Criminal Defense Attorneys in Des Moines, Iowa
From Accused to Acquitted, We Remain Committed to You
Being accused of a crime is frightening. It is intimidating. It is a time of uncertainty. When your freedom and future are on the line, GRL Law’s experienced Iowa criminal defense lawyers are here to help.
Repeatedly ranked among the best criminal defense lawyers in Iowa, GRL Law aggressively defends our clients. We jealously protect your rights with the goal of ensuring the best possible outcome for your case.
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Table of Contents
- Why You Need an Aggressive Iowa Criminal Defense Lawyer on Your Side
- Common Charges We Defend Across Iowa
- Is It Worth It to Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney?
- Navigating the Iowa Criminal Defense Process
- Our Results
- What Our Clients Are Saying
- Charged? Under Investigation? Here’s What to Do
- Expungement: Get a Second Chance at a Clean Record
- Contact Iowa’s Best Criminal Defense Lawyers
Why You Need an Aggressive Iowa Criminal Defense Lawyer on Your Side
Some lawyers are content with taking your money and pleading you guilty right after reading the police report.
We don’t do that. We fight to win.
The criminal defense lawyers at Gourley, Rehkemper & Lindholm are aggressive trailblazers. We’re not afraid to take on the toughest, most complicated cases that push into uncharted areas of Iowa law. We painstakingly research every situation, looking for any possible way to secure an outright dismissal of the accusations.
If a successful defense is available, we promise you, we will find it.
When you work with GRL Law, you’ll receive:
- Non-Judgmental Legal Help: No matter what you’ve been accused of, we’re dedicated to finding the best option for your personal situation.
- Comprehensive Experience: From traffic tickets to felonies, we represent Iowans across the entirety of the state who are accused of all levels of felony or misdemeanor offenses.
- Decades of Expertise. We don’t just practice law. We teach it and shape it. Our team is active in many professional organizations and teaches other lawyers how to interpret and apply the law.
- Iowa Supreme Court Influence: Each member of our criminal defense team has argued cases before the Iowa Supreme Court and won.
Common Charges We Defend Across Iowa
- Drunk Driving
- Vehicular Homicide
- Serious Injury by Vehicle
- Involuntary Manslaughter
- Drug Charges
- Drug-Related Traffic Stops
- Assault
- Sexual Assault/Rape
- Invasion of Privacy/Indecent Exposure
- Theft/Embezzlement
- Public Intoxication
- Minor in Possession of Alcohol
- Juvenile Delinquency
- Sex Offender Registry Modification
Is It Worth It to Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney?
The answer to this question is yes.
Iowa’s court system is intimidating. When law enforcement begins creating a case against you, it can make you feel like you don’t have hope. You may not realize it if they have violated your constitutional rights, or if the choices that are being presented to you are more limited than they really are.
The reality is, even if you did break the law, you likely have options. A great defense attorney will be your guide to the process, helping you navigate the hidden “traps” of the legal system. They will help you look for options within the law that will work the best for your needs and your future.
Our lawyers provide up-front pricing and flat fees to ensure you aren’t surprised by the cost.
Navigating the Iowa Criminal Defense Process
If you’re facing criminal charges, the Iowa court system can be a gauntlet of deadlines and complex procedures. Here is what to expect and how we help you navigate each step.
Arrest & Initial Appearance
The process starts with an arrest, followed by an initial appearance before a judge within 24 hours. At this stage, the court informs you of your rights, determines bond, and schedules future hearings. This is the best time to begin speaking with your attorney.
Formal Filing
Within 45 days of arrest, the State must file formal charges and evidence in the form of a “Trial Information” or “Indictment.” If the prosecutor misses this deadline without good cause, the charges must be dismissed with prejudice.
Arraignment & Plea
At the arraignment, you are formally presented with the charges and enter a plea (“guilty” or “not guilty”). While this can be done in open court, we often handle this via a written filing.
Discovery & Depositions
Within 30 days of arraignment, we begin “discovery,” which in Iowa includes taking depositions — sworn testimony from the State’s witnesses — to uncover weaknesses in their case before it reaches a jury.
Pre-Trial Motions & Suppression
We challenge the State’s evidence through legal motions, such as a Motion to Suppress. If the police violated your rights during a search or seizure, we fight to have that evidence thrown out so it cannot be used against you at trial.
Trial
Unless a resolution is reached via plea bargaining, your case proceeds to trial. This is where they must prove the charge beyond a reasonable doubt.
