Iowa Criminal Defense Lawyer

At the Law Group of Iowa, we understand that facing any kind of criminal offense can be a stressful, and even scary, time in a person’s life. The outcome of a criminal case can have ramifications that can follow a person for the rest of their life. A conviction can interfere with a person’s ability to seek employment, find a place to live, and obtain financial assistance. In Iowa, a person who is convicted of a felony permanently loses their right to vote unless those rights are restored by the governor. If you have been arrested and charged with a crime, call our office immediately to speak with a criminal defense lawyer in Des Moines, IA.

Criminal Charges

The criminal justice system is a complex one and requires the skill and legal expertise of a seasoned defense lawyer. Choosing the right lawyer can be critical to the outcome of your case. The criminal defense lawyers at the Law Group of Iowa have decades of experience representing clients who are 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

Each Des Moines, IA criminal defense lawyer at our firm is committed to working with every client to determine what the best defense strategy is in their particular case and will work diligently to help that client avoid a conviction, minimizing the consequences the charges can have on their freedom and their future.

Contact Our Criminal Defense Law Firm Today

If you are being investigated for a crime or have already been charged, do not delay contacting the Law Group of Iowa. The longer you wait, the more time the prosecutor and the police have to build a case against you without anyone advocating for you and ensuring your constitutional rights are protected. A conviction of the charges you are facing or even just the arrest may also have other legal consequences that you may be unaware of.

For example, a criminal conviction could have an impact on your parenting time and provide your child’s other parent with ammunition to file a child custody modification. Another issue may be how any criminal charges could affect your employment situation.

Call or email our office at The Law Group of Iowa to schedule a free and confidential consultation. A Des Moines, IA criminal defense lawyer will evaluate your case, answer whatever questions you may have, and discuss what type of legal options you may have for your defense strategy. Do not delay.

Iowa Criminal Defense FAQ

Facing criminal charges creates fear, uncertainty, and overwhelming stress that affects every aspect of your life. Your freedom, reputation, employment, and future hang in the balance while prosecutors work to secure convictions. The criminal justice system is complex, unforgiving, and stacked against defendants who navigate it without experienced legal representation. From minor misdemeanors to serious felonies, every charge deserves a vigorous defense that protects your constitutional rights and challenges the evidence against you. At Law Group of Iowa, we provide aggressive criminal defense representation, investigating cases thoroughly, challenging prosecutorial evidence, and fighting to protect your rights and freedom.

What Criminal Charges Do We Defend?

DUI and OWI charges including first offenses and repeat violations require immediate attention to protect driving privileges. Drug crimes ranging from simple possession to trafficking and manufacturing face severe penalties. Theft offenses including shoplifting, burglary, robbery, and receiving stolen property carry incarceration risks. Assault charges from simple misdemeanors to serious felonies involving weapons or injuries need strong defense. Domestic violence allegations affect family relationships, custody, and gun ownership rights. White collar crimes including fraud, embezzlement, and forgery require technical defenses. Sex crimes carry mandatory registration requirements and life-altering consequences. Weapons charges involving illegal possession or use face enhanced penalties. We defend all criminal charges regardless of severity.

Why Is Immediate Legal Representation Critical?

Initial appearances and bond hearings determine whether you remain jailed or are released pending trial. Evidence preservation requires immediate investigation before witnesses disappear and physical proof is lost. Statement dangers mean anything you say to police can be used against you without proper legal guidance. Charging decisions by prosecutors can sometimes be influenced through early intervention and evidence presentation. Statute of limitations deadlines require timely action on potential defenses. Pretrial motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges must be filed within strict timeframes. Administrative consequences including license suspensions operate on separate timelines from criminal cases. Contact us immediately upon arrest or learning of investigations before making statements or decisions that harm your defense.

How Do We Challenge Criminal Charges?

