Legal Question in Criminal Law in Iowa

I was arrested for misdemeanor possession of marijuana 3 weeks before turning 18. The arresting officer told me I would receive paperwork for juvenile court in the mail. After 3 months with no notice, I was involved in a car accident, and the officer at the scene informed me a warrant had been issued and I had to go to jail to see a judge. I was charged as an adult although I was arrested at 17. Is this legal?


Asked on 2/17/16, 5:52 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Robert Luedeman solo practitioner

There is case law in Iowa to the effect that if a person may have committed an offense while a juvenile, the police can wait to charge them until they've reached the age of 18 and then charge them as an adult. I would suggest that you retain the services of a competent defense attorney to sort this out.

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Answered on 2/17/16, 6:22 am


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