When is my court date?

Great question! You are always welcome to call our office during business hours to check on an upcoming court date. You will be notified via mail whenever a court date is scheduled in your case. It is vital that you update your contact information with us whenever you move or get a new phone number.

What’s an Advocate? Are you even a real lawyer?

You bet! There is a common misperception that because our office only does state-appointed work, that our attorneys are not “real” attorneys, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. All of our attorneys have graduated from law school, are licensed members of the Iowa State Bar, and have years of experience. Additionally, the word advocate doesn’t mean that we are not attorneys. Your attorney will be there to advocate for you during the court case.

The firms name is Linn County Advocate, but my charges are in a different county. How can you represent me?

This is a common question! While our firm name is a Linn County Advocate, Inc., we actually take cases in Linn, Johnson, Jones, and Benton Counties. Our firm has been in practice for many years. When we first started, we did only do work in Linn County but have since expanded to surrounding counties.

What is a Preliminary Hearing?

A preliminary hearing is one of the first hearings scheduled in a new case. While it had a different purpose in earlier times as a probable cause hearing, it no longer serves that purpose in the counties we serve. Often it is used as an opportunity for a client to apply for counsel. If we have been court-appointed to represent you, you do not need to attend the preliminary hearing.

What is a Case Management Conference (CMC)?

A case management conference is one of the first court hearings where all the parties are required to be present and is designed to facilitate progression of the case. A wide variety of events may occur at the case management conference including, but not limited to: discovery exchanges, plea bargain discussions, the setting of depositions, and scheduling jury trial. This is a court date that you are required to be at. If you miss this court date, a warrant for your arrest could be filed.

I have been court ordered to get a substance abuse evaluation. How do I do that?

It’s very common to have a court order to complete a substance abuse evaluation. Where you go would depends on where you live. Check out the link below for a list of court approved options for substance abuse evaluations.

How do I pay my fines?

It is common for clients to owe fines, court costs, and surcharges after a case is finished. If you have any questions about what you owe, please contact the clerk of court in the county you were charged. Linn County Advocate does not accept any payments for fines, court costs, attorney fees, or surcharges. Click below to connect to the Iowa Courts Website to make a payment online.