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Driving Under The Influence In Iowa: An Aggressive Des Moines OWI Lawyer

Drinking alcohol can affect your ability to make good choices. As a result, getting arrested for drunk driving or driving under the influence can be quite common, especially for those who have never been in trouble with the law.

If you have been arrested for drunk driving in Des Moines or its surrounding communities, it is critical that you have an experienced Des Moines OWI lawyer on your side to advocate on your behalf and protect you from Iowa’s many penalties. My name is Joseph Vogel and I have dedicated my legal practice to criminal defense. As the founder of Vogel Law, PLLC, I help clients in Iowa who are facing OWI charges and penalties.

Comprehensive OWI Defense For Iowa Charges

There is a wide range of drunk driving and operating under the influence charges that can be pursued by prosecutors in Iowa. As an OWI defense lawyer, I represent clients facing charges for:

The penalties for an OWI conviction can be severe. An OWI can affect your driving privileges. You risk having a criminal record. If convicted, you may also have to pay thousands of dollars in fines and rehabilitation programming, as well as even deal with the possible installation of an ignition interlock device on your vehicle.

How Much Does An OWI Cost In Iowa?

The cost of an OWI (operating while intoxicated) in Iowa can extend beyond the initial fine. For a first-time offense, the fine ranges from $625 to $1,250. However, the total cost includes court fees, legal fees and costs associated with mandatory programs.

A second OWI offense carries a fine between $1,875 and $6,250, along with higher court fees and potentially longer stays in jail, which can mean lost wages. Third offenses can lead to even steeper penalties, with fines reaching $9,375, extended jail time and other mandatory penalties.

Additionally, a third offense is considered a felony, which may lead to longer-lasting consequences, including difficulty finding employment, increased insurance premiums and a permanent criminal record.

All these costs can quickly add up, making the total expense for a first-time OWI in Iowa easily exceed $5,000. For repeat offenders, the expenses could be even higher. Understanding the financial impact of an OWI charge is important, as it highlights the need for careful consideration and responsible driving.

What Are The Fines And Additional Costs For An OWI In Iowa?

Besides fines, multiple expenses are associated with an OWI charge in Iowa. One of the mandatory costs is a substance abuse evaluation, which ranges from $100 to $200. Offenders may also be required to complete a state-approved drinking driver’s course, which can cost around $250.

For those whose licenses are suspended, there are fees to reinstate the license, which may range from $20 to $200, depending on the circumstances. Additionally, those required to install an ignition interlock device (a breathalyzer for your car) may face installation and monthly maintenance fees exceeding $1,000 annually.

Legal defense fees, which vary based on the case’s complexity, can also add to the total. When all these costs are combined, a single OWI offense can quickly become a major financial burden.

Protect Your Future With Aggressive Advocacy

As an aggressive criminal defense lawyer, I will carefully investigate the details of your traffic stop and analyze any testing performed by law enforcement, including Breathalyzer tests or field sobriety tests. There are strict rules and protocols for how these arrests must be conducted, and it is not uncommon for police officers to make mistakes that violate your constitutional rights. I will fight to protect your rights and have any illegally gathered evidence thrown out.

As we move forward with your case, if appropriate, I will also work with prosecutors and judges to reach the best possible deal, letting you know all of your options at each step of the process. I will also help you find programs and courses to show the court that you are taking action to ensure that this mistake never happens again.

Consult A Des Moines OWI Defense Attorney Today

I offer a no-obligation initial consultation appointment. I want to help those who have been charged with an OWI in Iowa understand their rights. I will answer your questions and tell you more about how I can help you with your case. To schedule an appointment, you can call me at 515-446-9886 or send me a message using my online form. I am available to my clients day or night.