
At Branstad & Olson, you get an entire team with over 65 years of experience solving some of the most complex legal problems. With a never-give-up approach and a fearlessness in the courtroom, you can rest assured our team is committed to achieving the best possible result in your case.

Des Moines Criminal Defense Lawyers
Dependable Counsel & Strategic Advocacy
We are Branstad & Olson, an Iowa criminal defense law firm. Our 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 legal team has over 65 years of combined experience representing clients from misdemeanor to felony. Common charges we defend include traffic tickets, 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 today at (515) 329-3100 for a free consultation to discuss your rights and legal options.

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.
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
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Thousands of Cases Successfully Handled
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Outside-the-Box Strategies to Secure the Best Result
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A Genuine Care for Our Clients' Best Interests
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Highly Responsive & Accessible
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A Never-Give-Up Approach
Legacy of Results
Branstad & Olson 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.
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Robbery 1st Degree Not Guilty– Jury Trial
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Murder 1st Degree Not Guilty– Jury Trial
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Appeal - Criminal Conviction Reversed and Remanded
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Appeal - Administrative Reversed and Remanded
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Suppression Leading to Dismissal Reversed and Remanded
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Murder 1st Degree Not Guilty– Jury Trial
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Vehicular Homicide Not Guilty - Trial
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Possession of Marijuana Not Guilty– Jury Trial
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Criminal Mischief Not Guilty– Jury Trial
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Indecent Exposure Not Guilty– Jury Trial
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 -
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 -
Family Law
Our compassionate team is here to help you through sensitive yet complex family law matters, including divorce, child custody, and division of property. We're committed to a favorable solution for you and your family.
Let Us Find You a Solution

Awards & Associations
Respected by Peers, Clients, and Legal Organizations

Client Stories
Giving People a Tomorrow to Talk About-
“She portrayed rare qualities such as professionalism, honesty, kindness, patience and determination.”
- Elizabeth -
“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 -
“You simply will not find a more capable, dedicated, intelligent, well-prepared, considerate or loyal attorney to represent you, than Christine Branstad.”
- John