We understand that our clients do not have exactly the same concerns and will work to provide effective legal representation at a reasonable rates.
If you’ve been charged with OWI in the Iowa Quad Cities, you need fast, knowledgeable legal support. We help you understand your rights, fight unfair charges, and work to protect your license, your freedom, and your future.
In the Quad Cities—including Davenport and Bettendorf—courts handle these cases aggressively. We understand the local prosecutors and court procedures, and we build defenses around constitutional protections, flawed traffic stops, testing irregularities, and lack of probable cause.
An OWI arrest in Iowa can cost you your right to drive—fast. We help you fight back before it’s too late.
Iowa’s OWI laws are strict, but the prosecution must follow every rule. We hold them accountable and defend your rights.
Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) is Iowa’s legal term for what most people call DUI. The penalties for an OWI in Iowa are serious—even for first-time offenders—and include license revocation, costly fines, court-mandated substance abuse evaluations, and even jail time. Local law enforcement in the Quad Cities takes these offenses seriously, and a conviction can have long-lasting impacts on your record, employment, and personal life.
Unlike some states, Iowa uses a tiered system for OWI offenses. A first offense can lead to a 180-day license revocation, up to $1,250 in fines, and potential jail time of up to one year. Penalties increase sharply for second and third offenses, which can become felonies. A BAC of .08% or higher, or any amount if underage or impaired, is enough for arrest.
Our attorneys examine every element of your case—from the legality of the initial stop to the administration of breath, blood, or field sobriety tests. If your rights were violated at any step, we’ll leverage that to get charges reduced or dismissed. In some cases, we help clients access deferred judgments or hardship licenses to minimize disruption to their lives.
In Iowa, the term DUI is legally referred to as OWI—Operating While Intoxicated. Whether you were pulled over in Davenport, Bettendorf, or another part of the Iowa Quad Cities, an OWI arrest can quickly escalate into a serious legal matter. Even a first offense can carry stiff consequences, including license suspension, jail time, and long-term damage to your record. Iowa law enforcement and local courts treat these cases with urgency, and having an experienced defense attorney on your side is essential.
Under Iowa law, you can be charged with OWI if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or higher, or if you’re impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both. For commercial drivers, the threshold is 0.04%. Iowa’s implied consent law means refusing a chemical test can trigger an automatic license revocation—even before you’re formally convicted. In the Quad Cities region, law enforcement agencies coordinate heavily on OWI patrols, especially during weekends and holidays.
Fighting an OWI in Iowa requires more than a general legal defense—it demands familiarity with local traffic enforcement, court procedures, and prosecutorial tactics. Davenport and Bettendorf judges may take different approaches depending on the county and the facts of your case. A seasoned local attorney can challenge the validity of the traffic stop, the accuracy of the breathalyzer or field sobriety tests, and procedural missteps that may violate your rights.
An OWI conviction can jeopardize employment, finances, and your ability to drive. But with proper legal guidance, many cases can be reduced, dismissed, or deferred. Our firm works quickly to review your case, preserve evidence, and fight for alternatives to jail time such as deferred judgments, ignition interlock programs, or substance education courses. In many situations, early action makes the biggest difference—especially if you’re at risk of losing your license.
Iowa uses the term "Operating While Intoxicated (OWI)" instead of DUI. They’re legally the same in practice and refer to operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
A first-time conviction can result in a license revocation of 180 days, a fine up to $1,250, mandatory substance abuse treatment, and possible jail time.
Yes. Many OWI charges can be challenged based on unlawful traffic stops, improper testing procedures, or lack of evidence. A strong legal defense can reduce or dismiss charges.
Not always. You may be eligible for a temporary restricted license (TRL) with an ignition interlock device depending on your situation. Acting quickly is critical.
If you need experienced legal guidance, don’t wait. Contact the attorneys at Mason & Scott, P.C. today to schedule your consultation. We’re here to protect your rights, guide you through your options, and help you move forward with confidence.
