Goodman Law Firm OWI Defense Defending Drivers Throughout Iowa

Sioux City OWI Defense Lawyer

Defending OWI in North & Southwest Iowa

Every drunk or drugged driving case is unique. Almost limitless details and situations can affect the outcome of an OWI charge. At Goodman Law Firm, your defense attorney looks for the details in every case that can mean the difference between a conviction and a dismissal.

Attorney Bryan Goodman knows what to review and evaluate in any OWI case because of his years of advanced DUI training from organizations such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the National College for DUI Defense. His ability to assess all aspects of any OWI charge through detailed and informed investigation can provide specifics and technicalities aimed at the best possible results.

From my offices in Sioux City, I serve Iowans in the surrounding areas, including Plymouth County, Sioux County, Woodbury County, and O'Brien County, with comprehensive OWI representation.

You can reach us via the online contact form or call (712) 373-2621 to book a consultation with a Sioux City OWI defense attorney about your case.

Basics of an IOWA OWI

Iowa drunk or drugged driving charges can be brought in several situations, including operating a vehicle while:

Having a blood or breath alcohol concentration (BAC) over .08 percent
Under the influence of alcohol (as observed by law enforcement regardless of BAC)
Having any controlled substance in your body
Under the influence of drugs, including prescribed medications, if they are not taken per your physician's directions and the labeling directions of the providing pharmacy

These cases can include first-offense OWI, repeat offenses, underage OWI, commercially licensed OWI, OWI with injury, and OWI involving fatalities.

Statute of Limitations

If you were given an OWI Implied Consent Form (Request and Notice under Iowa Code Chapter 321J/Section 321.208), you only have 10 days from the day you were given the form to file an appeal. We strongly encourage you to contact Goodman Law Firm as soon as possible so we can help you understand the appeal process and work with you to keep your license.

The Consent Form is a legal document associated with OWI which serves multiple purposes. It includes a request for chemical testing under Iowa’s implied consent law, a notice of the administrative actions that will be taken against your driving privileges should you refuse to submit to chemical testing or if the test results show an alcohol concentration of .08 or more, or the presence of drugs. It also includes information about the disqualification from operating commercial motor vehicles, as indicated under Section 321.208.

The document informs you of your rights and the consequences of your actions, including the possibility of license revocation or suspension and the conditions under which a temporary restricted license might be issued.

It also details your rights regarding contesting the administrative actions, the process for requesting a hearing, and the timelines involved.

Iowa License Revocations

If your license is revoked, you missed the deadline to appeal, or you lose your appeal, you will be subject to a minimum suspension of 180 days. The revocation could last for up to six years if this is a third offense or an OWI charge that involves the death of another person.

While a restricted license may be available in some cases, the length of the revocation and the availability of a restricted license depend on many factors, including:

Your age
The level of alcohol present in your tests
Whether or not an accident happened
If you've been convicted or pled guilty to other OWI charges

OWI Penalties in Iowa

The State of Iowa enforces strict penalties for OWI offenses. These penalties escalate with the number of convictions, reflecting the state's stance on repeat offenses. Understanding the implications of each conviction level is essential to give insight into how the law affects your case.

First Offense OWI

For a first-time OWI offense, individuals may face the following:

Up to one year in jail, with a mandatory minimum of 48 hours.
A fine ranging from $625 to $1,250, plus court costs and surcharges.
A mandatory driver’s license revocation for 180 days up to one year.
Possible requirement to undergo a substance abuse evaluation and complete any recommended treatment program.

Second Offense OWI

A second OWI offense carries more severe penalties, including:

A mandatory minimum jail sentence of seven days, up to two years.
A fine of $1,875 to $6,250.
Mandatory driver’s license revocation for one to two years.
Vehicle impoundment or immobilization for a period.
A requirement for substance abuse treatment following an assessment.

Third and Subsequent Offenses OWI

Third and subsequent OWI offenses are considered felonies in Iowa, with penalties that include:

A mandatory minimum of 30 days in jail, with the possibility of up to five years.
A fine ranging from $3,125 to $9,375.
Driver’s license revocation for six years.
Installation of an ignition interlock device on any vehicle you drive.
Substance abuse treatment is required following an evaluation.

You can reach us via the online contact form or call (712) 373-2621 to book a consultation with a Sioux City OWI defense attorney about your case.

