Skip to Content
Branstad & Olson Branstad & Olson
Call for a Free Consultation 515-329-3100
Top
Des Moines Criminal Defense Lawyers With 65+ Years of Experience 2023, 2024, and 2025 Des Moines’ People’s Choice Recipient

Hear From Our Happy Clients

At Branstad & Olson, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.

    "Their communication was excellent and compassion was real. From day one, they were fighting"
    Their communication was excellent and compassion was real. From day one, they were fighting
    - Joe M.
    "Christine and her team went above and beyond to prove my innocence."
    Christine and her team went above and beyond to prove my innocence.
    - Antonio R.
    "Christine is the kind of attorney you want on your side when everything feels uncertain."
    Christine is the kind of attorney you want on your side when everything feels uncertain. She stands with you, supports you, and truly fights for you with confidence and care. Her dedication and positivity gave me strength during a difficult time, and she delivered results beyond anything I expected. Im deeply grateful for everything she did for me. The staff was also kind, responsive, and supportive throughout the process.
    - Avvo Reviewer
    "Great Lawfirm!! Always there when I was in need of assistance."
    Great Lawfirm!! Always there when I was in need of assistance.
    - Briana J.
    "I recommend Carter a lot!"
    Carter Brown, is one of the most hardworking attorneys they have. He helped tremendously, even when I wanted to give up, he refused and kept fighting for my case. I recommend him a lot! As well as Devyn, she was always able to answer any questions I had with respect and was the sweetest ever <3
    - Carlee G.
    "Best Team"
    Hi, I had very hard charges and no easy cases that I had no one to go to look or for my services. They are nice, quick, questions, good advice and very good. They are experienced, professional and got everything I need to have no problem. Nate and Christine got my meetings, paperwork and courts all very good.
    - Greg V.
    "Excellent Attorney"
    Clara is great at keeping lines of communication open and is a fantastic attorney. I highly recommend!
    - Tammie
    "Christine is one heck of a lawyer."

    Christine is one heck of a lawyer. She is well known and well respected. I will never have another. Thank-you for all you have done

    - AVVO Reviewer
    "The Best!"
    David was truly a savior. I was looking at probation and a suspended prison sentence, I was arrested on an additional felony before sentencing and he still got me probation with a suspended sentence. I already have several criminal charges, but have never been to prison. The were originally trying to sentence me to 11 years. Truthfully, I couldn't have seen my case going much better and a lot of that success I attribute to him being my attorney. I am so grateful!!! Communication was fast and thorough, he was an awesome attorney to work with!
    - Emmett

Des Moines Criminal Defense Lawyers

Dependable Counsel & Strategic Advocacy

We are Branstad & Olson, an Iowa criminal defense law firm. Our Des Moines criminal attorneys work toward a favorable solution by meeting you right away, jumping into action on your behalf, fighting when necessary, and negotiating when possible. No matter what charge you face, we approach your case with a never-give-up attitude.

When you work with Branstad & Olson, you have advocates looking out for your best interests. We focus on helping clients understand the laws and legal procedures surrounding their charges. Additionally, we keep clients informed about the status of their cases through MyCase – an intuitive case management system.

Our criminal defense lawyers in Des Moines, IA have over 65 years of combined experience representing clients from misdemeanor to felony. Common criminal charges we defend include OWI/DUI, drug crimes, domestic violence, theft, and sex crimes.

We defend our clients through advocacy and innovative problem-solving. We thoroughly prepare for each matter, allowing us to spot holes in the state's case and strengthen our defense. Our team reviews allegations, sorts through facts, conducts interviews, and examines evidence. We are committed to exploring every legal avenue to work for favorable results for our clients.

Contact our Iowa criminal defense lawyers at (515) 329-3100 for a free consultation to discuss your rights and legal options.

Success Starts with the Right Team

If you’re facing a criminal charge, you want to feel comfortable with your attorney. When you hire Branstad & Olson, you have a team with over 65 years of combined experience on your side. We provide personalized attention to each client and thoroughly analyze each case to develop an innovative legal defense strategy. We recognize your situation is unique, and we take time to get to know you as a person and the facts of your case.

