Iowa
DWI / DUI Lawyer in Iowa
A DWI or DUI charge threatens your license, your record, and sometimes your freedom. These cases need real defense work — evidence review, procedural challenges, and negotiation. Start with a consultation so an attorney can evaluate your specific case.
Talk to us before you pay that ticket
Charges like this one start with a short call. A licensed Iowa attorney reviews your case and explains your options before you pay anything.
Request a free consultation- Win rate
- 98%
- Drivers helped
- 5,000+
- Saved for drivers
- $7M+
- Avg. insurance savings
- $1,422
How it works
Three steps from ticket to result.
- STEP 01
Share your ticket
Upload your citation and basic details in minutes.
- STEP 02
An attorney takes over
A licensed attorney reviews your case and walks you through your options.
- STEP 03
Get updates until it's done
We keep you posted at every step — most cases end with a reduced or dismissed charge.
Why it matters in Iowa
What a dwi / dui costs in Iowa
- Typical fine
- $1,250 minimum fine first offense (plus surcharges and program costs)
- License points
- No points — OWI triggers its own license revocation under Iowa Code chapter 321J
- Insurance impact
- An OWI conviction typically doubles Iowa premiums and requires SR-22 filing for two years.
- License risk
- 180-day revocation for a first-offense test failure (one year for refusal), plus a serious misdemeanor with a mandatory minimum 48 hours in jail.
Frequently asked questions
Iowa calls it OWI — is that the same as DUI?
Yes. Iowa charges 'operating while intoxicated' under Iowa Code chapter 321J. It covers alcohol at .08+, drugs, or any amount of a controlled substance, and it is a criminal charge — a serious misdemeanor on a first offense.
What happens to my license right after an Iowa OWI arrest?
The Iowa DOT starts a civil revocation separate from the criminal case — 180 days for a failed test, a year for a refusal — and the window to appeal it is short. Speak with an attorney immediately so both tracks get handled.
Why don't you quote a flat fee for OWI cases?
Because no responsible attorney can price an OWI without reviewing it. The stop, the field tests, the DataMaster breath procedure, and your record all shape the defense. Start with a consultation and a licensed Iowa attorney will evaluate your case before quoting anything.
Can a first-offense Iowa OWI be reduced or deferred?
Sometimes. Iowa allows deferred judgment for many first offenders, which can keep the conviction off your record if you complete probation. Whether that — or a suppression challenge — is your best path is exactly what the consultation determines.
Will I be able to drive at all during the revocation?
Most first-offense drivers can obtain a temporary restricted license, generally with an ignition interlock. An attorney can walk you through DOT eligibility as part of the overall defense plan.
Talk to us before you pay that ticket
Tell us about your case and we'll connect you with a licensed attorney who can evaluate your options — no obligation.
Request a free consultation