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Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Des Moines

2023

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Website
309 Court Ave Ste 803, Des Moines, IA 50309

Why choose this provider?

Arleth Law is a criminal defense law firm representing the constitutional rights of people who are charged with criminal activity in the Greater Des Moines metro area and surrounding communities. Mr. Arleth takes a compassionate and tenacious approach to defending his clients, and he takes on cases involving both misdemeanor and felony offenses. Attorney Arleth received a Top Contributor Award from Avvo in 2018. Free initial consultations are available for prospective clients.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Michael Arleth - Principal8 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.6
Google
4.6 / 5 (9)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
2501 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50312

Why choose this provider?

Branstad & Olson Law Office is a team of family law and criminal justice attorneys in Des Moines that has over 65 years of combined experience. The firm has experience defending clients from accusations of sexual violence, drug possession and distribution, driving while intoxicated, and theft. Its team also represents convicted clients during post-trial appeals to attempt to overturn their conviction. Partner Christine Branstad is a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Nathan Olson - Partner11 yrs
Christine Branstad - Partner28 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.5
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (27)
Justia
10.0 / 5 (3)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
2501 Grand Ave Ste B, Des Moines, IA 50312

Why choose this provider?

Highly esteemed among criminal justice attorneys in Des Moines, Wandro & Associates in Des Moines has been advocating for the rights of Iowans accused of criminal activity since 1998. The firm's seasoned attorneys believe that every defendant is entitled to a zealous defense. It takes on a range of criminal cases, representing clients charged with both misdemeanors and felonies. The practice also represents clients who have not been formally charged or arrested but are under investigation by law enforcement.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Ben Arato - Senior Associate12 yrs
Steven Wandro - Principal39 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
4.3 / 5 (23)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (6)
Justia
10.0 / 5 (3)

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Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
1201 63rd Street, Des Moines, IA 50311
  • Federal Crime
  • Drug Crimes
  • DWI/DUI

Why choose this provider?

Law Offices of Michael H. Said, P.C., handles various kinds of criminal law matters, including identity theft, drunk driving, drug crimes, and domestic violence. The firm makes defendants in Des Moines feel at ease by building solid defense strategies, treating and handling their cases seriously, and keeping them informed throughout the process. Its principal, Michael H. Said, has been practicing law for more than 25 years. Said also handles immigration law cases and serves as president of the International Law Association.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.3
Google
4.3 / 5 (29)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
3.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
317 6th Ave Ste 1200, Des Moines, IA 50309

Why choose this provider?

Criminal defense firm Clark & Sears Law PLLC in Des Moines represents accused persons in local and state court. The firm takes on cases ranging from simple misdemeanors to serious felonies, including assault and battery, receiving stolen property, prostitution, extortion, drug crimes, and gun law crimes. It also officers criminal sentencing assistance, such as presentence investigations and expungement and sealing records post-conviction. Partner attorney Katherine Sears is a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Katherine Sears - Principal6 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.9
Google
4.9 / 5 (15)
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (7)
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (2)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
4.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
108 3rd St, Des Moines, IA 50309
  • DWI/DUI

Why choose this provider?

Flanagan Law Group, PLLC, offers counsel for individuals throughout the Des Moines area. It provides criminal defense representation for clients facing criminal charges, such as DUIs and traffic violations and drug, sexual assault, and juvenile crimes. It also defends clients charged with felonies, misdemeanors, domestic violence, and military and violent crimes. Additionally, this multi-practice firm deals with legal matters in the areas of family law and litigation. Tyler Rubenzer, one of its attorneys, has represented indigent defendants.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.4
Facebook
4.7 / 5 (55)
Google
3.7 / 5 (15)
Avvo
1.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
650 South Prairie View Drive, West Des Moines, IA 50266

Why choose this provider?

Stowers & Sarcone is a criminal defense law firm serving the people of Des Moines and the nearby areas. The firm examines and presents the evidence of criminal justice cases involving drunk driving, sexual and domestic violence, theft and burglary, and drug-related offenses. It also defends those accused of white collar crimes, such as extortion, administrative law violations, and fraud. Partner Dean Stowers has been honored by Thomson Reuters as a Super Lawyer.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Nicholas Sarcone - Partner15 yrs
Dean Stowers - Partner34 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (6)
FindLaw
5.0 / 5 (2)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
4.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
222 Fifth Ave, Suite 102, Des Moines, IA 50309
  • Drug Crimes
  • DWI/DUI

Why choose this provider?