Contact Us

Awards & Associations

Respected by Peers, Clients, and Legal Organizations

The Branstad & Olson Team

More Than 65 Years of Experience Working for You

Better with Branstad & Olson

Six Reasons to Choose Our Firm
  • Over 65 Years of Collective Experience
  • Thousands of Cases Successfully Handled
  • Outside-the-Box Strategies to Secure the Best Result
  • A Genuine Care for Our Clients' Best Interests
  • Highly Responsive & Accessible
  • A Never-Give-Up Approach

Legacy of Results

At Branstad & Olson, our Des Moines criminal defense lawyers have successfully represented thousands of individuals. Sometimes that means negotiation. Our negotiations include providing our clients with the tools and knowledge to put themselves in the best position going forward. We negotiated numerous plea bargains, saving our clients’ money and knocking years off prison sentences or even avoiding incarceration altogether.

Sometimes successful representation means trial. Although there is never a guaranteed outcome, we have a record of obtaining not guilty verdicts from seat belt tickets to vehicular homicide to murder in the first degree. In short, we know the best results come from the best preparation. No one can guarantee an acquittal, but we guarantee we will be prepared if we go to trial.

  • Dismissal Assault
  • Reversed and Remanded Appeal - Administrative
  • Reversed and Remanded Appeal - Criminal Conviction
  • Not Guilty– Jury Trial 1st Degree Robbery
  • Not Guilty– Jury Trial 1st Degree Murder

Areas of Practice

We Have Helped Hundreds of Clients
  • Criminal Defense
    We've handled thousands of cases and know how to navigate the criminal justice system. We're ready to put our 65+ years of experience, skills, and resources to work on your case.
    Learn More About Your Charge
  • Juvenile Law
    Criminal cases involving minors follow slightly different processes than those involving adults. At Branstad & Olson Law Office, we can guide you and your child through the juvenile justice system and work toward a favorable outcome.
    How To Protect Your Child's Rights & Future
  • OWI/DWI

    Law enforcement has strict rules they must follow when investigating and arresting a person for suspicion of driving while intoxicated.

    Let Us Find You A Solution
  • Appeals
    In Some situations, a criminal conviction does not mean the end of a case. Discuss your circumstances with our team to determine whether you have grounds to appeal a trial court's judgment.
    How We Can Fight For Your Freedom

In the News

  • Jason Carter Files Civil Lawsuit Against Investigators, Father
    Read More
  • Attorneys for Fairfield teens accused of murder fighting evidence, publicity of case
    Read More
  • Killer Cases | The Farmer's Wife
    Read More

Schedule a Free consultation

A member of our team will be in touch shortly to confirm your contact details or address questions you may have.

  • Please enter your first name.
  • Please enter your last name.
  • Please enter your phone number.
    This isn't a valid phone number.
  • Please enter your email address.
    This isn't a valid email address.
  • Please make a selection.
  • Please enter a message.
  • By submitting, you agree to receive text messages from Branstad & Olson at the number provided, including those related to your inquiry, follow-ups, and review requests, via automated technology. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Msg & data rates may apply. Msg frequency may vary. Reply STOP to cancel or HELP for assistance. Acceptable Use Policy

Why Hire Us?

Passionate About Helping People

With hundreds of criminal defense lawyers in the Des Moines area, it can be challenging to find the right attorney to represent you. Making the right choice means feeling comfortable with the steps you take and safe in the counsel you receive. Making the right choice means getting help when you need it from people who really care. You want a legal team with adequate experience, in-depth knowledge, and a passion for results. That is what we offer at Branstad & Olson.

Backed by over six decades of shared experience, our attorneys have what it takes to bring you the best outcome possible. No matter the charge, we provide a customized defense plan that matches your circumstances and protects your rights. If that means negotiating a plea bargain, we will work to meet your goals. If you are innocent, we will fight for your acquittal.