Criminal Defense Lawyer Des Moines, IA

Criminal Defense Lawyer Des Moines, IAAt 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.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

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.

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.

Don’t Wait to Get Help

The longer you wait to get in touch with a trustworthy legal team, the lower your chances are of winning your case. Don’t procrastinate; reach out to your lawyer as soon as possible.

4 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.

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

Des Moines Criminal Defense Law Infographic

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Des Moines Criminal Law Statistics

According to the Prison Policy Initiative, In 2020, there were 18,000 people incarcerated in Iowa, which has an incarceration rate of 582 per 100,000 people. This means that Iowa locks up a higher percentage of its people than almost any democracy anywhere.

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.

1) Avoid Costly Mistakes

When you have been charged with a crime, it is important to understand that you are innocent until proven guilty. This doesn’t mean that you can’t make mistakes in how you handle your case. For example, choosing not to hire an attorney and trying to handle your criminal defense on your own is almost always a mistake. A good criminal defense lawyer will know what evidence should be collected immediately after an arrest and how best to challenge weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. In addition, he or she will work hard to protect your rights throughout court proceedings. A great criminal defense lawyer can also help you avoid making any additional mistakes during court appearances and negotiations with prosecutors.

2) Get Access to Expert Advice

When you’re arrested and charged with a crime, no one can tell you exactly what will happen next. The only way to be sure that you have representation throughout your case is to hire a criminal defense lawyer who has experience dealing with local courts and district attorneys. And if your case goes to trial, having an attorney who knows how judges are likely to rule on similar cases can help ensure that you have every opportunity for justice.  Plus, hiring a lawyer can make it easier to deal with all of your legal issues — even those unrelated to your arrest — and it could even help protect you from potential lawsuits down the road. With so much at stake, don’t wait until after you’ve been arrested; instead, reach out to an experienced criminal defense attorney today.

3) Insist on a Strong Advocate

Asking for legal advice from friends and family is often met with blank stares and statements like, “I don’t know much about that.” However, hiring a lawyer who focuses on one area of law can provide you with more confidence that your case will be handled by someone who knows exactly what to do when things get tough. A criminal defense attorney does not need to understand every intricate detail of other areas of law — but he or she should have some experience in civil and personal injury law. If you are facing charges of any kind, it is important to hire an advocate who has proven they can handle these kinds of cases successfully. It may be difficult to find an expert in all areas of law — but it’s important to find someone who has proven they can handle criminal cases before you hand over your freedom.

4) Investigate All Options

Before you hire an attorney, talk to friends and family who have worked with lawyers or ask others for recommendations. Lawyers deal with legal issues every day and they can tell you what they’re good at and who they think would be a good fit for your case. Hiring an attorney is not only hiring someone to help with your case: it’s also hiring someone to trust with your future. Make sure you feel comfortable working with that person on an intimate level.

5) Protect Your Reputation

If you’re facing charges, it can be hard to focus on anything else. However, if you want to avoid serious consequences and maintain your reputation — both personally and professionally — it’s important to reach out to an attorney immediately. The sooner you retain legal counsel, the more effectively your lawyer can begin building a defense for your case.

Contact one of our lawyers today for more information!

Why hire a criminal defense lawyer?

When you are arrested, it is critical to have a criminal defense lawyer in Des Moines, IA on your side. A criminal defense lawyer can help protect your rights and ensure that you receive a fair trial. Here are some of the reasons you should hire a criminal defense lawyer. 

1) Criminal defense lawyers know the law inside out. They can help explain your rights to you and guide you through the legal process. 

2) Criminal defense lawyers have experience dealing with prosecutors and judges. They know what strategies work best in order to get the best possible outcome for their clients. 

3) Criminal defense lawyers will fight for your rights. If you are facing jail time, they will do everything they can to get the sentence reduced or even dismissed altogether.

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.

If you have any more questions about what a criminal defense lawyer in Des Moines can do for you don’t hesitate to reach out to the Law Group of Iowa to learn more today.

Des Moines Criminal Defense Law Statistics

According to the Iowa Attorney General’s Office Crime Victim Assistance Division, in 2022 in Iowa $3,225,765 was paid out to victims of crimes. A criminal defense lawyer in Des Moines, IA can advise you of your rights and help you build a defense against the charges. Even if you think that you are guilty, it is important to have an attorney to protect your rights. The consequences of a criminal conviction can be devastating, so don’t go through this process alone. Contact a criminal defense lawyer today!

Contact the Law Group of Iowa today

It is important to take action as quickly as possible when facing criminal charges. Seeking the assistance of an experienced Des Moines, IA criminal defense lawyer will help ensure that you are doing everything within your power to achieve the best possible outcome with your unique case. It is our goal to provide an experienced legal team that can represent you in many situations. Take the first step by contacting the Law Group of Iowa today, you will receive a free case evaluation.

Hire the Law Group of Iowa as Your Criminal Defense Lawyer

The probate process can be confusing and daunting, especially if it is your first time going through it. You need a criminal defense lawyer in Des Moines, IA who understands the law and can guide you through the process step-by-step.

The Law Group of Iowa is a criminal defense law firm that can provide you with the aggressive legal representation you require in order to fight your charges. We have years of experience defending clients against all types of criminal charges, and we are prepared to do whatever it takes to protect your rights and get the best possible outcome for your case.

We understand that being accused of a crime can be stressful and overwhelming. That’s why we work hard to ensure that our clients are kept informed and supported every step of the way. We will do everything possible to get you the best possible outcome in your case. We will guide you through the process and make sure that everything goes smoothly. Contact The Law Group of Iowa today for a free consultation.

If you are facing criminal charges then you don’t have time to waste and need a criminal defense lawyer. It doesn’t matter what you are facing, you could be looking at serious prison time and hefty fines if you are found guilty. A lawyer is there to help you through this process and make sure you don’t flounder.

A lawyer’s role is to help you stay organized and present the facts in a manner that best supports opening legal theory. There are also numerous legal concepts at play during the trial in which a person that isn’t well-versed in criminal law won’t understand.

Law Group of Iowa Des Moines Criminal Defense Lawyer

5601 Hickman Rd Suite 3B Des Moines, IA 50310

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
Client Review