What Iowa Law Actually Charges as “Drug Trafficking”
Iowa doesn’t use the word “trafficking” in its statutes. What most people call drug trafficking is prosecuted under Iowa Code 124.401, which prohibits manufacturing, delivering, or possessing a controlled substance with intent to manufacture or deliver. If you’ve been charged under that statute, you’re facing what the public and the courts commonly treat as a trafficking-level offense.
The definition of “delivery” under Iowa law is broader than most people expect. It covers actual, constructive, and attempted transfers of a controlled substance. Drugs don’t have to physically change hands, and prosecutors don’t need to prove money was exchanged. A single attempt can be enough to trigger the charge.
Felony class and penalty range depend on drug type and quantity:
- Class C felony: Delivery of most Schedule I, II, or III controlled substances in smaller quantities carries up to 10 years in prison and a fine between $1,000 and $50,000
- Class B felony: Larger quantities of heroin or cocaine can reach Class B status, carrying up to 50 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million
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Drug Trafficking Attorney in Des Moines
Over 35 Years of Criminal Defense. Appellate Wins on Narcotics Search Issues.
A drug trafficking charge under Iowa Code 124.401 carries felony-level consequences that can include decades in prison and six-figure fines. At McEnroe, Steinbach, Rothman & Kendell P.C., our attorneys have defended these cases in Des Moines for over 35 years, and our work on narcotics search issues has reached the Iowa Supreme Court and Iowa Court of Appeals. That appellate record isn’t incidental to trafficking defense. In most of these cases, the legality of the search is the central question.
Our attorneys, Steinbach, Rothman, and Kendell, have handled criminal matters at every level of Iowa’s court system. We represent clients facing state charges at the Polk County Courthouse and, when a case crosses into federal jurisdiction, before the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Iowa.
If you’ve been arrested or are under investigation for drug delivery or possession with intent in Des Moines, call us now at (515) 516-3745. After-hours intake answering is available for arrests that happen at night or on weekends.
Why Partner Daniel J. Rothman’s Appellate Record Matters for Your Case
Partner Daniel J. Rothman has obtained published rulings from both the Iowa Supreme Court and the Iowa Court of Appeals on illegal narcotics search issues. Those rulings establish precedent that can apply in current cases when law enforcement conducted a search without proper authority. A suppression motion that removes the prosecution’s key evidence can fundamentally change the trajectory of a case.
Our attorneys also bring a prosecutorial perspective. Before joining the firm, members of our team served as prosecutors in Polk, Story, and Des Moines County. They know how these cases are built from the other side, which shapes how we challenge them. That combination of appellate experience and prosecutorial insight is what we bring to trafficking-level charges specifically.
We also recognize that a serious felony charge doesn’t conform to business hours. Our after-hours intake line is available for clients who need to reach us after an evening or weekend arrest. Our team includes French and Chinese speakers for clients who communicate best in those languages.
Talk to a Drug Trafficking Lawyer in Des Moines Today
Cost is a legitimate concern when you’re facing a charge of this magnitude. We offer payment plan options, accept credit cards, and have options for clients facing a first offense who are worried about the expense of representation.
Contact McEnroe, Steinbach, Rothman & Kendell P.C. to speak with a drug trafficking attorney in Des Moines. Call (515) 516-3745 now. After-hours intake answering is available.
