Misdemeanor Attorney In Iowa City

Facing A Misdemeanor Charge In Eastern Iowa

A misdemeanor charge can feel overwhelming. You may be worried about jail, your record, your job, or your license, and you may have little idea what will happen next in court. At Keegan, Tindal & Jaeger, we focus our work on criminal defense and regularly represent people charged with misdemeanors in this part of Eastern Iowa.

Our firm has defended people in criminal court since 1992. Over that time, our attorneys have built a practice that centers on protecting clients’ rights, explaining options clearly, and working to limit the long term impact of a mistake or misunderstanding. We appear in courts in and around Iowa City and across Eastern Iowa, and we know how these cases typically move through the system.

If you or a loved one has been charged, you do not have to walk into the Johnson County Courthouse alone or guess about your options. We offer free consultations so you can talk with our criminal defense lawyers before making decisions that affect your future. Contact us online or call (319) 499-5524 today to schedule an appointment. 

Why Choose Our Misdemeanor Defense

When you search for help after an arrest or citation, you need more than general information about the law. You need a team that works in criminal courtrooms and understands how prosecutors, judges, and probation officers operate. Our firm was founded in 1992, and our attorneys bring roughly half a century of combined criminal defense experience to every case. We focus on defending people against criminal charges, including both misdemeanors and felonies. This means our daily work involves reading police reports, challenging evidence, and negotiating with county attorneys in Eastern Iowa. We use this experience to evaluate your risk realistically and to look for ways to reduce or resolve charges whenever the facts and law support that approach.

Many misdemeanor cases in this area involve driving. Our attorneys are known for defending driving-related offenses and for addressing driver’s license sanctions and CDL disqualifications. For a person who drives for a living or simply needs to get to work, school, or medical appointments, protecting driving privileges can be just as important as avoiding jail. One of our attorneys, J. Dean Keegan, previously worked as a probation officer. That background gives our firm a practical understanding of how probation departments operate and how courts view risk, treatment, and community safety. We draw on that insight when we argue for release conditions, probation terms, or alternatives to jail in misdemeanor cases.

We also pay close attention to scientific and technical evidence. In alcohol related cases, such as operating while intoxicated, breath testing machines and other tools are central to the prosecutor’s case. We understand how these devices are supposed to work, and we look carefully at whether the evidence in your case appears reliable. Our goal is to use every legally sound argument to place you in the best position possible, whether that means seeking a dismissal, a reduced charge, or a negotiated resolution that limits long-term harm.

Misdemeanor Charges We Handle

Misdemeanors in Iowa typically involve potential jail of up to one year and often include fines, court costs, and other requirements. They are less serious than felonies in terms of maximum penalties, but a misdemeanor conviction can still create a permanent criminal record and cause long-term problems. We defend a wide range of misdemeanor charges filed in Johnson County and surrounding counties.

Our attorneys regularly represent people charged with offenses such as operating while intoxicated, simple possession of controlled substances, disorderly conduct, theft, and simple assault. In and around this college community, we also see charges like public intoxication, minor in possession of alcohol, and other offenses that can affect students and young adults. We handle these cases with the same attention as more serious charges, because we know a single conviction can have consequences far beyond the courtroom.

Driving-related misdemeanors are a significant part of our practice. These include offenses that can threaten your license or CDL, such as certain traffic-related misdemeanors, OWI, and some accident-related charges. For many clients, the ability to keep working or continue in a chosen career depends on how these cases are resolved.

Common misdemeanor categories we defend include:

• Operating while intoxicated and other alcohol related driving offenses
• Drug possession and related misdemeanor drug charges
• Assault, domestic-related misdemeanors, and harassment
• Theft, shoplifting, and property-related offenses
• Public intoxication and alcohol offenses involving students and young adults
• Traffic-related misdemeanors that may affect regular or commercial driving privileges

Whether you are facing a first offense or you already have a record, we work to understand your specific situation, your concerns about work or school, and your goals. That information guides how we approach discussions with the county attorney and how we prepare for hearings or trial.

Consequences & How We Defend You

People often assume that a misdemeanor is no big deal because it is not a felony. In reality, even a simple misdemeanor can carry real penalties and lasting consequences. For example, Iowa law can allow for jail time, probation, fines, court costs, and mandatory classes or treatment, depending on the type of charge and your prior record.

Beyond the direct penalties, a conviction can appear on background checks that employers, landlords, and licensing boards often review. Certain misdemeanors can affect professional licenses or certifications. In some situations, immigration status may be impacted by the type of offense and outcome of the case. These collateral consequences are often just as important to our clients as the formal sentence imposed by the court. For driving-related misdemeanors, there may be additional administrative or court-ordered effects on your license. Some offenses can result in a driver’s license suspension. For drivers who hold a commercial license, certain convictions can lead to CDL disqualification. We understand how disruptive loss of driving privileges can be, and we look for ways to protect or restore licenses when the law allows.

