Bad Checks
When a business is presented with a check that is returned due to insufficient funds or a closed account, the County Attorney’s Office may, at its discretion, file criminal charges against the check writer. Checks that are returned due to the account not being found always need to be reported to law enforcement.
Criteria
The criteria below must be met in order for the County Attorney’s Office to file a criminal charge:
- Check must have a check number
- Check must have DL number, phone number, and current address of check writer
- Check must be received by our office within 60 days of the date on the check
- Statutory notice must be sent, and must be received by check writer (must provide proof)
- Check must be for no more than $750. (If a business accepts a bad check in an amount greater than $750, it will need to be reported to law enforcement.)
FAQs
If I have received a bad check and submitted everything to the County Attorney’s Office, is it a guarantee that charges will be filed?
No. All charging decisions are within the discretion of the County Attorney’s Office. Your documents will be reviewed after you drop them off, and a decision will be made regarding whether to proceed with charges. You will be notified of our decision by mail.
If I enter into a payment plan with the person who wrote the bad check, will the County Attorney’s Office still assist me?
No. If the business enters into a payment plan, the County Attorney will not consider filing charges.
If I have received a bad check, how do I get notice to the County Attorney’s Office?
You will need submit all of the requested information to the County Attorney’s Office. You must include the following: your name and contact information; a copy of the check; a copy of proof that statutory notice was sent and received; a short summary of what occurred; the name and contact information of the individual who accepted the check; when and where the check was accepted; who presented the check; and any statements made by the check writer. All communication between your business and the check writer must also be contained in the information you provide, and must be dated. Once you have ensured that you have met all criteria and collected all of the requested information and documentation, you can drop your documents off at our office at 115 N Howard Street, Suite 200, Indianola, IA 50125.
Will the County Attorney’s Office consider filing a charge if I have not sent the statutory notice or am not able to provide proof that it has been sent?
No. You must provide proof that the statutory notice has been sent to the check writer, and received by the check writer. The notice cannot be received by someone on behalf of the check writer.
If the bad check amount is more than $750, will the County Attorney’s Office consider filing charges if I haven’t filed a police report?
No. You must file a police report if the bad check amount is more than $750.
Driver’s License Reinstatement Plan (CAPP)
The Driver’s License Reinstatement Plan is an agreement between the Warren County Attorney’s Office and a debtor, which allows a debtor with a suspended license due to non-payment of Iowa fines to obtain a license from the Department of Transportation (DOT).
To see of you are eligible for the Driver’s License Reinstatement Program, you must complete a Financial Affidavit. The Financial Affidavit is available on this site, or in the Warren County Attorney’s Office, located at 115 N Howard Street, Suite 200, Indianola, IA 50125. After receiving the completed Financial Affidavit, the Collections Administrator will request a driving report from the DOT. Once your report is reviewed, you will be contacted to inform you of the next steps. If you are barred or revoked until a future date, this program will NOT enable you to obtain a license. You will need to contact the Iowa DOT at 515-244-9124 for a temporary work permit. This program is designed to aid those individuals who are suspended strictly for non-payment of Iowa fines.
Questions?
Last Names A-L: Please contact Abbie at 515-690-9137 or payyourfines@warrencountyia.org
Last Names M-Z: Please contact Ellie at 515-690-9136 or payyourfines@warrencountyia.org
Iowa Vine
How to Register?
You can call IowaVINE at 1-888-7-IAVINE (1-888-742-8463) and receive information through an automated information system. Register online here.
How Does IowaVINE Provide Notifications?
You can register your telephone number to receive a phone call and/or text message. You can also register an email address IowaVINE. You may register to receive notification on multiple phone numbers. You will choose a personal identification number (PIN) for telephone notification. When IowaVINE calls the phone number(s) that you provide, you must enter your PIN to confirm that you have received the notification. IowaVINE will continue calling you until you enter your PIN, or until 48 hours have passed (have your PIN available so you can stop the notification calls). If the call is answered by voice mail or a machine, IowaVINE will leave a message and continue calling every two hours until you enter your PIN or until 48 hours have passed. IowaVINE notifies you automatically when the offender’s custody status changes, which can happen at any time of the day or night.
