUI, you face:
- A minimum of 48 hours in jail with a possible maximum sentence of one year
- Fines of up to $1,250
- A substance abuse evaluation and treatment program
- Community service
- Driver's education course
Your license may be revoked for 180 days, though you may be able to apply for a restricted license. If your blood alcohol content measurement (BAC) was above .10 at the time of arrest, you may be required to install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle. If your BAC was above .15, you must wait 30 days before obtaining a restricted license. It is important that you challenge the loss of your license within 10 days of revocation. J. Dean Keegan can keep you driving pending the appeal.
Penalties for Second Iowa OWI Offense
If you are convicted of OWI/DUI for a second time, you face seven days in jail and up to two years in prison. Fines could total several thousand dollars and your license will be revoked for two years.
Other penalties the court may order include:
- Vehicle impoundment
- Substance abuse evaluation and treatment
- Community service
- Driver's education course
Furthermore, you may be forced to wait a full year before you are eligible for a restricted license and an ignition interlock device. For this reason, it's important to challenge your arrest and license revocation.
Contact Us Now
OWI/DUI penalties increase with each conviction, so effectively defending yourself the first time is important. Call Keegan, Tindal & Jaeger today. We accept payments by cash, check, and credit cards.
Dial (319) 499-5524 now or contact us online to get started.
Successful Results for Our Clients
Protecting Your Freedom & Rights
-
Reduced to Public Intoxication OWI/DUI
OWCR012975 Iowa County: The defendant was seated in the driver's seat of her vehicle, in a ditch, when law enforcement came upon her. Her PBT was .180 and she subsequently refused to take the Datamaster. After identifying gaps in the State's prosecution, the State agreed to throw out her refusal and allow the defendant to plead to public intoxication.
-
Case Dismissed Federal Crimes
The defendant was charged with an immigration offense. Through substantial litigation, the defendant was released from jail. As a result of administrative proceedings, the Government was unable to bring the defendant to trial. The case was subsequently dismissed with prejudice on speedy trial grounds following counsel's motion to dismiss.
Southern District of Iowa 3:18-cr-00062.
-
Charge Dismissed Drug Crimes
Scott County case FECR409878, controlled substance violation. Charge dismissed after suppression of illegal search and evidence derived from said search, as well as suppression of evidence following prolonged detention of the Defendant without sufficient legal basis.
-
Acquitted of Multiple Forcible Felonies Federal Crimes
Client found not guilty of all charges, including Sex Abuse in the 2nd Degree and Burglary in the 1st Degree, following a week-long jury trial in Cedar County case FECR026469.
-
No Suspension of Driving Privileges OWI/DUI
Defendant was involved in an ATV accident in which injuries occurred. The defendant relied on his CDL for employment. He was taken to the hospital and law enforcement obtained a warrant for the defendant's blood. He was charged with an OWI. After significant negotiations, the defendant was able to plead to public intoxication with no suspension of his driving privileges.
-
“Would recommend them to anyone.” - Nora H.
-
“I’m very grateful as well as appreciative for you representing me.” - Charles W.
-
“I am glad he was there to get my head out of the guillotine when I needed him and keep my record clean.” - Ryan
