Dubuque, IA – March 19, 2026 – Dubuque police arrested 28-year-old Austin Dennis Litka early Thursday morning on two misdemeanor charges.

Litka, faces the following charges:

1.  Persons Ineligible to Carry Dangerous Weapons (Misdemeanor) – Iowa law prohibits certain individuals (often due to prior felony convictions, domestic violence orders, or other disqualifiers) from possessing firearms or other dangerous weapons.

2.  Driving While Barred (Misdemeanor) – Operating a vehicle while a person’s license or driving privileges are barred, typically resulting from repeated serious traffic violations or court orders.

The incident was handled by Officer D. Brant and processed through the Dubuque Law Enforcement Center. No immediate details were released regarding the circumstances of the stop, whether a weapon was recovered, bond amount, or release status.

Penalties Overview

•  Persons Ineligible to Carry: Often an aggravated misdemeanor; potential fines up to $8,625 and/or up to two years in jail (depending on specifics).

•  Driving While Barred: Simple misdemeanor; fines typically $65–$625, possible jail up to 30 days, and extended license suspension.

Public records show Litka has prior Dubuque-area arrests, including at least one previous driving-while-barred case. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

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