Update Registration Information vs. Re-Registration
If your phone number or email address changes, remember to update your registration information. You can update your registration information by visiting www.vinelink.com and clicking on “Update Registration” (do not re-register with your new information). If you change phone numbers, please delete your former phone number from the IowaVINE system.
An offender in a county jail will receive a new identification number if transferred to an Iowa Department of Corrections prison or another county jail. You must re-register with IowaVINE once the offender is moved to a different or new facility. The IowaVINE system will guide you through the re-registration process.
What Notifications Will You Receive?
Once you are registered, you will be notified about a release, transfer, escape or death of the offender.
If you have questions or concerns about an IowaVINE update or offender please call the Warren County Sheriff’s Office at the non-emergency number: 515-690-9210
No Contact Orders
A no-contact order is a court order issued in a criminal proceeding requiring the defendant to have no contact with the alleged victim and to refrain from harassing the alleged victim, persons residing with the alleged victim, or members of the alleged victim’s family. Other parties can be included in the no-contact order; however, unless they are listed on the no-contact order they are not covered as a protected party. If you have questions about who is covered call (515-690-9120) or email the Director of Victim Services (victimservices@warrencountyia.org).
If a no-contact order is issued after a person is taken into custody that temporary no-contact order will remain in place until the case is resolved (often referred to as the disposition of the case).
At the disposition of the case (unless the case is taken to trial and the defendant is found Not Guilty) a permanent no-contact order can be issued for 1 year or 5 years after the issue date.
A no-contact order can be modified and/or dismissed only by a Judge. The Warren County Attorney’s Office assesses each case individually to determine if we are in support of or will resist the requested modification/dismissal. This does NOT mean that the Warren County Attorney’s Office can modify and/or dismiss a no-contact order but may mean that your desire to modify or dismiss the no-contact order and the Warren County Attorney’s Office assessment of safety differ and a hearing will be requested.
A no-contact order can be extended if the defendant continues to be a risk to the victim. Please call the Director of Victim Services within 90 days of the current no-contact order expiring. It is VERY important to make the request in a timely manner (but not before 90 days) of the no-contact order expiring. If the no-contact order expires the no-contact order is no longer in place and a new no-contact order can not be obtained unless a new crime occurs.
Protective Orders – Petitioning for Relief from Domestic Abuse, Sexual Abuse or the Parent of a Child Seeking Relief from Sexual Abuse
A person desiring a protective order can ask the court for relief from domestic abuse or sexual abuse with or without an attorney. A parent can seek relief from sexual abuse on behalf of their minor child. The Warren County Clerk of Court office has forms available for individuals desiring one of these three types of protective orders.
The people involved for a Relief from Domestic Abuse Protective Order must have a relationship where at least one of the following applies:
- Married
- Separated
- Divorced
- Adult relatives living together
- Parents of the same minor child or children under age 18
- Living together
- Lived together within one year of the assault, but not at the time of the assault
- Intimate relationship (An “intimate relationship” means a significant romantic involvement that need not include sexual involvement. An intimate relationship does not include a causal social relationship or association in a business or professional capacity.)
- Have been in an intimate relationship and have had contact within one year of the assault
The people involved for a Relief from Sexual Abuse Protective Order or for Relief from Sexual Abuse on Behalf of a Minor Child must have a relationship where at least one of the following applies:
- Married
- Separated
- Divorced
- Living together
- Lived together within one year of the assault, but not at the time of the assault
- Parents of the same minor child or children under age 18Intimate relationship (An “intimate relationship” means a significant romantic involvement that need not include sexual involvement. An intimate relationship does not include a causal social relationship or association in a business or professional capacity.)
