Des Moines Criminal Defense Lawyer

Your Des Moines Criminal Defense Attorneys

At the Law Group of Iowa, our team understands the gravity of any criminal offense that one may be facing. A conviction can alter the course of your life and interfere with a person’s general stability, including their ability to achieve financial security, ability to find employment, and when securing housing, such as buying or renting a home or apartment. A criminal offense can also interfere with family stability and cause one to lose certain rights. In Iowa, a person who is convicted of a felony permanently loses their right to vote unless those rights are restored by the governor. Our experienced Des Moines, IA criminal defense lawyer is prepared to defend you to the best of our abilities. If you have been arrested and charged with a crime, contact our office immediately to speak with a criminal defense lawyer in Des Moines, IA today to request a free consultation.

Ways a Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help You

If you’re a defendant or suspect in a criminal case, you should have a criminal defense lawyer representing your interests. While you may be tempted to represent yourself or use a public defender, a defense attorney can dedicate time and experience to your case and help you get a fair outcome. Here are four ways a lawyer can you when you’re involved in a criminal investigation.

Law Enforcement Communication

In the United States, you have the right to remain silent and seek representation before talking with law enforcement. However, regardless of your involvement in the case, it is advisable to get a lawyer when you communicate with the police so that your words are not misunderstood or misconstrued. Remember that anything you tell law enforcement can be used against you in court. A criminal defense lawyer in Des Moines IA can help you determine the best way to convey information without incriminating yourself.

Protecting Your Rights Under the Law

A defense attorney from the Law Group of Iowa can help protect your rights during a criminal investigation or trial. This includes protection from unlawful searches and other rights violations. As a defendant, you are considered innocent until proven guilty, and you have the right to a fair trial. A criminal defense lawyer in Des Moines IA can help ensure the criminal justice system does not mistreat you.

Experience With the Justice System

It’s advantageous to work with a criminal defense lawyer in Des Moines IA, because your attorney will have experience with local courts and may even know the judges and prosecutors involved in the trial. Furthermore, your lawyer can help determine the possible outcomes of your case, which can help develop a plan to defend your interests in court. It is helpful to work with a legal team experienced in handling cases like yours. Lawyers from the Law Group of Iowa can advise you on conducting yourself during an investigation or trial and help you navigate the justice system.

Representation and Litigation in Court

Not all criminal cases result in a trial, but if you have to present your case at court, it is crucial that you find representation. A criminal defense lawyer in Des Moines IA can litigate your case, arguing in your defense before the judge and jury. Your attorney can help present evidence and question the prosecution’s arguments against you.  Furthermore, a defense attorney can help guard your rights as a defendant at trial.

The importance of choosing an experienced criminal defense lawyer should not be underestimated. The legal system is complex; an experienced criminal defense lawyer will help navigate the system and help achieve the best possible outcome for your case. The lawyers at the Law Group of Iowa have decades of criminal defense experience representing clients facing felony or misdemeanor criminal charges, including:

• Operating while under the influence (OWI) of alcohol and/or drugs, including, repeated OWI and OWI causing injury or death
• Drug crimes, including possession and intent to distribute
• Domestic violence, including violating restraining orders
• Theft crimes, including burglary, fraud, robbery, and shoplifting
• Violent crimes, including assault, battery, sexual offenses, homicide, and weapons charges
• Traffic violations, including suspended license and CDL violations

At the Law Group of Iowa, our criminal defense lawyers treat each individual case with care and the attention to detail that is necessary when facing serious criminal charges. We understand the potential impact a conviction can have on the trajectory of our clients lives, this is why we work diligently to achieve the best possible outcome for your case. We are here to guide you through challenges you and your family will face throughout the process.

Criminal Defense Infographic

Des Moines Criminal Defense Statistics

According to statistics from the Bureau of Justice Statistics, more than 10 million people charged with crimes in the United States each year. The most common type of arrest is for a drug offense. The second most common type of arrest is for a property crime, followed by violent crime. The majority of arrests are made by local police departments.