Sentencing or Appeal
If the case results in a conviction, a judge determines the sentence, which can range from fines and probation to incarceration. From there, we evaluate the grounds for an appeal to the Iowa Supreme Court or a Motion for Reconsideration.
See How We’ve Helped Our Clients
Vehicular Homicide DISMISSED Halfway Through Jury Trial
Charles City, Floyd County, Iowa. Vehicular Homicide charge against GRL’s client was dismissed by the court because the prosecution failed to present enough evidence for the case to continue any further forward at trial. GRL’s client was …
Vehicular Homicide x 3 DISMISSED
Osceola, Clarke County, Iowa. Three Vehicular Homicide charges were dismissed against GRL’s client less than a month before trial was set to commence. GRL’s client was accused of Vehicular Homicide by Reckless Driving after a vehicle he …
$154,900 Settlement for Wrongful Arrest
Ankeny, Polk County, Iowa. GRL’s Government Accountability Division obtained a settlement of $154,900 for an Ankeny man who was wrongfully arrested by Ankeny Police Department earlier this year. While the financial …
What GRL Law Clients Are Saying
"Colin Gave Me My Life Back"
“I was from another state where medical marijuana was legal. With odds against me, Colin fought tooth and nail and held on like a bulldog biting on a stick. He gave me a life back when the systemic odds were against me. He is a rare breed of attorney that fights for what’s right regardless of how dismal or helpless things got. He was magnificent in knowledge, skill and determination and more so . . . heart! We will be forever grateful for having a hero (I never would’ve thought I would’ve called a lawyer “hero”) on our side that never waivered. He will forever be welcomed in our home and at our table!”
"Indecent Exposure Dropped to Public Intoxication"
“I met with Bobby a few days after being charged for a free consultation, and decided to hire him shortly after. Bobby helped me with my indecent exposure case, which he was able to reduce it to public intoxication. He always kept me in the loop and answered any question I had. Bobby is worth every single penny, and I would highly recommend Bobby to anyone for anything. Thanks Bobby!”
"We lost because I did it. Here’s why he gets 5 starts"
“Because I was never afraid or felt left alone. Ended up taking a deferred with sanctions 2 levels under a slap on the wrist. Non-violent alcohol/gun charge. He fought ever step of the way. Buried them in paper work: discovery, suppressions, dismissals, briefs, demands, motions etc. 30 and 40 page magnum opus level stuff.
“He showed in person and by fillings that we weren’t rolling over and I was more trouble than it was worth. He WAS successful in partially suppressing so evidence which I’m confident is what got my 0 punishment. He even got my gun back, which was outside of what I had paid him to do.”
"Best Criminal Defense Lawyer"
“I was looking at a very long judicial process with possibility of conviction for a crime I did not think of commit. He was also proactive and listened to my concerns. One time he met with me 3 days in a row. He was patient and cheerful and always kept me in loop. He made some decisions no other lawyer would have made but in the end his decisions saved my life. No charges were filed. I owe my life to him. Thank you so much Bobby.”
"Outstanding Attorney From Start to Finish"
“Bob is beyond knowledgeable, personable, but is exactly the type of ‘bulldog’ representation needed to navigate and be successful in the outcome of your criminal matter. Bob successfully had a criminal charge dismissed in my case. He was always available to answer my questions as well as making himself available after normal business hours. Bob and his legal team have an outstanding reputation and after having him represent me, I can understand why. Thank you Bob and GRL Law for the dismissal in my case. i cannot thank you enough!”
Charged? Under Investigation? Here’s What to Do:
If You’re Under Investigation
If you know you’re being investigated for a crime, there are many ways an attorney can help. Read more about the value of hiring an attorney during an investigation.
Understanding Your Constitutional Rights
Knowing your rights can help you avoid being intimidated or tricked by law enforcement. Learn more about your basic rights in criminal cases.
If You’ve Just Been Arrested
What do you do if you or a loved one has just been arrested? Read our step-by-step guide.
Other Important Resources
Explore more about the court process, bonds, statutes of limitations, and preparing for court in our criminal defense resource guide.
Expungement: Get a Second Chance at a Clean Record
If you were convicted of a crime – or even found not guilty – criminal charges can remain on your record for the rest of your life. Unless you take action to remove them.
Learn more about Iowa’s expungement laws and how GRL Law can help you clear your record in certain cases.
