by Attorney Eric D. Puryear Those who have been served with papers in a civil case (e.g. a divorce, custody, child support, lawsuit, or other such case) should remember that there are strict deadlines that must be met to avoid a Default or other negative consequences in the case.
by Attorney Eric D. Puryear A motion in arrest of judgment in Iowa is a motion made by the defendant that no judgment be entered on a finding, plea, or verdict of guilty. Typically, this type of motion is filed to allow a guilty plea to be withdrawn
by Attorney Eric D. Puryear Speeding ticket (citations) in Iowa are issued by the Iowa Highway Patrol, as well as local law enforcement from counties and cities. Speeding in Iowa can result in a license suspension, insurance increases, or even jail time.
by Attorney Eric D. Puryear Speeding tickets (citations) are issued by local Illinois law enforcement, as well as the Illinois State Police. A speeding ticket can result in license suspension/revocation, higher insurance rates, and even jail time in Illinois.
by Attorney Eric D. Puryear When there are multiple defendants charged with the same crime in Iowa, they can be charged as co-defendants in the same Trial Information, which is the formal charging document. If co-defendants are charged in the same Trial Information, then they will have a joint trial where they are all tried at the same time. In some cases, it may be best for a defendant to have co-defendants charged separately with separate trials
by Attorney Eric D. Puryear In Illinois, the crime of resisting arrest is defined by 720 ILCS 5/31-1 as the crime committed under the following circumstances:
by Attorney Eric D. Puryear The crime of criminal damage to property is defined in Illinois by 720 ILCS 5/21-1 as follows. Criminal damage to property is commonly thought of as “vandalism” but can also cover other offenses in Illinois.
by Attorney Eric D. Puryear Iowa Code Section 716 defines the crime of criminal mischief as any damage, defacing, alteration, or destruction of property is criminal mischief when done intentionally by one who has no right to so act. In essence, criminal mischief in Iowa is what we more commonly call vandalism.
by Attorney Eric D. Puryear Postconviction relief proceedings in Iowa are governed by Iowa Code Chapter 822. Postconviction relief proceedings are civil actions attacking a criminal conviction and/or sentencing
by Attorney Eric D. Puryear The crime of Trespass is defined by Iowa Code section 716.7 as the crime a person commits any of the following acts:
by Attorney Eric D. Puryear The crime of Criminal Trespass to Real Property in Illinois is defined by 720 ILCS 5/21-3 as follows:
by Attorney Eric D. Puryear The crime of Criminal Trespass to Vehicles is defined by 720 ILCS 5/21-2 as the crime a person commits when he or she knowingly and without authority enters any part of or operates any vehicle, aircraft, watercraft or snowmobile.
by Attorney Eric D. Puryear When the Iowa juvenile court takes action against a parent’s rights, that parent can appeal. Child in need of assistance (CINA) appeals in Iowa are governed by the Iowa Rules of Appellate Procedure and the Rules on Electronic Document Management System, which are the electronic filing of court documents. Because appeals are time sensitive and have specific requirements, it is highly advisable
by Attorney Eric D. Puryear At some point during their divorce case, many people will encounter attempts at manipulation from their spouse. This manipulation can center around just about any of the matters that exist in a divorce case, and is important to handle correctly as the outcome of a divorce case will affect a person’s life for years and years.
by Attorney Eric D. Puryear Those convicted of a crime in Iowa have a right to appeal that conviction. Criminal Appeals in Iowa are governed by the Iowa Rules of Appellate Procedure and the Rules on Electronic Document Management System, which are the electronic filing of court documents. Because appeals are time sensitive and have specific requirements, it is highly advisable to contact an attorney immediately
by Attorney Eric D. Puryear The US Department of Labor imposes requirements as to employee wage and hours worked record keeping. Failing to comply with those requirements can subject an employer to penalties, and can also harm the employer’s ability to defend against alleged labor law violations.
by Attorney Eric D. Puryear When a person and their spouse believe they are in agreement about every aspect of their divorce case, they will often express a desire to get divorced without having to “go to court.” This article addresses what is commonly meant by such a statement and how uncontested divorces in Iowa and Illinois work.
by Attorney Eric D. Puryear In situations where the parents of a child are no longer together, the parent with primary care of the child may decide to move at some point. For the other parent, that could in essence mean losing their child. Iowa law addresses that by considering a move of 150 miles to be a material change in circumstances, which justifies a Petition to Modify custody and physical care.
by Attorney Eric D. Puryear Grandparents are often very involved with grandchildren, and those bonds that are formed can be meaningful to both the grandparent and grandchild. In many situations, events will occur that result in the child’s parent or parents no longer allowing the grandparent to see the child. Depending upon the circumstances, there may
by Attorney Eric D. Puryear A person who is served with papers for a child custody case is often shocked and upset by the situation. Handing things the right way during that upsetting time is important, as missteps can result in lasting harm to a person’s child custody situation.