Law Office of Raphael M.Scheetz

09/24/2026

YOUR BUSINESS PARTNER WANTS YOU OUT. CAN THEY FORCE YOU TO LEAVE?

You built a business together, now your partner wants you gone.

Maybe you've suddenly been excluded from important decisions. Your access to company accounts or systems has changed. Meetings are happening without you. You're being pressured to sell your interest. Or a majority owner is acting as though having more votes means they can simply push you aside.

Don't assume they can.

Business ownership disputes can become complicated very quickly, and what your partner wants to do and what they are legally entitled to do may be two very different things.

The answer can depend on several factors:

What does your operating agreement, shareholder agreement, or partnership agreement say?

Who actually owns what percentage of the business?

What voting and management rights does each owner have?

Are there provisions governing removal, termination, or buyouts?

Has company money or property been misused?

Have any fiduciary or contractual obligations been violated?

And what does the law governing the business allow?

One of the biggest mistakes you can make in this situation is reacting emotionally.

Don’t send an angry email, make threats, sign a buyout agreement simply because you’re being pressured, or assume that being locked out of an account means you’ve lost your ownership rights.

You need to slow down, preserve documents, understand your rights and then decide on a strategy.

Sometimes these disputes can be resolved through negotiation and a fair buyout.

Sometimes the business relationship can be repaired.

And sometimes litigation becomes necessary to protect an owner's interests.

The important thing is knowing which situation you're dealing with before making a move that may be difficult to undo.

If your business partner is trying to force you out, exclude you from the company, or pressure you into selling your ownership interest, talk to an experienced attorney before you agree to anything.

The first move shouldn't be the emotional one. It should be the strategic one.

— Raphael M. Scheetz

This post is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Business and ownership laws vary by jurisdiction, and every situation is different.

Immigration and Criminal Defense Attorney

09/24/2026

THE CASE AGAINST YOU IS ONLY ONE SIDE OF THE STORY

When someone is arrested or charged with a crime, people often make an immediate assumption:

They must have done something wrong.

But after more than 30 years practicing criminal defense, I can tell you that a criminal charge does not tell you the whole story.

It tells you what the government alleges happened.

There is another side.

Police reports can leave out important details, witnesses can remember events differently, statements can be taken out of context, evidence can be interpreted in more than one way, and sometimes, the facts simply don't support the conclusions being made.

That is why we have a criminal justice system.

The prosecution has the burden of proving the charges beyond a reasonable doubt.

The defense has the opportunity to examine the evidence, challenge the government's case, question witnesses, raise legal issues and tell the part of the story that may not appear in a police report.

My job is not to assume. My job is to investigate.

What actually happened?

What evidence exists?

What evidence is missing?

Are the witnesses credible?

Were my client's constitutional rights respected?

Can the prosecution actually prove what it is alleging?

After handling more than 200 jury trials throughout my career, I've learned that what a case looks like at the beginning is not necessarily what it looks like after you examine every piece of it.

I've also learned to never confuse an accusation with a conviction.

If you've been charged with a crime, don't assume the government's version of events will be the final word.

There may be another side to the story.

And that side deserves to be heard.

— Raphael M. Scheetz

This post is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Every case is different.

09/03/2026

DO MOST CRIMINAL CASES ACTUALLY GO TO TRIAL?

The short answer: No. Most criminal cases never reach a jury trial.

Many cases are resolved earlier: through dismissal, negotiations, plea agreements, or other outcomes depending on the circumstances.

But that doesn’t mean trial experience doesn’t matter.

In fact, it can matter from the very beginning.

Why? Because every criminal case should be prepared with the possibility of trial in mind.

An experienced criminal defense attorney looks beyond the charges and carefully examines the evidence against you.

Were your constitutional rights violated?

Was the search or traffic stop lawful?

Are witness statements reliable and consistent?

Is there evidence that should be challenged or excluded?

Can the prosecution actually prove every element of the alleged offense beyond a reasonable doubt?

These questions can significantly affect how a case develops, and how it may ultimately be resolved.

A strong defense is not simply about negotiating a plea.

Prosecutors know which attorneys are prepared to challenge evidence, file motions, question witnesses, and take a case to trial when necessary.

That experience can matter during negotiations because the other side knows the defense is prepared to fight the case if an acceptable resolution cannot be reached.

At the same time, going to trial isn't automatically the best outcome.

A good criminal defense attorney evaluates the evidence, potential consequences, available defenses, and possible resolutions, and helps the client make an informed decision based on the specific circumstances of the case.

Sometimes the best result is achieved before trial.

Sometimes the right decision is to fight the charges in court.

The important thing is having an attorney who is prepared for both.

Raphael M. Scheetz has extensive courtroom experience and has handled more than 200 jury trials throughout his legal career.

If you or someone you care about is facing criminal charges, having an experienced criminal defense attorney involved early can make a significant difference.

Call the Law Office of Raphael M. Scheetz to discuss whether we can help.

This post is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Every case is different.

09/03/2026

WHAT TO DO IN THE FIRST 24 HOURS AFTER YOU’RE ARRESTED

The first few hours after an arrest can have a major impact on what happens next.

You may be scared, angry, confused, or tempted to explain your side of the story immediately.

That can be a mistake.

Here are some of the most important things to remember:

1. Stay calm and don’t resist.
Even if you believe the arrest is unfair or completely wrong, arguing or physically resisting can make the situation worse.