If you have been arrested, don’t risk your rights or your liberty by not having a skilled Des Moines criminal defense lawyer advocating for you. Call our office to find out how we can help.

Laws Related To Iowa Criminal Defense

Criminal defense law is a complex area of law that covers a wide range of topics. In Iowa, there are a number of specific laws that relate to criminal defense. It is important to be aware of these laws if you have been accused of a crime in Iowa to better understand the system.

Iowa Criminal Code

The Iowa Criminal Code is the primary law that governs criminal offenses in Iowa. The Iowa Criminal Code sets forth the elements of each crime, as well as the penalties for each crime.

Iowa Criminal Procedure

The Iowa Criminal Procedure Code sets forth the rules and procedures that are followed in criminal cases in Iowa. The Iowa Criminal Procedure Code covers a wide range of topics, including arrest, search and seizure, arraignment, trial, and sentencing.

Specific Iowa Criminal Laws

There are a number of specific Iowa criminal laws that are important to be aware of. Some of these laws include:

• Iowa Drug Laws: Iowa has a number of laws that prohibit the possession, manufacture, and distribution of drugs.
• Iowa Weapons Laws: Iowa has a number of laws that regulate the possession and use of weapons.
• Iowa Sex Offender Laws: Iowa has a number of laws that register and regulate sex offenders.

For assistance with fighting charges for any of the listed above be sure to contact an experienced Des Moines criminal defense lawyer from our firm for assistance.

Additional Information

In addition to the laws listed above, there are a number of other Iowa criminal laws that are important to be aware of. These laws include:

• Iowa Self-Defense Laws: Iowa has laws that permit people to use force to defend themselves or others.
• Iowa Insanity Defense: Iowa has an insanity defense that allows people to avoid conviction if they were insane at the time of the crime.
• Iowa Miranda Rights: Iowa law requires law enforcement officers to inform people of their Miranda rights before interrogating them.

Tailored Legal Solutions for Criminal Matters in Iowa

At the Law Group of Iowa, we are committed to providing robust legal service in criminal defense matters throughout Des Moines and Polk County. Our criminal defense practice is built on a foundation of collective experience, ensuring that we deliver quality legal representation to all our clients.

Understanding your legal options is crucial, and it begins with an initial consultation where we assess your case and discuss your constitutional rights. Our approach is to build a formidable and strategic defense, tailored to the specifics of your situation. Whether you are facing drug charges or federal charges, our team is adept at crafting strong defenses, backed by our thorough knowledge and experience.

We believe in upholding your rights and ensuring a fair legal process. Trust us to be your steadfast advocates in navigating the complexities of criminal matters and call the Law Group of Iowa today.

Do’s and Don’ts of Handling a Criminal Defense Case

Do Be Respectful in Court

No matter what kind of criminal case you’re dealing with, remember to always be respectful in court. Dress in courtroom appropriate attire (such as a nice suit or solid-colored dress), be polite and professional when speaking to anyone and don’t make attempts to be harsh or argumentative. This also extends to communications with law enforcement officials.

Don’t Be Dishonest With Your Lawyer

Your criminal defense lawyer in Des Moines, IA, is there to help you, so do not withhold any information from them. Answer their questions honestly and be completely transparent about your case; the more details you share with the Law Group of Iowa, the more effectively they can help you in court. Do not lie to your lawyer and give consistent information to them regarding your case. If you don’t know the answer to a question, don’t pretend like you do.

Do Avoid Contacting Victims and Witnesses

Not only can communicating with witnesses or victims be in serious breach of restraining orders, you may also end up exchanging unnecessary information which can ultimately come back to hurt you in the long run. Do not ever communicate with others involved in your case unless you are prompted to do so by your criminal defense lawyer in Des Moines, IA.

