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Criminal Defense Lawyers In Des Moines, Iowa, Aggressively Defending Your Future

Last updated on April 28, 2025

Being arrested and charged with a crime can be one of the most difficult experiences of your life. Hiring a skilled lawyer can help you challenge the charges with confidence and ensure that your constitutional rights are protected throughout the criminal process.

At Marberry Law Firm, P.C., we are attorneys who are equipped to protect and fight for your rights. We draw upon over 80 combined years of legal experience when vigorously defending our clients. We are aggressive and creative, and we design strategies that get results.

Exercise Your Right To Criminal Defense Counsel

If the police want to question you, the best course of action is to remain silent and ask for your attorney to be present. Sometimes, people believe they can convince an officer that they are innocent. Remember, it is not the responsibility of the police to decide whether you are guilty or innocent. Anyone accused of a crime in Iowa deserves and requires the best criminal defense lawyer.

Whether you have been arrested or charged with an offense, we are ready to help. We regularly defend clients facing misdemeanor and felony charges related to the following:

Theft: Also known as larceny, theft is when someone unlawfully takes another person’s property with the intent to permanently deprive them of it. In Iowa, theft is categorized by the value of the stolen property, ranging from simple misdemeanors for minor theft to felonies for more significant amounts. Charges can vary from petty theft, such as shoplifting, to grand theft, which involves high-value assets like vehicles or expensive electronics.
Assault: These charges cover different offenses, from simple assault, causing bodily harm or attempting to cause harm, to aggravated assault, which involves serious injury or the use of a weapon. Domestic assault, a separate category, involves harm or threats against a household member, often leading to stricter penalties.
Burglary: This is unlawfully entering a building or structure with the intent to commit a crime inside, usually theft. In Iowa, burglary charges range from third-degree (a Class D felony) to first-degree, which can carry severe penalties, including long-term imprisonment.
Drunk driving: In Iowa, OWI (Operating While Intoxicated) laws make it illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. Penalties include hefty fines, license suspension, mandatory substance abuse treatment and jail time.
Drug possession and distribution: Drug crimes in Iowa involve the possession, distribution or manufacturing of controlled substances such as marijuana, methamphetamine, cocaine and prescription drugs without authorization. Possession of small amounts may be charged as a misdemeanor, while distribution or manufacturing can lead to felony charges with severe penalties, including long prison sentences.
Weapons charges: Iowa has strict regulations regarding firearm possession, carrying without a permit and using weapons in the commission of a crime. Unlawful possession of a firearm, possessing a weapon as a felon or brandishing a weapon in a threatening manner can lead to penalties. In some cases, weapons charges are filed alongside other offenses, such as assault or robbery, increasing the severity of potential penalties.
White collar crimes (fraud, embezzlement, identity theft): They are nonviolent offenses committed for financial gain. These crimes often involve deceptive practices, including falsifying financial records, stealing funds from an employer, or using someone else’s personal information for financial gain.

We have successfully represented countless individuals in Urbandale and the surrounding area, so you can rely on us to navigate the criminal process efficiently. As advocates, we pursue dismissals and sentence reductions when possible, but we are always ready to defend our clients’ rights in court if we believe that approach will achieve the most favorable results possible. We are skilled litigators who know how to present compelling cases in Iowa courts.

Why Choose Marberry Law Firm, P.C., For Your Criminal Case?

Marberry Law Firm, P.C. , located in Urbandale, offers over 80 years of combined experience in criminal defense. Our attorneys are equipped to handle different cases, from misdemeanors to serious felonies, helping ensure your rights are vigorously defended.

Our team is aggressive and creative, designing strategies tailored to achieve favorable outcomes for our clients. We understand the gravity of a criminal conviction and work diligently to pursue sentence reductions or, when possible, dismissal of charges.

We offer free initial consultations to discuss your case and explore the best legal strategies moving forward. Our attorneys are ready to stand by your side, providing the skilled representation you need during this critical time.

What Our Iowa Criminal Defense Lawyers Can Do For You

Being accused of a crime is a serious matter, but with the right Iowa criminal defense law firm, you can fight the charges effectively. Our attorneys provide aggressive legal representation to protect your rights at every stage of the legal process. Whether you are facing OWI, drug charges, theft, assault, violent crimes or white collar crimes, we work tirelessly to challenge the prosecution’s case and seek the best possible resolution.

We conduct thorough investigations, gather evidence and identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s arguments. Our Des Moines criminal defense lawyers handle plea negotiations, pretrial motions and courtroom trials with skill and dedication. We also guide clients through alternative sentencing options, such as diversion programs, when applicable. If you are under investigation or have been arrested, our team will provide the experienced representation you need.

Steps To Take After Being Charged With A Crime In Iowa

If you have been charged with a crime in Iowa:

Remain silent and avoid discussing your case with law enforcement or anyone else without an attorney present. Anything you say can be used against you in court.
Gather any relevant documents or evidence and follow all court requirements, such as attending hearings.
Contact a reputable Des Moines criminal defense law firm as soon as possible. Your attorney will review your case, guide you on legal options and begin building a defense strategy.

The sooner you secure legal representation, the better your chances of achieving a favorable outcome.

Local Resources For Iowa Criminal Law

If you have been charged with a crime in Iowa, having the right resources can be vital. Below are key links to help you handle the legal system:

The Iowa criminal justice system can be challenging to navigate, but having access to these resources can help you stay informed. Working with experienced Des Moines criminal defense attorneys helps ensure you have the guidance you need to protect your rights and fight your charges effectively.

Turn To Us For Answers To Your Questions

We have defended people facing all types of misdemeanor and felony criminal charges, which has lent us a lot of experience in these cases. You are right to worry about what comes next, but we are here with the answers you need to common questions such as those below.

What rights do I have when I am apprehended in Iowa?

Your rights do not go away just because you are under arrest. If anything, when that happens, your rights and their proper exercise become much more important. Your rights are the only things that keep the police and various machinery of the justice system in check. There are two rights that are the most important to remember:

The right to remain silent: Most of the evidence that police and prosecutors secure against anyone comes from their own words. Anything said to police is evidence, even if it’s said completely innocently. However, to invoke the right to remain silent, you must actively state, “I wish to invoke my right to remain silent,” or even your silence could become evidence.
The right to an attorney: Your lawyer will do more than explain your rights to you. They will take on the fight to preserve your freedom. Your attorney can exert a great degree of control over the information you provide to the police and ensure your fair treatment at every turn.

Your constitutional rights also protect you from illegal searches and seizures. However, attempting to exercise that right during the arrest is the wrong time to do so. This is another area in which your attorney can assist you.

What will happen when a crime is on my record?

A misdemeanor or felony can cause long-term complications for you if it is on your criminal record. It can make it difficult for you to secure a loan or housing. It may show up on background checks during application processes.

However, these charges do not have to impact your life forever. You have the opportunity to pursue an expungement of your record, provided that you meet some important conditions. We can explain that entire system to you when you speak with us.

Why should I not wait to contact a criminal defense attorney after facing charges?

In an earlier section, we said that having an attorney is your right and that they will protect all your other rights. Engaging a lawyer sooner rather than later will leave a smaller gap in the constitutional protections you have.

However, an attorney can also immediately get to work controlling the narrative around your charge. Sometimes, simply having a strong lawyer immediately intervene can greatly reduce your legal risks.

Begin Developing Your Defense Today

Time is crucial when you are facing allegations. Talk to a knowledgeable attorney at our firm. You can reach us via our online form or by calling our office at 515-989-6794.