Iowa City Criminal Defense Law Blog

A drunk driving accident can result in significant damage and hardship in the life of a victim. That individual may have to suffer through years of recovery in order to mend their injuries and overcome their fears of being involved in a life-altering crash. For others, surviving a drunk driving accident may not be a guarantee. Fatalities from drunk driving crashes in Florida are both devastating and common.

According to data collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 8,500 people died in drunk driving accidents in Florida between 2003 and 2012. That means that around 850 people lost their lives to drunk drivers in each of the noted years or more than two people per day perished in alcohol-related crashes over the 10-year period.

Taking something that does not belong to you might seem like a minor situation, especially in matters where it was not intentional or you planned on returning it. Nonetheless, theft can be treated rather seriously and could result in harsh criminal consequences. Thus, it is important to understand what theft is and how serious the penalties could be for this crime.

Depending on the situation, a theft charge can carry penalties that range from minor to severe. Various factors come into play when establishing the seriousness of this crime. Even if these factors appear minor and insignificant, they can have a major impact on the penalties faced by the accused, even causing future consequences when they attempt to seek employment.

Many people associate a person's young age with being naïve. This might be true in some cases; however, being young does not essentially mean they do not deserve to be heard, taken seriously or given another chance. Thus, when juveniles are faced with criminal charges, it is important to considered his or her situation and what can be done to ensure his or her adulthood is benefited.

Because the criminal penalties associated with drug crimes can be harsh, it is vital to consider defense strategies that could reduce the impact these criminal consequences could have. This might mean considering the option to use the juvenile diversion program. This program is designed for juveniles in Iowa and elsewhere that have not committed prior offenses and are charged with less serious offenses. This program essentially gives the juvenile a second chance.

It is well known that felonies are more serious than misdemeanors or minor infractions. When individuals in Iowa and elsewhere are accused of a felony, they are rightfully concerned about how this charge could impact their future. The best way to protect oneself is by initiating a criminal defense that could help reduce or even dismiss the charges against the accused.

At our law firm, we understand how overwhelming it is for defendants who are facing serious charges, such as felonies. The penalties that could follow a conviction could harm a person's personal and professional reputation, while also causing them to endure penalties, such as a prison sentence and significant fines. We take the time to explain the matter to our clients and attempt to ensure that they have a realistic perspective on their matter and defense options.