PRACTICE AREAS

Domestic abuse is an assault between persons who have or have had a “domestic” relationship in the recent past. It is treated differently than an assault between people who aren’t in a domestic relationship because there is a different dynamic in place when an intimate partner assaults the other partner. A conviction carries a MANDATORY minimum of two days in jail, mandatory attendance in the Iowa Domestic Abuse Program, continued court monitoring of compliance with the program, and, in most cases, supervised probation. There can be fines,  surcharges and court costs assessed upon conviction and a civil penalty if a deferred judgment is granted. You might be eligible for a deferred judgment. The outcome of a case depends on the facts and circumstances of the case and whether there is a prior criminal record or not.

Same advice as for misdemeanors – I take most felonies. The stakes are higher. The facts matter. The law, as it is being applied to you, matters. Your rights matter. Your life and the impact this has on you and your family matters. We will figure out what you want together, set a plan, and I’ll implement that plan to the best of my ability.