Why do employers run background checks? Background checks have become a regular part of the hiring process for all industries. They provide a relatively reliable way for employers to screen employees. Information discovered in a background check could reveal dishonesty on an application or resume, violent or dishonest behaviour, and
DUI Charges Drinking and driving, apart from being dangerous, carries charges ranging from misdemeanors to felonies. Punishments can include time in jail, fines, restitution, interlock device requirements, restriction or loss of license, mandatory substance abuse classes, community service or a combination of penalties. Specifically, the first offense is considered a
Identity theft affects millions of Americans each year. In fact, it is one of the fastest growing crimes in the country. Victims of identity theft may never recover from the damage caused thus resulting in heavy fines and lengthy sentencing. What is identity theft? Identity theft occurs when an individual
1) No open containers in public places You cannot drink alcohol in public streets, highways, or sidewalks. Open container laws in Iowa prohibit a person from consuming alcohol in most public places except a business that is covered by a liquor license such as a restaurant or bar. You can consume
What is fraud? Fraud most often occurs where someone makes a misrepresentation, knowing that it is false or does not actually exist. Many people have heard of credit card fraud and telephone fraud. While those are among the more common instances, there are seemingly endless practices that can constitute fraud.
If you have a concealed carry permit, it is important to know the rights and responsibilities that come with it. Here, we are specifically addressing what to do if you are concealed carrying during a traffic stop. Iowa is not a “Duty to Inform” state. This means that you
Regulation of I-9 form requirements fall within the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (IRCA). Even though IRCA sounds like immigration law, it actually prohibits employers from hiring any individual, including US citizens, for US employment without using Form I-9. That is, every employer who recruits, refers for a fee,
Drinking and driving can carry serious consequences. The interaction between officer and arrestee leading up to an operating while intoxicated (OWI) charge is complex and can be confusing. See either of my two previous posts, “Stopped by Police, Suspected Drunk Driving?” or “Drunk Driving Laws in Iowa Explained” for a
When applying for a US permanent resident aka green card, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will want to know whether or not the person applying has been implicated in any criminal related acts, other than getting traffic tickets. Here, we are going to talk about how getting charged
While some people are in too much of a hurry to apply for US citizenship, most green card holders have no idea that they qualify for US citizenship or do not know how to go about it. As a legal resident of the US – permanent or conditional, you already
An alleged drunk driver faces criminal charges for DUI after careening off the road and smashing into a residential home in Iowa, according to an article by KWQC. This accident occurred at approximately 11:30 p.m. on November 10, 2017, in Scott County. The driver was attempting to execute a turn.
Every three months, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) releases a report with up-to-date statistics on U.S. immigration. Prepared by the DHS’ Office of Immigration Statistics (OIS), this report provides recent figures on lawful permanent residents, refugee arrivals, and naturalizations, among others. Lawful Permanent Residents In their report, the OIS
It’s a very difficult question to answer, for many reasons. To help answer this question, we can begin by reviewing a reliable resource with data on convictions and exonerations for criminal offenses. One such entity is the National Registry of Exonerations (NRE), a joint project between several law schools. What
If you purchase a firearm from a licensed dealer, you’ll need to fill out a form. That transaction record is required by federal law. While people sometimes think of the transaction record as a registration, it really isn’t. With only a few exceptions, firearms owners in Iowa are not required
Anyone who has been accused of a crime needs a strong advocate. A defense attorney is someone the accused can trust and rely upon. Here are five things that a criminal defendant should expect from a good defense attorney. Personal Attention Client surveys show that the failure to return phone
Suspects who are arrested for a crime would prefer not to be confined in jail until their case is resolved. Fortunately, most suspects are released pending trial. While suspects refer to their release as being “bailed out of jail,” the concept of bail is often misunderstood. Here are five things
The Constitution gives every person the right to a lawyer if they are prosecuted for a crime that could result in a jail sentence. The effective assistance of counsel is part of that right. A lawyer is more than a warm body. To fulfill the right to counsel, a lawyer
Noncitizens who marry American citizens are given a preference in obtaining visas that will allow them to enter or remain in the United States. Since many noncitizens value the opportunity to live and work in America, that preference is valuable. In some cases, a citizen might propose or enter into
It is a crime in Iowa to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or a drug. Iowa lawyers often refer to the offense as OWI or DUI, but however it is abbreviated, the name of the crime can be deceptive. “Operating” has a broader meaning than
I was so lucky that Mr. Scheetz was my Immigration Lawyer. Everything seemed to turn from black to white after meeting with him. His immediate attention and action were extremely impressive. Thank you!
– Gina B.
I am so grateful for what Mr. Scheetz did for my cousin William J., he saved his life. And also he proved me wrong. My family and I are eternally thankful for all his efforts.
– Mike N.
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