Herting Law PLLC delivers collaborative legal solutions to the residents of Des Moines. It offers aggressive criminal defense in cases involving matters like assault, domestic violence, theft, and operating while intoxicated. The firm also handles gun, cyber, drug, and white-collar crimes. Its legal team assists clients by considering the evidence against them and reviewing the conduct of detectives and police officers. The firm's founder, Daniel Herting, practiced as a student attorney in Drake Law’s Advanced Criminal Defense Clinic.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.8
Google
4.8 / 5 (43)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
213 4th Street, Suite 100, Des Moines, IA 50309
  • DWI/DUI

Why choose this provider?

Anderson & Taylor, PLLC, is a criminal defense firm representing clients accused of committing crimes in Des Moines and nearby areas. Its lawyers have handled over 1,000 cases and responded to accusations using their skills and experience in the courtroom to defend against misdemeanor and felony charges in state and federal courts. The cases they take on include OWI, child endangerment, aggravated assault, and white-collar crimes. One of the managing partners, Lucas Taylor, has been listed among the Top 100 National Trial Lawyers.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.3
Google
4.3 / 5 (43)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (2)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
317 6th Ave., Suite 1300, Des Moines, IA 50309
  • Domestic Violence
  • DWI/DUI

Why choose this provider?

Thomas G Crabb is a criminal defense attorney serving clients in Des Moines and the neighboring cities. He guides individuals in defending their rights to dismiss or reduce consequences for their domestic violence, driving offenses, and DUI charges. He also represents clients arrested for misdemeanor and felony cases. In addition to criminal defense, Crabb provides legal assistance to individuals wishing to obtain social security disability benefits. Crabb brings over 25 years of experience in the legal field.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (4)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
118 SE 4th St, Des Moines, IA 50309
  • Federal Crime
  • Drug Crimes
  • DWI/DUI

Why choose this provider?

The Van Cleaf & McCormack Law Firm, LLP, is a client-oriented practice that provides counsel and support to individuals and families in Des Moines and nearby cities. It defends and fights for the rights of its clients against criminal charges, including traffic violations and juvenile law cases. The firm also handles personal injury, employment, and family law matters. The firm's lawyers, Jacob Van Cleaf and Colin McCormack, have more than two decades of combined legal experience.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
3.9
Google
3.7 / 5 (48)
Facebook
4.7 / 5 (15)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
300 Walnut St Ste 5, Des Moines, IA 50309

Why choose this provider?

Timothy M. Duffy PC offers criminal defense for accused parties throughout Des Moines and surrounding communities. The practice has more than a quarter-century of experience representing criminal defendants throughout Central Iowa, and it offers representation for a range of crimes, including drug crimes domestic assault, weapons charges, sex crimes, and theft. It also represents defendants charged with murder or homicide. Mr. Duffy is a member of the Iowa Bar Association.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Timothy Duffy - Founder40 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.2
Google
4.2 / 5 (57)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
4090 Westown Parkway, West Des Moines, IA 50266

Why choose this provider?

Nicholas Lombardi Law is a personal injury and criminal defense law firm serving the residents of Des Moines and the nearby areas. The firm's legal team provides legal advice and representation for those who have been accused of probation and weapons violations, domestic and sexual assault, identity theft, and kidnapping. It also aims to ensure those accused of drunk driving were properly tested. The team gathers and presents evidence from the client's case to prove their innocence.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Nicholas Lombardi - Principal8 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (90)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (10)
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (3)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
2600 Grand Avenue, Ste. 450, Des Moines, IA 50312
  • Federal Crime
  • Arraignment

Why choose this provider?

The Weinhardt Law Firm offers criminal defense advocacy to individuals and businesses around the Des Moines metro. The firm primarily focuses on the investigation and defense of white-collar criminal matters. It handles cases involving antitrust offenses, food safety violations, health care fraud, false statements to the government, and trade secret theft and seeks to resolve them discreetly when possible. Founder Mark Weinhardt is admitted to the International Academy of Trial Lawyers. He has been in practice for over three decades.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.3
Google
4.3 / 5 (7)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
3.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
4000 Westown Pkwy Ste 120, West Des Moines, IA 50266

Why choose this provider?