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Client Testimonials

In Their Own words

Five-Star Reviews from Happy Clients

"Ethical and Compassionate"
Bryan Goodman has represented me in a fair and honest manner. He presented all of the options available to me and worked very hard to be sure which approach was best in my case.

- Ben D.
"Fantastic Service"
Professional and worked with me one-on-one. Responded to questions diligently. Fantastic service.

- Braydon I.
"Amazing, Honest, and Professional"
I retained him and he was amazing, honest, and professional. He won my case, and I got my DUI dropped!! If you're looking for a lawyer who is going to fight for you, this is your guy!!

- Rebecca F.
"The Guy to Get it Done"
Very smart and an easygoing guy and knows the law! Bryan will never leave you hanging and doesn't just care about the money - if I could give him ten stars, I would!

- Dalton M.
"He's Fully Invested in You"
Talk about a guy who is fully invested in YOU! If you find yourself ever needing Bryan's services, he WILL listen and advocate for you every step of the way, without personal judgment.

- Former Client
"No Surprises With Bryan"
If strong criminal representation is important for you, I highly recommend him: No surprises—constant communication—fair rates—and he is not reluctant to go to trial. I am truly thankful.

- Former Client

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Probation

Following the imposition of penalties such as fines, jail time, and license revocation for OWI convictions, you may also be subject to probation. Probation serves as an alternative or supplement to imprisonment, aiming for rehabilitation under specific conditions.

The terms of probation can vary significantly based on the severity of the offense, your criminal history, and the court's discretion.

Generally, probation conditions for OWI offenses in Iowa may include:

Regular reporting: Offenders must report to a probation officer at scheduled intervals to verify compliance with probation conditions.
Alcohol and drug counseling: Mandatory participation in alcohol and drug counseling or treatment programs may be required to address substance abuse issues.
Community service: Engaging in a certain number of hours of community service within a specified period is often mandatory.
Ignition Interlock Device (IID): An IID on all vehicles you operate may be required, particularly in cases of repeat offenses or high BAC levels.
Abstinence from alcohol and drugs: Probation typically mandates abstaining from alcohol and illegal drugs, with regular substance testing to enforce compliance.
Employment or educational engagement: You might be required to maintain or seek employment or participate in educational programs as part of the rehabilitation process.

Each OWI conviction also has additional repercussions, such as increased insurance rates, potential loss of employment, and long-term impact on your criminal record. At Goodman Law Firm, we aim to mitigate these consequences by offering rigorous defense strategies tailored to your case.

The Cost of an Iowa OWI Conviction

The cost of an OWI conviction is greater than the cost of a good defense attorney. While hiring an attorney to handle your case may not have been in your budget, a guilty plea or a conviction for an OW is even more expensive, and the impact is long-lasting.

Between the Department of Transportation fees, court fines, alcohol or drug class costs, and increased insurance costs, an OWI can easily cost several thousand dollars. Goodman Law Firm can help reduce the financial impact if you call us early enough.

Understanding OWI Charges in Iowa

Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) charges in Iowa can have serious legal consequences, including fines, license suspension, and even jail time. It's important to understand the laws and potential penalties associated with OWI offenses in order to make informed decisions about your defense.

Our experienced Sioux City OWI defense lawyers are well-versed in Iowa OWI laws and have a successful track record of defending clients facing OWI charges. We can provide expert legal guidance and aggressive representation to help you navigate the legal process and achieve the best possible outcome for your case.

Key aspects of OWI defense in Iowa that we can help with include:

Evaluating the circumstances of the traffic stop and arrest
Challenging the results of field sobriety tests and chemical tests
Negotiating plea bargains or pursuing alternative sentencing options
Building a strong defense strategy tailored to your specific case

Ready to get started? Reach out today at (712) 373-2621 or on the online contact form for a consultation with a Sioux City OWI attorney.

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I've Got Your Back
As your attorney, I want to help take your legal burden off of your shoulders. Start by telling me your story, and I'll take care of the rest.
Experienced in the Courtroom
I have years of jury trial experience, meaning I'm well prepared to advocate for you should your case reach the courtroom.
Award-Winning Attorney
I have received the Forensic Science and Trial Skills award from the National College of DUI Defense, an award given to very few DUI attorneys nationwide.
Advanced Certifications in the Field
As a certified DWI Detection and Standardized Sobriety Testing Instructor, I'm even qualified to teach police officers on the subject.