If you were pulled over and found to have either a blood alcohol content of 0.08% or higher, or any amount of a controlled substance in your body, you likely are now facing an OWI charge. OWI stands for “Operating While Intoxicated,” and can warrant a wide range of penalties, including a license suspension, high fines, and even jail time. Fortunately, if you’re reading this, you’ve come to the right place. Contact our dedicated Dallas County OWI lawyers today.
OWI Lawyers: Fighting for Clients Accused of Driving Under the Influence
Here at Iowa Defenders, PLLC, we aggressively defend clients facing OWI accusations. We believe that one mistake should not define your future, and we stand ready to effectively represent you, every step of the way. Reach out to our skilled Dallas County criminal lawyers so we can begin crafting a viable strategy on your behalf.
First-Offense OWI Penalties in Iowa
Importantly, even if this is your first OWI, you can expect to face a wide range of penalties including the following:
- License Suspension: A first-offense OWI conviction typically results in a license suspension for 180 days.
- Fines: Offenders may face fines ranging from $625 to $1,250.
- Jail Time: Possible jail time of up to one year, with a mandatory minimum of 48 hours.
- Substance Abuse Evaluation: Mandatory evaluation and completion of a substance abuse treatment program.
- Ignition Interlock Device: Requirement to install an ignition interlock device (IID) for certain offenders.
Second-Offense OWI Penalties in Iowa
If this is your second OWI, the courts will treat you as a repeat offender. This means you will generally face the following penalties:
- License Suspension: A second OWI conviction usually leads to a suspension of one year.
- Fines: Fines ranging from $1,875 to $6,250.
- Jail Time: Jail time ranging from seven days to two years.
- Substance Abuse Treatment: Mandatory completion of a substance abuse treatment program.
- Ignition Interlock Device: Required installation of an IID for all offenders.
- Community Service: Potential requirement to complete community service hours.
Third-Offense OWIs in Iowa
For a third OWI offense in Iowa, you can expect to face even harsher consequences. The penalties for a third OWI are as follows:
- License Revocation: Revocation of driving privileges for six years.
- Fines: Fines ranging from $3,125 to $9,375.
- Jail Time: Incarceration ranging from 30 days to five years.
- Felony Charge: Classified as a Class D felony.
- Substance Abuse Treatment: Required participation in a substance abuse treatment program.
- Ignition Interlock Device: Mandatory installation of an IID upon license reinstatement.
Underage OWIs
If you receive an OWI and are under the age of 21, you can expect to face the following penalties:
- License Suspension: Suspension of driving privileges for up to 60 days.
- Fines: Fines up to $1,000.
- Alcohol Education Program: Mandatory completion of an alcohol education or treatment program.
- Community Service: Potential requirement to complete community service hours.
- No Jail Time: Typically no jail time for first offenses, but repeated offenses may lead to incarceration.
OWI With a CDL in Iowa
If you’re charged with an OWI and you have a commercial driver’s license, you will, unfortunately, also face the prospect of losing your ability to make a living. The penalties for an OWI with a CDL (Commercial Drivers License) in Iowa are as follows:
- License Suspension: Disqualification of CDL for one year for a first offense.
- Lifetime Ban: Lifetime disqualification of CDL for a second offense.
- Fines: Standard OWI fines apply.
- Jail Time: Standard OWI jail time applies.
- Substance Abuse Treatment: Required completion of a substance abuse treatment program.
- Employment Impact: Significant impact on employment opportunities within the commercial driving sector.
Refusing Chemical Testing Penalties in Iowa
If you are arrested and have had one or more alcoholic beverages, you may be tempted to simply refuse to take a breathalyzer test. Unfortunately, chemical test refusal will be met with penalties as well. The penalties you may face for refusing chemical testing in Iowa are as follows:
- License Revocation: Revocation of driving privileges for one year for the first refusal.
- Increased Revocation: Revocation for two years for second refusal or subsequent refusals.
- Ignition Interlock Device: Mandatory installation of an IID upon license reinstatement.
- Fines: Additional fines may be imposed.
- Evidence in Court: Refusal can be used as evidence of guilt in court proceedings.
Our Lawyers Can Defend You Against OWI Charges
At Iowa Defenders, PLLC, we understand that being charged with an OWI can be overwhelming, but it’s important to remember that you have legal rights and options. Our experienced Dallas County OWI lawyers are skilled in identifying and employing effective defenses to challenge the charges against you. Some common defenses against OWI charges include:
- Improper Traffic Stop: Challenging the legality of the initial traffic stop if there was no probable cause.
- Faulty Breathalyzer Results: Arguing that the breathalyzer test was improperly administered or the device was not calibrated correctly.
- Field Sobriety Test Issues: Questioning the accuracy and administration of field sobriety tests, which can be subjective and prone to error.
- Medical Conditions: Demonstrating that certain medical conditions could have affected the results of sobriety tests or breathalyzer readings.
- Chain of Custody Errors: Highlighting issues with how evidence was handled, stored, or processed, potentially leading to its dismissal.
- Violation of Rights: Asserting that your rights were violated during the arrest process, which could lead to suppression of evidence.
Ultimately, the defense your lawyer uses will depend on the specific circumstances of your case. That said, the lawyer you choose to represent you can make a world of difference in the outcome you receive. Our Dallas County OWI lawyers have represented clients facing OWI charges in Iowa for decades, and we stand ready to effectively represent you as well.
Contact Our Dedicated OWI Lawyers Today
Don’t face an OWI charge on your own. Whether this is your first offense or your third, you need a skilled team of Iowa OWI defense lawyers in your corner who can effectively represent you, every step of the way. Contact Iowa Defenders, PLLC today so we can get started working on your case.