Des Moines Iowa Law Blog
How does Iowa manage juvenile offenders accused of a crime?
Because the prefrontal cortex in a teenager has yet to fully develop, they don't fully consider the consequences of the decisions they make. Teenagers can fail to acknowledge the potential physical risks associated with a choice -- to say nothing of the potential...
The consequences of a drug conviction for students
If you live in Iowa, it might be a good time to have a refresher chat with your young adult college student about the potential problems that come along with a drug conviction. Effective Jan. 1, 2020, Illinois became the latest state to legalize the drug’s...
How do you enforce a divorce decree?
Your divorce is over but none of the battles with your ex seem to ever end. Despite what your final judgment says, your ex-spouse persists in treating the court’s orders like mere suggestions. It’s frustrating -- and it keeps you from focusing on your future. So what...
Talking to teens about police interactions
It’s tough to watch teenagers grow. They’re no longer at an age when you can keep an eye on them every minute and they have to make a lot of choices for themselves. Some of those choices may eventually bring them into contact with the police -- and your teen needs to...
What to say when the police ask probing questions at a traffic stop
You’re on the way home from a lovely night out with your friends or family members when you see those unmistakable red-and-blue lights in your rearview mirror. You’re nervous about the potential for a drunk driving charge because you had a drink or two at dinner. So...
Can you be penalized for an addiction to prescription medications?
When you were first diagnosed with chronic pain after an injury, you were told that there were medications that could help. Everyone you spoke with made you feel positive that these were the right choice for you, because they weren’t addictive or harmful to your body....
What happens if you lie during a divorce proceeding?
Surely, a little falsehood isn’t that big of a deal during a divorce, right? After all, couples who aren’t getting along often start hiding information from each other and letting go of those deceptions can be uncomfortable, at best. Think again. A divorce case out of...
The escalating consequences of OWI charges in Iowa
Operating while intoxicated (OWI) is a relatively common criminal charge. Given that an OWI is traffic-related and that many people consider it a minor offense if the driver did not cause a crash, injuries to others or property damage, some individuals in Iowa facing...
What happens if your ex tries to move away with your kids?
If your former spouse gets physical custody of your children, you may only have visitation with them. While you have limited time with them, you cherish your visits. But what happens if your ex wants to move away? Being in the same area as your children helps you be a...
Is it your fault that your child got arrested?
When a child gets in trouble with the law, parents often blame themselves. They think they did something to turn the child into a criminal or to encourage that behavior. They feel like they failed as parents. However, researchers say that it is not always the parents'...
