Criminal Defense Lawyer in Des Moines

Criminal Charges We Defend

Even a first-time misdemeanor can carry long-term consequences, impacting your ability to secure housing, retain professional licenses, or maintain specific employment paths. 

We provide a steady, calculated defense against a variety of misdemeanor and minor felony charges:

DUI and OWI: With heavy concentrations of popular nightlife spots throughout the Court Avenue District and highly patrolled traffic corridors along I-235 and I-80, local police heavily target drivers for drunk driving. We analyze breathalyzer calibration logs and field sobriety testing data to challenge the legality of your traffic stop.

Drug crimes: Iowa's controlled substance statutes closely parallel federal standards, carrying strict penalties for the possession, sale, or manufacture of illegal narcotics. We focus on identifying unlawful searches and seizures to challenge the state's constructive possession claims.

Domestic violence: We work to protect you against retaliatory motives or exaggerations often tied to contentious family law or personal disputes.

Theft crimes and shoplifting: We audit state’s evidence and review surveillance or digital records to challenge claims of intent, working to reduce charges to minor infractions or secure a dismissal. 

Assault and disorderly conduct: From general intent simple assault allegations to complex public disturbance charges, we examine the full context of the altercation to establish defenses such as self-defense or lack of intent.

Property damage, criminal mischief, trespass, and arson: Allegations of damaging property, trespassing, or causing fires/explosions with intent to destroy property carry serious financial restitution requirements alongside jail terms. We work to help clients minimize these consequences.

Prostitution and solicitation: We provide a completely confidential defense focused on protecting your privacy, identifying instances of police entrapment, and working to resolve the matter discreetly without a permanent criminal mark on your record.

Establishing Your Defense Framework Under Iowa Law

In Iowa criminal proceedings, timing is critical. Any formal affirmative defense must be strategically raised in advance of trial and strictly within 40 days of your arraignment hearing. 

Depending on the unique circumstances of your case, Ms. Adams analyzes several common defense strategies.

• Alibi and innocence: Demonstrating with physical or digital records that you were entirely elsewhere when the alleged crime occurred.
• Intoxication and diminished responsibility: Presenting evidence that a severe mental state or involuntary intoxication made it legally impossible for you to form the specific criminal intent required for the charge (for example, mistakenly taking an identical item of property thinking it was yours).
• Justification and self-defense: Arguing that your physical actions were legally necessary to defend yourself, protect another individual, or safeguard property from harm.
• Entrapment and duress: Proving that you were either improperly induced by law enforcement to commit an act you otherwise wouldn't have, or forced to act under immediate, life-threatening coercion by a third party.

Fierce Advocacy Tailored to Your Case & Peace of Mind

Facing a criminal charge can make you feel isolated, but you do not have to navigate the state's legal framework alone. Law Offices of Amanda T. Adams prioritizes transparent, highly responsive communication to ensure you understand every phase of your case. 

We aggressively protect your rights from start to finish while pursuing the best possible outcome for your case. 

Reach us online or at (515) 575-4423 to book a complimentary consultation with a Des Moines criminal defense attorney today.