Des Moines Iowa Law Blog
The fine line between possession and possession with intent
Possession of prohibited or controlled substances is probably the most common drug offense. However, some people who believe that their only crime was having an illegal substance might find out, much to their shock and dismay, that law enforcement in Iowa suspects...
Will you avoid these mistakes during a DUI traffic stop?
Should a police officer have reason to believe you’re driving under the influence of alcohol, they won’t hesitate to pull you over. Even if you’re sober, they want to get a better idea of what’s going on and whether or not you’re in condition to continue down the...
Red flags that indicate your marriage could end in a divorce
Your personal experience of life will go through cycles of improvement and decline, as will your relationship with your spouse. Most couples go through periodic hard times but then overcome them and move on together. There's a reason that standard marriage vows...
Can you refuse a breathalyzer test in Iowa?
In some states, you have the right to refuse a breath test for alcohol, but Iowa state code effectively bars this. You are “deemed to have given consent” to a test when you get into your vehicle. These can be blood tests, breath tests, urine tests or chemical tests....
Graffiti and vandalism in Iowa: What every parent needs to know
If you’re a parent, you know that kids -- particularly teenagers -- do some really foolish things. Teens are old enough to want to express their individuality and opinions, but not quite old enough to always understand the full consequences of their actions. Is it any...
Child support matters require focus and attention from both parents
When you are divorcing, it can be hard to focus on any one element of the proceedings. Most find that their thoughts and emotions fluctuate according to the topic at hand. This is particularly troubling when you have children to worry about in addition to yourself....
Has the time come to consider divorce?
There could come a time in your marriage when you begin to wonder if things are going as planned. Should you be unable to work through your concerns with your spouse, divorce may move to the forefront of your mind. If the time has come to consider divorce, it’s...
Bored teens and the impact on crime
Teen crime happens for many reasons. They may want to impress their friends. They may like the thrill. They may not understand how serious their decisions are. They may feel like they have no choice -- with financial crimes and limited income, for instance. One major...
Why do divorced parents struggle with co-parenting?
Your divorce is in the past and it’s time to look toward the future. If you have children with your ex-spouse, however, that means co-parenting with them until the kids reach the legal age of 18. Even if you go into co-parenting with the best intentions, it has the...
Underage drinking and the reasons it happens
Parents are well aware that underage drinking happens in the United States. People are theoretically not supposed to have a drink until they turn 21, but many young people look at that as merely the age when they can go to the bar or buy alcohol on their own. They...