- Have been in an intimate relationship and have had contact within one year of the assault
- Acquaintance, friend
- Neighbor
- Student (Whether at same or different school)
- Coworker, employer, supervisor, supervisee
- Corrections, law enforcement related (including, but not limited to: inmate, staff, corrections employee or contractor, or other federal, state, or local law enforcement affiliation)
- Person in position of authority (including, but not limited to: teacher, coach, clergy, counselor/therapist, or anyone who represents themselves as same)
- Other
Orders granted under Chapter 236 are meant to be protective. As a result, if an alleged abuser ignores the order, the alleged abuser can be arrested immediately. Parties to a protective order should read and understand the terms of the order. Only the Judge can change the terms of the order so if the petitioner no longer wants the order, s/he must ask the court to change or stop the order. Orders from a Judge can last up to one year and be extended for one year only if the petitioner asks for the extension. Finally, a protective order should protect a petitioner anywhere s/he goes in the United States.
The Warren County Attorney’s Office is unable to assist in obtaining a Chapter 236 protection order as it is considered a civil protection order. However, if you have questions or concerns please contact the Director of Victim Services.
Traffic
If you receive a traffic citation that does not require your appearance in court, you can pay it online by following the directions on your citation. Paying the citation is an admission of guilt. If you want to contest the traffic citation you should appear for your initial appearance. At your initial appearance, you will have the option of signing a waiver of counsel and speaking with an Assistant County Attorney regarding the citation; after which you will either enter a plea of guilty or not guilty.
The Warren County Attorney’s Office handles all cases, including traffic citations, on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration the unique facts and circumstances of each case. Signing a waiver of counsel and speaking with an Assistant County Attorney does not guarantee that a deal will be offered to resolve your citation.
If you enter a plea of not guilty at your initial appearance, the case will be set for trial, at which time the State will call witnesses to testify and enter any exhibits into evidence. You can also bring your own witnesses to trial, enter exhibits into evidence, and testify on your own behalf.
Continuances:
If you need a continuance of your initial appearance or trial, your request needs to be directed to the Warren County Clerk of Court. You can fax, e-mail, or mail your request.
Warren County Clerk of Court fax: 515-690-9289
Warren County Clerk of Court e-mail: warren.county.clerk@iowacourts.gov
Warren County Clerk of Court address: 115 N Howard Street, Suite 100, Indianola, IA 50125
What to Wear to Court
Please report to court wearing respectable clothes. As a general rule, business or business casual clothing is acceptable.
The following types of clothing are not suitable for court proceedings: shorts, tube tops, halter tops, hooded sweatshirts, clothing that contain any obscene, suggestive or inflammatory print or images, and clothes that are overly dirty or ragged.
Truancy
The Iowa Code addresses truancy in Chapter 299, outlining the state’s compulsory attendance laws for school-aged children. Here are key points:
- Compulsory Attendance: Iowa requires that children aged 6 to 16 attend school, whether in public, private, or approved home-schooling programs. The school year must consist of at least 180 days or 1,080 hours.
- Parental Responsibility: Parents or guardians are legally responsible for ensuring their child’s attendance. Failure to do so can result in warnings, mandatory parenting classes, or, in some cases, legal action.
The Iowa Code aims to reduce truancy by balancing enforcement with intervention and support, encouraging regular attendance for academic and social development.
In 2024, Iowa made significant updates to its truancy laws through Senate File 2435 to reduce chronic absenteeism and improve student engagement. The revised law emphasizes stringent attendance tracking and communication between schools and parents. Schools must monitor students’ absences closely, especially when they reach thresholds such as 10%, 15%, and 20% of missed days in a grading period.
If a student misses 10% of their days, schools are required to notify parents via a certified letter and continue to communicate with the parent weekly regarding attendance. If a student misses 15% of their days, schools are required to hold a Chronic Absenteeism Prevention Plan meeting to develop a plan to help the child, parents and school determine why the child has chronic absences and how they can return to consistent attendance. If a student misses 20% of their days, schools are required to refer the family to the County Attorney’s Office for possible prosecution.
