Misdemeanor Attorney Des Moines, IA

Legal Support for Misdemeanor Charges in Iowa

In Iowa, a misdemeanor is considered to be a crime. Misdemeanors are less serious than felonies and are usually punishable by fines, probation, or up to one year in jail, depending on the severity of the offense. Eventually, multiple misdemeanors may lead to a felony charge.

Hiring a criminal defense lawyer is the best way to protect yourself when facing misdemeanor charges. Your lawyer can provide invaluable guidance throughout the entire process, helping you understand your rights and ensuring that your interests are represented in court.

Here are some of the key benefits of hiring a criminal defense lawyer for misdemeanor charges:

Experienced Representation: A criminal defense lawyer is experienced in navigating the justice system and understands the ins-and-outs of local laws and regulations. They can help you build a strong case, present your side of the story to the judge, protect your rights, and try you get your entire case dismissed.

Strategic Advice: An attorney will help you develop a strategy for the best outcome possible. They can advise you on the right approach to take and what steps to avoid in order to ensure that your rights remain protected.

Negotiations: If a plea bargain is necessary, a lawyer will negotiate with prosecutors to minimize potential penalties and seek alternative sentences that are more favorable to you.

Access to Resources: A lawyer will have access to the necessary resources and contacts within the court system in order to help you build a strong case. They can also provide connections with key witnesses, research materials, and other evidence that could be beneficial for your case.

Get in touch with our Iowa misdemeanor lawyers for immediate assistance. Our Branstad & Olson team recognizes that your case is important to you, and we will handle it as such.

Contact Branstad & Olson at (515) 329-3100 for a detailed consultation about defending yourself from your accusers with our Des Moines misdemeanor lawyers.

Common Misdemeanor Offenses 

Our Des Moines misdemeanor attorneys at Branstad & Olson have successfully addressed complex cases for clients facing a wide range of misdemeanors. Whether you’re facing a fine or incarceration, aggressively fighting the charge is crucial.

A vast range of misdemeanor offenses exist, including, but not limited to:

• Assault: Under Iowa Code § 708.1, a person commits assault when they intend to cause pain or injury to someone, make physical contact that would insult or offend another, place someone in immediate fear of physical harm, or points a firearm or displays a dangerous weapon at another. Assault can be charged as an aggravated, serious or simple misdemeanor.
• Child endangerment: A person may be charged with child endangerment for acting or failing to act in a way that causes harm to a minor. According to Iowa Code § 726.6, some instances of this offense are charged as aggravated misdemeanors.
• Disorderly conduct: Pursuant to Iowa Code § 723.4, this charge may be levied when a person fights in a public place; makes loud, raucous noises near homes or buildings, causing distress to occupants; uses language or gestures provoking a violent response; falsely reports a fire, epidemic, or other catastrophe; or shows disrespect for the U.S. flag. Disorderly conduct is a simple misdemeanor.
• Domestic abuse assault: A person who commits an assaultive offense on a family or household member may be charged with this crime. Under Iowa Code § 708.2A, it can be a simple misdemeanor, serious misdemeanor, or aggravated misdemeanor.
• Driving while license suspended: Per Iowa Code § 321J.21, a person who operates a vehicle while their driver’s license is suspended, revoked, or barred faces a serious misdemeanor charge.
• Drug possession: According to Iowa Code § 124.401, depending on the type of controlled substance involved, possession can be charged as a serious or aggravated misdemeanor.
• OWI / DUI: In Iowa, first and second DUI offenses are serious and aggravated misdemeanors, respectively.
• Prostitution: Under Iowa Code § 725.1, a person who offers to engage in sexual conduct in exchange for something of value commits an aggravated misdemeanor.
• Shoplifting / Theft: If a person unlawfully appropriates property of another and the value is $1,500 or less, they could be charged with a simple, serious, or aggravated misdemeanor.
• Trespass: Depending on the acts committed, unlawfully trespassing on another's property can be charged as a simple, serious, or aggravated misdemeanor (Iowa Code § 716.8).
• Criminal Mischief: According to Iowa Code § 716.5, if a person damages or defaces property valued between $750 and $1,500, they commit third-degree criminal mischief, which is an aggravated misdemeanor.