Law Office of Raphael M.Scheetz

A criminal charge is never just a case file, it’s a turning point in someone’s life.

When people think about criminal defense, they often picture legal arguments or courtroom drama.

But as a defense attorney I also see another side.

Behind every case is a person. And behind that person is a family, a job, a reputation, and a future that matters.

When someone is charged with a crime, it doesn’t just affect them.

It affects their spouse, their children, their parents. It affects their ability to work and provide.

It can change the way their community looks at them, sometimes even before they’ve had their day in court.

Being charged with a crime is one moment in a person’s life.

It does not erase their history, their character, or everything they’ve worked for.

The criminal justice system moves quickly, and the rules are not always easy to understand.

Prosecutors and police have resources on their side, and it’s easy for people to feel the odds are stacked against them.

Our job is to level that playing field, to make sure every right is protected, every detail is examined, and every client has a defense built around their unique situation.

At The Law Office of Raphael M. Scheetz, we work with people who find themselves in difficult situations.

No matter the circumstances, we provide the time, attention, and strategy needed to protect their future.

Because behind every case, there is always more than meets the eye.

Behind every case is a family, a future, and a chance to start over.

Iowa-based. Experienced. Trusted.

Call the Law Office of Raphael M. Scheetz to discuss if we can help with your legal matter.

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT IOWA CAR ACCIDENT CLAIMS

Car accidents can be incredibly stressful and traumatic events. They can lead to serious injuries, property damage, and emotional distress.

If you or someone you love has been involved in a car accident in Iowa, you may be wondering what your options are for seeking compensation.

Step 1: Seek Medical Attention

The first and most important step after a car accident is to seek medical attention.

Even if you feel fine, it is still a good idea to get checked out by a medical professional. Some injuries, such as whiplash or concussions, may not present symptoms until days or even weeks after the accident.

By seeking medical attention immediately after the accident, you can ensure that any injuries are properly documented and treated.

In addition to seeking medical attention, it is also important to document the accident.

This includes taking photos of the damage to your vehicle and any injuries you may have sustained.

You should also get the contact information of any witnesses and the other driver involved in the accident.

Step 2: Contact Your Insurance Company

After seeking medical attention and documenting the accident, you should contact your insurance company.

Even if you were not at fault for the accident, you will need to report it to your insurance company.

They will investigate the accident and determine who was at fault.

It is important to remember that insurance companies are not on your side.

They are businesses, and their primary goal is to minimize their own financial losses.

This means that they may try to offer you a low settlement or deny your claim altogether.

This is why it is important to have an experienced Iowa car accident lawyer on your side.

Step 3: Determine the Fault

One of the most important factors in any car accident claim is determining who was at fault for the accident.

In Iowa, the fault is determined using a system called comparative fault. This means that each party involved in the accident is assigned a percentage of fault based on their actions leading up to the accident.

For example, if you were driving above the speed limit and the other driver ran a red light, you may be assigned 20% of the fault, and the other driver may be assigned 80% of the fault.

This percentage will determine how much compensation you are able to recover.

Step 4: Hire a Car Accident Lawyer

If you have been involved in a car accident in Iowa, it is highly recommended that you hire an experienced car accident lawyer.

A lawyer can help you navigate the complicated legal process and ensure that you receive the maximum amount of compensation possible.

Some of the benefits of hiring a car accident lawyer include the following:

They can help you understand your legal rights and options
They can investigate the accident and gather evidence to support your claim
They can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf
They can represent you in court if necessary

Step 5: Types of Damages You May Be Able to Recover

If you have been injured in a car accident in Iowa, you may be able to recover compensation for a variety of damages, including:

Medical expenses: This includes all medical expenses related to the accident, such as hospital bills, doctor’s visits, and medication costs.

Lost wages: If you were unable to work due to your injuries, you might be able to recover compensation for lost wages.

Pain and suffering: This includes physical pain and emotional suffering caused by an accident.

Property damage: This includes the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle.

Punitive damages: In some cases, you may be able to recover
punitive damages. These are damages that are awarded as a way to punish the at-fault party.

If you have been involved in a car accident, it can be a very overwhelming and confusing experience.

You may be dealing with injuries, medical bills, and property damage, and you may not know where to turn for help.

In such situations, it can be very beneficial to contact a personal injury lawyer, such as Raphael M. Scheetz Law Firm.

Call the Law Office of Raphael M. Scheetz today to discuss your case and how we can help.

THE #1 THING I TELL EVERY CLIENT IN THEIR FIRST CRIMINAL DEFENSE CONSULTATION

When someone walks into my office after being charged with a crime — or even just contacted by law enforcement — they’re usually scared and under pressure.

Fear of what might happen.

Fear of jail, a record, the unknown.

That’s why I always start with the same message:

“You don’t have to fix this today. You just have to stop making it worse.”

✅ Here’s what I want every person in Iowa to know the moment they’re accused of a crime:

🔴 The legal system isn’t built to automatically protect your side — it’s built to move cases forward.
Once you’ve been accused or arrested, the wheels are already in motion. The police have a report. The prosecutor has a file. The court has a schedule. They don’t know your full story.

✔️ You have the right to remain silent for a reason. Use it. Call your lawyer.

🔴 “It’s just a misdemeanor”.
Many people assume that if their case isn’t serious — or if they’ve never been in trouble before — it will “go away” or “get sorted out.” That’s not how the system works.

✔️ A misdemeanor in Iowa can lead to jail time, fines, probation, license suspension, employment problems, or immigration issues.

🔴 The consultation isn’t about judgment — it’s about protection.
You might be embarrassed, angry, or afraid. You may think your case is a misunderstanding or a mess, and maybe it is. But in my office, we don’t judge people for the situation they’re in. We focus on how to move forward.

✔️I’ve worked with people from all walks of life. Everyone deserves a fair defense.

Call the Law Office of Raphael M. Scheetz for a confidential consultation.

Iowa-based. Trusted. Experienced.

This is not legal advice.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU’RE PULLED OVER BY POLICE
Your behavior in the first 60 seconds can shape the outcome.

Getting pulled over can be stressful — even if you haven’t done anything wrong. But how you respond can make the situation better… or much worse.

The Law Office of Raphael M. Scheetz has represented countless clients who made avoidable mistakes during traffic stops. Here’s what you need to know:

🔴 Stay calm and pull over safely
Use your signal, pull over to a safe spot, and keep your hands visible on the steering wheel. Sudden movements can be misinterpreted.

🔴 Don’t argue or try to talk your way out of it
Even if you believe the stop is unfair, now is not the time to argue. Stay polite and quiet — you’ll have your chance to contest it later.

🔴 You have the right to remain silent
You are required to give your name, license, and registration. But you don’t have to answer questions like “Where are you going?” or “Have you been drinking?” If you want, you can simply say, “I choose to remain silent.”

🔴 You do NOT have to consent to a search
If an officer asks to search your car, you can say, “I do not consent to a search.” Be firm but respectful. Never physically resist.

🔴 Ask if you are free to go
If the officer is done and hasn’t placed you under arrest, ask, “Am I free to go?” If they say yes, leave calmly and silently.

A calm, respectful approach + knowing your rights = your best defense.

At The Law Office of Raphael M. Scheetz, we help good people protect their rights and their future. If you’ve been charged with something after a traffic stop, don’t guess.

Get legal guidance from a criminal defense attorney who will fight for you.

Call us for a confidential consultation.

Iowa-based trusted attorney.

This is not legal advice.