The law also redefined certain absences, such as family vacations and college visits, as non-exempt, meaning they count toward truancy calculations. Exceptions are available for medical reasons, religious observances, and specific academic programs, but otherwise, absences are categorized under a standardized system to streamline interventions.
Iowa Code 915 - Victim Rights
Who is a Victim?
A victim is defined as a person who suffered physical, emotional, or financial harm because of a criminal offense or delinquent act that arises to the level of a Serious Misdemeanor or higher offense. For these rights, a victim also includes the immediate family members of a homicide victim, a crime victim who is judged to be incompetent, or a crime victim who is under the age of 18. It is important to note that under Iowa Code 915 an insurance company is not a victim for purposes of restitution.
Warren County Attorney’s Office Notification Responsibilities
The Right to Victim Notification:
- The scheduled date, time, and place of trial, and the cancellation or postponement of a court proceeding that was expected to require the victim’s attendance, in any criminal case relating to the crime for which the person is a registered victim.
- The possibility of assistance through the crime victim compensation program, and the procedures for applying for that assistance.
- The right to restitution for pecuniary losses suffered as a result of crime, and the process for seeking such relief.
- The right to Make a Victim Impact Statement
Contact Information:
Warren County Attorney
Victim Services
115 N Howard Street, Suite 200
Indianola IA 50125
Phone 515-690-9120
Fax 515-690-9149
Victimservices@warrencountyia.org
FAQs
Why are some defendants not in jail after they have been arrested and charged?
It is possible for a Defendant to post bond or be on a pre-trial release program. To ensure that you are aware of the Defendant’s whereabouts, we recommended that you sign up for Iowa VINE.
What about restitution?
Prior to sentencing, the County Attorney’s Office will mail a restitution statement to a victim. By completing and returning the form and supporting documentation, the County Attorney’s Office can assist in determining restitution and getting it ordered by the court. When the Defendant is ordered to pay restitution, they will be on a payment plan with the County Attorney’s Office. As the Defendant makes payments, the Clerk of Court will issue payments to those victims that were ordered restitution. Restitution is paid out to victims before being applied to any other court fines or fees
Do I have to testify?
A subpoena will be issued if you need to provide testimony. Your appearance is required, and you will be under oath while testifying. The subpoena provides the date, time and location of the appearance. You may not be present in the courtroom while other witnesses are testifying.
How can I get information on a case?
If you are the victim of a crime, contact the Director of Victim Services (victimservices@warrencountyia.org) with questions about a case. Otherwise, Iowa Courts Online is a great tool. You can search the website by name or case numbers and view public filings and disposition information.
Resources
Warren County Resources
Warren County Attorney’s Office
(515) 690-9120
Warren County Clerk of Court
(515) 690-9260
Warren County Iowa Probation Office
(515) 961-3095
Warren County DHS
(515) 690-9310
Local Law Enforcement
Indianola Police Department
(515) 961-9400
Norwalk Police Department
(515) 981-0666
Carlisle Police Department
(515) 989-4121
Warren County Sheriff (Rural Crimes)
(515) 690-9210
Other Resources
Polk County Crisis & Intervention
(515) 286-3600
(515) 286-3535 (Crisis Line)
Iowa Department of Corrections
(515) 725-5701
Children & Families of Iowa (Crisis Line)
(515) 243-6147
Project IOWA (Employment Services)
(515) 280-1274
Iowa Legal Aid
1-800-532-1275
Iowa Attorney General Crime Victims
Crime Victim Compensation Program
https://www.iowaattorneygeneral.gov/for-crime-victims/crime-victim-compensation-program
Additional information on IowaVINE
https://www.iowaattorneygeneral.gov/for-crime-victims/iowavine
Sex Offender Registrant Watch
https://www.iowaattorneygeneral.gov/for-crime-victims/iowa-sex-offender-registrant-watch