Operated While Intoxicated

The OWI Unit, a subdivision of the Intake and Screening Bureau of the Polk County Attorney’s Office, is comprised of two full-time Assistant County Attorneys, one legal assistant and one legal secretary. The work of the staff is also supported by investigators from the Investigation Bureau of the Polk County Attorney’s Office.

The OWI Unit prosecutes persons charged with the crime of Operating a Motor Vehicle While Under the Influence of Alcohol and/or Drugs. The unit also prosecutes any related crimes that may be associated with the OWI such as Child Endangerment, Carrying Weapons, Driving While License is Barred/Suspended, Eluding, Possession of Controlled Substances, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and any traffic citations that the defendant may receive.

The OWI Unit is responsible for the screening and filing of OWI criminal charges. After a case is filed, it is the responsibility of the OWI Units attorneys to appear before the Court and present evidence in support of the trial information that has been filed and to otherwise represent the interests of the State of Iowa. The OWI Unit also works to assist any victims that are harmed as a result of an OWI related traffic accident by providing resources and pursuing court-ordered restitution.