Iowa DUI

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Like in most states, a charge for DUI in Iowa will result in two cases: one in front of a court judge and one in front of the Iowa Motor Vehicle Division, where one defends his or her driving privileges.

DUI laws in Iowa

A person can be charged with driving under the influence in the state of Iowa if he or she was found to have been driving with a blood alcohol level of 0.08% or more, traces of illegal substances were found in his or her system, and he or she was operating a motor vehicle during these times. Iowa laws are clear--anyone found intoxicated inside a non-running vehicle cannot be charged with driving under the influence, even if the key is in the ignition.

First-time offenders can expect a possible jail time that could last a year, suspension of driving privileges, and a $1500 fine. There is also a mandatory minimum penalty of two days in jail and a fine of $1250 with a government surcharge of $400.

Second offenses will warrant up to two years in jail and a fine of $5000, along with the mandatory minimum penalty of 7 days in jail and a fine of $1850.

Third offenses in Iowa are considered to be Class D felonies and come with severe consequences, punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a fine of $7500.

Expungement of a DUI conviction in Iowa

There is no process for the expungement of a DUI conviction in the state of Iowa. This is the reason why getting a good lawyer who specializes in Iowa DUI laws is a must if you do not want to tarnish your police record with a DUI conviction.