Don’t Share Details About Your Case Online

Sharing any information about your case has the potential to severely harm your credibility in court. Never share any details with anyone, especially online — information spreads very quickly over the Internet, and someone may be able to find and use these details against you, further harming your case. Your safest bet is to keep any case-related communications strictly between yourself and your criminal defense lawyer in Des Moines, IA.

Do Comply With Any Pre-Trial Requirements

If there are any pre-trial service requirements given to you by the court or a law enforcement official, be sure to comply with them. Follow any conditions given to your by your judicial officer, follow through with check-ins or court-mandated rehabilitation and attend all court appearances. If you’re confused about any requirements given to you, reach out to the Law Group of Iowa for clarification.

Des Moines Criminal Defense Law FAQs

What is a criminal defense lawyer?

A criminal defense lawyer in Des Moines, IA is a type of legal professional who specializes in representing individuals who have been accused of a crime. This type of lawyer is responsible for preparing and presenting the defendant’s case in court, and may also offer counsel during police questioning. Criminal defense lawyers can be employed by the government or private firms, and can specialize in any area of criminal law.

Why do you need a criminal defense lawyer?

If you or someone you know has been accused of a crime, it is important to understand what a criminal defense lawyer in Des Moines, IA is and what they can do to help. Criminal defense lawyers are experts in the criminal justice system, and they can provide legal representation and advice to those who need it. They can help navigate the complex legal process, work to protect your rights, and represent you in court if necessary. If you need a criminal defense lawyer, don’t hesitate to contact one today; if you need persuading, check out the five reasons below as to why you need a criminal defense lawyer.

How Can A Criminal Defense Lawyer Help You? 

One of the biggest ways a criminal defense lawyer can help you is their knowledge of the criminal law system. They studied and trained to understand every concept of the criminal law and the court procedures that come with it. It is their job to defend you and determine if there are any loopholes or inconsistencies in the system that could work in your favor. In addition to knowing the laws they also will have a greater understanding of the local courts. This means that oftentimes they can save you time and money by talking to the right person the first time rather than being stuck in a long line of what to do next.

How Can A Lawyer Support You? 

While it isn’t at the forefront of their training, many lawyers in this field can provide emotional support for their clients. A criminal case can be a roller coaster of emotions as defendants often deal with embarrassment, depression, and low self-esteem. Having a criminal defense lawyer from Des Moines in your corner that can remain objective throughout the case can offer insights and perspective on what is taking place is often helpful in ensuring that you stay grounded. The reality checks these lawyers provide are helpful especially if you are deciding whether to accept a prosecutor’s plea bargain or not.

How Do You Know You Found The Right Lawyer for You?

This can be a difficult question to answer but what it comes down to is that finding the right lawyer for you is crucial. This is often going to be a very sensitive and personal case. This means that the lawyer that you decide to work with not only needs to know the criminal defense laws but they also need to be somebody that you can trust. If you are uncomfortable with your lawyer, it is very likely that your case may not be fully in your favor. Not only should you be able to trust your lawyer you should also know they have the experience to deal with your case. This means that you need to find a lawyer who understands the criminal law system, has experience in dealing with criminal law, is attentive to your case, is easy to contact, is easy to understand, and is someone you can trust during this time.

Law Group of Iowa Des Moines Criminal Defense Lawyer

Contact Our Firm Today

Iowa has a number of specific laws that relate to criminal defense. It is important to be aware of these laws if you have been accused of a crime in Iowa. If you have been accused of a crime, it is important to consult with an experienced Des Moines criminal defense lawyer. If you have been accused of a crime in Iowa, contact the Law Group of Iowa today for a free consultation. We will help you understand your legal rights and options, and will represent you in court.

Client Review

“I had the pleasure of working with Attorney Jason Yates. He is very responsive, professional and knowledgeable. I trusted him completely to help me navigate my case, and the outcome was better than I had hoped for. I recommend him to anyone looking for good representation. Thank you Jason!”
Libby Hennings