Based in Des Moines, Spellman Law PC serves the criminal defense needs of clients in Central Iowa and across the state. The practice handles a range of both serious felonies and less-serious misdemeanor cases, including clients charged with drug crimes, OWI/DUI, marijuana violations, firearms offenses, and other offenses. It also represents clients facing charges resulting from illegal search and seizure of their person, property, or homes. Attorney Spellman is a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Mary Spellman - Senior Associate14 yrs
Sean Spellman - Partner20 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
FindLaw
5.0 / 5 (1950)
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (4)
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (3)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
501 SW 7th Street Suite J, Des Moines, IA 50309
  • Theft & Burglary
  • Drug Crimes
  • DWI/DUI

Why choose this provider?

Sarcone Law Firm is a full-service criminal defense practice headquartered in Des Moines. It represents clients charged with drug-related violations, DUI, theft, and assault in Iowa federal and state courts. Its attorney also protects the rights of those facing the threat of conviction for a rape charge, white-collar crime, and federal weapons offense. Nicholas A. Sarcone, its solo practitioner, has been in the legal practice for over 15 years. He is affiliated with the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (10)
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (3)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
1200 Valley West Dr Ste 204, West Des Moines, IA 50266

Why choose this provider?

Established in 2004, James Nelsen PLC is a criminal defense attorney offering Des Moines residents competent and aggressive defense and advocacy when facing nearly all misdemeanor and felony charges. Typical cases include assault, domestic violence, OWI, violent crimes, drug crimes, and sex offenses. The firm practices at the local, state, and federal level. Mr. Nelsen is a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the Iowa Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
James Nelsen - Principal19 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.5
Google
4.3 / 5 (7)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (1)
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Consumers utilizing Expertise.com are free to communicate and contract with any lawyer they choose. Expertise.com is not involved in the confidential attorney-client relationship. Featured lawyers pay a reasonable advertising cost to market their legal services withExpertise.com and must meet similar selection criteria as other lawyers. All cases are different. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Des Moines, Iowa?

    Des Moines police department's non-emergency line is (515)-283-4811.

  • When accused of a crime in Des Moines, why should you exercise your right to remain silent?

    Whether or not you have been arrested for a crime in Des Moines, you must assert your right to remain silent. Some individuals attempt to explain events to law enforcement only to have their explanations used against them. It is exacerbated when other witnesses provide contradictory testimony or when you are scared and provide incorrect information. In addition, you may decide to assert your right to an attorney. Early involvement of a criminal defense counsel may alter the outcome.

  • How long do you have to file criminal charges in Des Moines?

    Prosecutors have time limits to file criminal charges in Des Moines. A case can be dismissed if the prosecution fails to charge someone before the deadline. Crime severity determines statutes of limitations. Violent crimes have lengthier statutes of limitations than nonviolent offenses. Only when the suspect is visible and in the state where the crime happened are criminal charges time-limited. If a suspect flees or hides, the statutory clock will pause until the culprit returns to the state. The statute of limitations is tolled to discourage fleeing criminals.

  • How long must you wait to learn the charges following an arrest in Des Moines?

    A person detained for violating a criminal law in Des Moines is often brought before a judge within twenty-four hours. The judge will inform the defendant of the charges and bail or release terms. For certain minor offenses, the judge may permit the defendant to submit a guilty or not guilty plea at the initial appearance.

  • What types of crimes are typically committed in Des Moines?

    According to recent data, the following crimes are reported in Des Moines. These crimes include property and auto theft, burglary, assault, robbery, rape, arson, and murder. The current crime rate in Des Moines is 422, which is 1.75 times higher than the national average. It was more than in 94.7% of American cities.

  • Where in Des Moines do crimes happen?

    Places like airports, parks, and schools are locations of crime problems. Few people live near major airports, like the one in the Des Moines metro area, so they always seem like places with a lot of crime. Des Moines has 115 parks and other designated recreational areas, sharing this issue. Few of the 611,732 Des Moines residents live near recreational amenities. Even in safe parks, crime rates may look higher if several people go there.

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