When we take on a misdemeanor case, we start by gathering and reviewing the charging documents, police reports, and any available video, such as body camera or in-car recordings. In cases involving breath testing devices or other scientific evidence, we evaluate how that evidence was obtained and whether it appears to comply with required procedures. This careful review helps us identify legal issues, factual disputes, and potential weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. We then talk with you about your background, your concerns, and your priorities. Some clients want to avoid jail at all costs, while others are most focused on employment, school, or immigration issues. With that information, we discuss possible strategies, such as filing motions, negotiating for reduced charges, seeking entry into diversion or other programs when available, or preparing for trial. Our attorneys use their negotiation skills with county attorneys to work toward resolutions that protect what matters most to you.

At every stage, we explain your options in plain language and answer questions about what to expect in court. Although no attorney can control every outcome, our goal is to give you a clear picture of the risks and to use our knowledge of local courts and prosecution practices to advocate for a result that lets you move forward.

What To Do After A Misdemeanor Charge

After an arrest or citation, it can be tempting to act quickly just to get the process over with. Pleading guilty at the first court date might seem like the easiest route, especially if you are embarrassed or simply want to put the incident behind you. However, early decisions can have effects that are difficult or impossible to undo. If you have a pending case related to an incident in Iowa City or elsewhere in Eastern Iowa, it is important to protect your rights from the beginning. Avoid discussing details of the case on social media or with people who may later be witnesses. Be cautious about speaking with law enforcement or others about what happened without first getting legal advice. Even casual statements can find their way into a file and influence how your case is viewed.

You should keep all paperwork you receive, including citations, complaints, and any notices from the Johnson County Attorney or other county attorney offices. These documents usually list your case number, the specific charges, and the date and time of your first appearance or arraignment at the Johnson County Courthouse or another courthouse. Missing a court date can lead to additional problems, such as a warrant, so it is critical to track these dates closely.

After a misdemeanor charge, consider these steps:

• Read your citation or complaint carefully so you know what you are charged with and when to appear
• Gather any documents, photos, or contact information for witnesses that may help explain your side
• Avoid posting about the incident online or sharing details with people who do not need to know
• Plan to appear at every scheduled hearing at the courthouse listed on your paperwork
• Contact our firm promptly to schedule a free consultation so we can review your situation before critical decisions are made

When you meet with us, we explain what typically happens at the first court date in this area and what choices you may be asked to make. Early representation allows us to start communicating with the prosecutor, address issues related to release or license consequences, and begin building a defense that takes your entire situation into account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I Go To Jail For My Misdemeanor?

Jail is possible for many misdemeanors, but it is not automatic. The risk depends on the specific charge, your prior record, and how the judge and prosecutor view the case. We evaluate those factors and work to pursue options that limit or avoid jail whenever possible.

Can You Help Keep This Off My Record?

In some cases, it may be possible to avoid a conviction or reduce its impact on your record. Options can include amended charges, deferred judgments, or diversion programs, depending on eligibility and county practices. We review your background and the facts of the case, then discuss realistic possibilities for protecting your record.

What Happens At My First Court Date In Iowa City?

At the first court date, the judge typically reviews the charges, addresses issues like release conditions, and may ask for a plea. In Johnson County, this often happens at the courthouse in downtown Iowa City. We can appear with you, explain the process, and speak on your behalf during the hearing.

How Can Your Firm Protect My License Or CDL?

For driving-related misdemeanors, we look at both the criminal case and any related administrative issues that may affect your license or CDL. Our attorneys regularly handle cases involving license sanctions and CDL disqualifications and work to identify strategies that may protect or restore driving privileges when the law allows.

How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Misdemeanor Lawyer?

The cost depends on the type and complexity of the case. We always start with a free consultation so you can discuss your situation with an attorney at no charge. During that meeting, we explained our fee structure clearly and answered questions about what is included in our representation.

Talk To A Misdemeanor Lawyer Today

A misdemeanor case can affect your freedom, your record, and your ability to work or attend school. You do not have to guess about the law or rely on secondhand information when important decisions are in front of you. Our attorneys bring decades of criminal defense experience and a strong focus on driving offenses and scientific evidence to every case we handle.

Keegan, Tindal & Jaeger has offices in Iowa City, Cedar Rapids, and Davenport, and regularly appears in courts throughout Eastern Iowa. We take time to understand your concerns, review the evidence, and explain your options so you can make informed choices. Your first step is a conversation with us about what happened and what matters most to you.

To discuss your misdemeanor case in a free, confidential consultation, contact our firm today. Call (319) 499-5524 to speak with our team.