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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.

    "Christine and Nate are always informative and let you know exactly what you should expect."
    Absolutely amazing! Christine and Nate are always informative and let you know exactly what you should expect.
    - Jenna D.
    "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.
    "I would recommend Christine Branstad and her team to anyone"
    I liked the in person visits with Lisa. Made me feel better overall about my case. I would recommend Christine Branstad and her team to anyone. A+++
    - Emir H.
    "Thank You Again!"
    Amazing Lawyer, Highly recommend. Nate Olson was the one to represent me more on Christines behalf and I only had one appearance with Christine but i also rank her at 5 stars as well. I am highly satisfied with the consult of both attorneys and they both helped me win my case and I couldnt be forever more grateful and tremdously thankful i am for their hard work and great professionalism in helping me succeed in landing a great deal on my charge. Thank you again to the both of you :)
    - Melissa B.
    "Very straightforward and very personable"
    I worked with Carter, who was awesome to deal with. No bs approach to things, very straightforward, and very personable. 10/5 do recommend. Thanks again Carter!
    - Zach
    "I'm so lucky I chose Christine"
    This was my first experience needing a criminal lawyer, and I'm so lucky I chose Christine. She was able to calm my anxiety from the first phone call, and the results she achieved with her "magic" were outstanding. Thank you, Christine!
    - Linda
    "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.
    "The absolute BEST law firm in Iowa"
    The absolute BEST law firm in Iowa
    - M.G.
    "Patient, knowledgeable and relatable"
    Clara was extremely patient and thorough with me. I had many, many questions as I'm not familiar with the legal process at all. She made sure to explain things to me in a way I could understand, not just legal terms. She made the legal mess I was going through easier and she was straightforward with me every step of the way. She also has a great team backing her, so she felt confident to double check on a couple things with which another attorney might have had more experience or expertise. She's not just well versed in the law, but she also has a very comprehensive understanding of the nuances of the Polk County court system. Between Clara and her legal assistant, I felt prepared and informed throughout the entire time working with them.
    - Former Client

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.

Awards & Associations

Respected by Peers, Clients, and Legal Organizations

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.
  • 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.
  • OWI/DWI

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

  • 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.

In the News

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

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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.