Constitutional violations including illegal searches, seizures, and interrogations can result in evidence suppression. Insufficient evidence claims argue prosecution cannot prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt. Witness credibility attacks expose biases, inconsistencies, and motivations to lie. Alibi defenses establish you were elsewhere when alleged crimes occurred. Self-defense justifications apply when force was necessary to protect yourself or others. Mistaken identity arguments show prosecution charged the wrong person. Procedural errors in arrests, evidence handling, or charging documents may require dismissal. We investigate thoroughly and develop defense strategies tailored to your specific case circumstances.

What Are Potential Case Outcomes?

Dismissals occur when charges are dropped due to insufficient evidence or legal violations. Acquittals result when juries or judges find prosecution failed to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt. Plea bargains reduce charges or recommend lighter sentences in exchange for guilty pleas. Deferred judgments and probation avoid convictions if conditions are successfully completed. Alternative sentencing including treatment programs, community service, or electronic monitoring replace incarceration. Reduced charges lower penalties and long-term consequences compared to original accusations. Trial convictions result when prosecution proves guilt, leading to sentencing by judges. We fight for the best possible outcome whether through negotiation, motion practice, or trial.

Why Do Plea Negotiations Matter?

Case weaknesses including evidentiary problems or witness issues give leverage during plea discussions. Mitigating circumstances such as lack of criminal history or cooperation may influence prosecutor flexibility. Charge reductions from felonies to misdemeanors dramatically decrease penalties and collateral consequences. Sentencing recommendations by prosecutors carry weight with judges during sentencing hearings. Avoiding trial uncertainty eliminates risks of harsher penalties after convictions. Time served credit may result in immediate release when jail time already served satisfies negotiated sentences. We negotiate aggressively while remaining prepared for trial when acceptable plea offers aren’t available.

What Collateral Consequences Follow Convictions?

Employment barriers arise when background checks reveal criminal records preventing job opportunities. Professional licenses for doctors, lawyers, nurses, and other professions face suspension or revocation. Immigration consequences including deportation affect non-citizens convicted of certain crimes. Housing denials occur when landlords reject applicants with criminal histories. Gun ownership rights are lost permanently for felony convictions and certain domestic violence misdemeanors. Educational opportunities including financial aid eligibility may be affected by drug convictions. Custody and visitation rights in family court cases are impacted by criminal convictions. We fight to avoid convictions understanding that consequences extend far beyond immediate penalties.

How Do We Prepare For Trial?

Investigation includes interviewing witnesses, visiting crime scenes, and gathering evidence supporting your defense. Discovery review examines all prosecution evidence identifying weaknesses and inconsistencies. Expert witnesses provide testimony on forensics, mental health, accident reconstruction, or other technical issues. Pretrial motions challenge evidence admissibility and seek dismissals on legal grounds. Jury selection identifies favorable jurors and removes those with biases against defendants. Opening statements and closing arguments frame cases persuasively for juries. Witness examination through direct and cross-examination presents your defense and challenges prosecution witnesses. We prepare meticulously for trial while continuing settlement negotiations throughout the process.

What Should You Do After Arrest?

Remain silent exercising your Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination without legal representation present. Request an attorney immediately and refuse to answer questions until we arrive. Avoid discussing your case with cellmates, jail staff, or anyone except your attorney. Do not consent to searches of your property, phone, or vehicle without warrants. Document everything you remember about the arrest, officers involved, and circumstances. Preserve evidence including receipts, communications, or documents supporting your defense. Contact family or friends to arrange bail if necessary. Call us immediately for representation before making any statements or decisions that could harm your defense.

Criminal charges threaten your freedom and future, but you have the right to a strong defense. A criminal defense lawyer Iowa defendants trust can investigate your case, challenge prosecution evidence, and fight for your rights in negotiations and at trial. We understand Iowa criminal law and court procedures. We provide honest assessments and aggressive representation. Contact us today for a confidential discussion about your charges and defense options. Your future is too important to face the criminal justice system alone.