An arrest in Dubuque can turn your life upside down overnight — your job, your family, your record, and possibly your freedom are suddenly on the line. Franz Becker is a criminal defense attorney who grew up in Dubuque, started his career as a public defender, and has represented thousands of people facing charges ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies.
Your Case in the Dubuque County Courthouse
Criminal cases in Dubuque are filed in the Iowa District Court for Dubuque County, part of Iowa’s First Judicial District, and prosecuted by the Dubuque County Attorney’s Office. Arrests may come from the Dubuque Police Department, the Dubuque County Sheriff’s Office, or the Iowa State Patrol.
Franz knows how cases move through the Dubuque County system — from the first appearance through trial — and he puts that experience to work for his clients. He has argued numerous jury trials to successful verdicts, and prosecutors know he is prepared to try a case when a fair resolution isn’t offered.
Criminal Charges Franz Defends in Dubuque
- Assault and domestic abuse assault, including cases with no-contact orders that can keep you out of your own home
- Drug charges, from possession to possession with intent to deliver
- Theft, burglary, and fraud
- Weapons charges
- Charges arising from a night out in the Historic Millwork District, downtown, or the Port of Dubuque — public intoxication, disorderly conduct, criminal mischief, and interference with official acts
- Probation violations
- Serious and violent felonies
Arrested in Dubuque but Live in Illinois or Wisconsin?
Dubuque sits where three states meet, and plenty of people from East Dubuque, Galena, Platteville, and the surrounding area end up facing charges on the Iowa side of the river. An Iowa conviction can follow you home — affecting your driver’s license, professional licenses, or employment. Franz can help you understand what an Iowa charge means for you and work to reduce the number of trips you have to make back for court when the rules allow it.
What Happens After an Arrest in Iowa
Understanding the process can take away some of the fear. In a typical Iowa criminal case:
- Initial appearance. A judge or magistrate reviews the charge and sets release conditions, which may include bond or a no-contact order.
- Formal charging. For indictable offenses, the State generally must file a trial information or obtain an indictment within 45 days of arrest.
- Arraignment and investigation. Your attorney reviews police reports, video, lab results, and witness statements, and looks for constitutional problems with the stop, search, or questioning.
- Speedy trial. Unless you waive it, Iowa’s rules call for trial within 90 days after formal charges are filed — a deadline that can be a strategic tool.
- Resolution. The case may be dismissed, resolved by negotiation, or decided by a judge or jury. Depending on the charge, options like a deferred judgment may allow you to avoid a conviction on your record.
Protect Yourself Right Now
- You have the right to remain silent. Politely say you want a lawyer and stop answering questions.
- Don’t consent to searches of your phone, car, or home.
- Don’t discuss your case on jail phones, by text, or on social media — those conversations can be used as evidence.
- Follow every release condition, including any no-contact order, even if the other person reaches out to you.