2. Be careful about what you say.
You have the right to remain silent. You generally do not have to answer questions about the alleged offense simply because an officer asks.

3. Ask for an attorney.
Clearly tell officers that you want to speak with a lawyer before answering questions about the alleged crime.

4. Don’t discuss your case with other people.
Be extremely careful about conversations with friends, other detainees, or anyone else.

5. Stay off social media.
Don’t post explanations, photos, videos, accusations, or details about what happened. A post you think helps you could ultimately create problems for your defense.

6. Remember as much as you can.
When you are able to speak privately with your attorney, tell them exactly what happened, including what officers said, what you said, whether anything was searched, whether there were witnesses, and anything else you remember.

7. Contact an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.
The earlier an attorney becomes involved, the sooner they can begin protecting your rights, preserving evidence, evaluating the allegations, and determining the best strategy moving forward.

An arrest is not a conviction.

The government still has the burden of proving its case, and every case has its own facts, evidence, defenses, and weaknesses.

If you or someone you care about has been arrested or charged with a crime, getting experienced legal advice early can make a significant difference. Call the Law Office of Raphael M. Scheetz to discuss whether we can help.

This post is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Every case is different.

05/15/2026

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.

03/10/2026

DENIED A VISA? HERE’S WHAT YOU CAN DO NEXT

One denial doesn’t have to be the end of the road.

If your visa was denied, here’s what you should do next:

🔴 1. Don’t panic — but don’t ignore it
A denial letter usually includes a reason or reference to a legal section (e.g., 214(b), 221(g), 212(a)). That information matters.

✔️ Save all documents you received, and write down everything you remember from the interview or correspondence.

🔴 2. Understand why you were denied
Common reasons include: lack of strong ties to your home country, incomplete documentation, prior immigration violations, or ineligibility under U.S. law.

✔️ If you identify what went wrong, it will help you to build a stronger case.

🔴 3. Don’t just reapply without a strategy
Reapplying with the same approach — or without fixing the underlying issue — often leads to a second denial.

✔️ Before reapplying, evaluate what’s changed and whether a waiver or different visa is a better path.

🔴 4. In some cases, you may be eligible to appeal or refile
You may be able to appeal the decision or request a waiver — depending on the visa type and reason for denial.

✔️ Every case is different. An Iowa-based immigration lawyer can help you choose the right next step.

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

Iowa-based. Trusted. Experienced.






This is not legal advice. Each case is unique.

03/10/2026

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.

03/09/2026

TOP 3 MISTAKES PEOPLE MAKE AFTER GETTING ARRESTED
(And What You Should Do Instead)

Being arrested is scary. Whether it's your first time or not, emotions run high and it's easy to make costly mistakes that can affect your freedom, your record, your family, your future — even if you're innocent.

At , we’ve seen it all. Here's what you need to know so you don’t sabotage your own defense:

🔴 Mistake #1: Talking to the Police Without a Lawyer
You might feel tempted to “clear things up” or “explain your side.”
Don’t.
Anything you say can and will be used against you — and even innocent people get tripped up under pressure.
✅ Instead: Politely say, “I’m invoking my right to remain silent. I want to speak to a lawyer.”

🔴 Mistake #2: Consenting to a Search
Police may ask, “Mind if we take a look in your car or house?”
If you say yes — even casually — they can legally search.
✅ Instead: Say “I do not consent to a search.” Don’t resist, but don’t agree.

🔴 Mistake #3: Posting About the Arrest Online
We get it — you’re angry, scared, and want to tell your side.
But social media can hurt your case. Prosecutors will dig for anything.
✅ Instead: Stay silent online. Call a lawyer. Let your legal team do the talking.

💼 At Scheetz Law, we defend good people facing tough situations. We focus on criminal defense and immigration law — and we know how high the stakes can be.
Whether you're dealing with a DUI, drug charge, domestic violence allegation, or immigration-related arrest, you don’t have to face it alone.

Call us today for a confidential consultation

🛑 Don’t guess. Don’t gamble. Get protected.

02/05/2026

WHAT TO DO IF YOU'RE ACCUSED OF A CRIME YOU DIDN’T COMMIT
Being innocent is not enough. You need a defense.

Getting accused of a crime you didn’t commit can feel like the world has flipped upside down. It’s unfair, terrifying, and can damage your reputation even if you're never convicted. But the truth is — you can’t afford to handle it passively.

At The Law Office of Raphael M. Scheetz, we’ve helped people across Iowa clear their names and protect their futures after false or exaggerated criminal accusations.

Here's what you need to do immediately:

🔴 Do not talk to police without a lawyer — even if you're innocent
It’s natural to want to explain or prove your innocence. But talking without legal representation can backfire — your words can be misunderstood or taken out of context.

✔️ Stay calm and respectfully say, “I want to speak with an attorney before answering any questions.”

🔴 Gather names of witnesses and preserve evidence
If you know people who can vouch for where you were or what happened, write down their names and contact info. Save messages, photos, or anything that supports your version of events.

✔️ The sooner you preserve this, the stronger your defense becomes.

🔴 Stay away from the person or situation involved
Do not reach out to the alleged victim or try to “smooth things over.” This could be misinterpreted as intimidation or tampering.

✔️ Let your lawyer handle all communication. Your job is to stay clear and stay protected.

If you've been accused of a crime in Iowa, don’t wait to “see what happens.” Be proactive. Be prepared. Be defended.

Call us for a confidential consultation.

Iowa-based. Trusted. Experienced.

This is not legal advice.