Des Moines Domestic Violence Lawyer
Experienced Defense Against Domestic Violence Charges in Iowa
Charges of domestic abuse present issues that need special attention. When a person is charged with domestic abuse, that person is faced with both criminal charges and the breakdown of a relationship. We understand there is a different approach for someone wrongfully accused and for someone trying to make good decisions and deal with regrettable actions. When facing serious charges, we help protect your freedom and help provide a path forward.
Are you facing domestic violence charges in Iowa? Call Branstad & Olson Law Office at (515) 329-3100 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our domestic violence attorney in Des Moines!
What Constitutes Domestic Abuse in Iowa?
In Iowa, domestic violence is a charge based on both the assault laws and the Domestic Abuse Act.
According to Iowa Code, assault involves:
- The threat of physical contact;
- Physical contact that is offensive, insulting, or causes injury to another; or
- The use of a weapon in a threatening manner
If an individual engages in any of these activities against any other person, they can be charged with assault. Domestic abuse is an assault against an individual who is a family or household member. This may include husbands, wives, partners, children, siblings, grandparents, and others living in the same household or who have lived together within the past year.
Iowa Code domestic relationship:
- Two persons who are married, separated or divorced
- Two persons who have resided together at any point during the past year
- Two persons who have had an intimate relationship together within the past year
- Two persons who are the legal parents of the same child
Penalties & Charges for Domestic Abuse in Iowa
Penalties for domestic abuse in Iowa are determined by the number of previous offenses and the presence of aggravating factors. Many first-offense domestic abuse offenses are charged as simple misdemeanors. However, if injuries are alleged, or the prosecutor believes a weapon was involved, the charge could be increased as high as a felony. The level of charge and potential penalties may increase if you were previously convicted of domestic abuse in Iowa or another state.
The charges for domestic abuse increase after the first offense, as shown below:
Simple Misdemeanors in Iowa
Simple misdemeanor domestic abuse charges typically stem from allegations that do not involve injury. These are punishable by a fine of between $65 and $625 and up to 30 days in jail.
What Is a Class D Felony in Iowa?
Domestic abuse allegations involving impeding someone’s breathing or blood flow by choking or covering the mouth or nose may be charged as a Class D Felony. These charges carry a prison sentence of 5 years and a fine of between $750 and $7,500.
Domestic Abuse Second Offense in Iowa
Domestic abuse allegations can also be enhanced based on a person's prior domestic abuse convictions. In cases where the first offense was a simple misdemeanor, a second offense that would have been the same charge becomes a serious misdemeanor. On the other hand, if the first offense was a serious or aggravated misdemeanor or the second offense would have typically been charged as a severe misdemeanor as a first-time offense, the offender will be charged with an aggravated misdemeanor.
Domestic Abuse Third or Subsequent Offense
Even in cases where domestic violence would have been charged as a simple misdemeanor, third and subsequent offenses are Class D felonies.
In addition to the above fines and jail time, individuals charged with domestic abuse are often subject to a no-contact order (restraining order), preventing them from being near, calling, texting, or communicating with the alleged victim. This can severely disrupt a person’s life during a case and lead to additional penalties and jail time if the no-contact order is violated.
Violations are a separate charge and may have mandatory jail time.
Get in Touch with Our Domestic Violence Attorneys in Des Moines
If you have been accused of domestic abuse, you can turn to lawyers from Branstad & Olson to help fight your charges or to help you take the best steps to resolve your case.
Contact Branstad & Olson Law Office to schedule a FREE consultation with our domestic violence lawyer in Des Moines!
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"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. -
"You will receive a good outcome with her."
Everyone in the courtroom from lawyers, judges, or prosecutors seemed to clearly have an unspoken respect for her. She is truly a caring being who is devoted to justice for others.- Jimmy
Our Settlements & Verdicts
Our top priority is to devise customized legal strategies that are tailored to the unique legal needs of our clients, no matter how simple or complicated their situations, might be.
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Reversed and Remanded Appeal - Administrative
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Reversed and Remanded Suppression Leading to Dismissal
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Not Guilty – Jury Trial Assault with Intent to Commit Sexual Abuse
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Not Guilty– Jury Trial Murder 1st Degree
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Not Guilty - Trial Vehicular Homicide
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Not Guilty– Jury Trial Murder 1st Degree