Des Moines Assault Lawyer
Innovative Strategies for Fighting Assault Charges in Iowa
In Iowa, assault can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony. Depending on the severity of the charge, the penalties imposed upon conviction can be harsh. Additionally, the conviction itself may be an unwanted outcome. To avoid these consequences, you may ask an attorney to compile evidence and form an argument on your behalf.
Backed by over 65 years of combined experience, our team at Branstad & Olson is ready to provide the right defense for you. Our Des Moines assault attorneys have prevailed in even the most complex cases, achieving favorable results for past clients. We have the drive and dedication necessary to fight these charges, and we can put them to work for you.
We provide personalized legal representation and will take the time to learn about you and your case. Schedule a free consultation by calling our Des Moines assault lawyers at (515) 329-3100 or contacting us online.
Understanding Iowa's Assault Laws
Iowa has several laws concerning assault, which are set out in Iowa Code Chapter 708. Generally, the statutes provide that it's illegal for a person to cause or attempt to cause harm to another.
A few assault examples of the state's assault laws are as follows:
Iowa Code § 708.1 - Assault
Under this law, it's illegal for a person, with no justifiable reason, to:
- Commit an act:
- To cause injury or pain to another, or
- To physically contact another in an insulting or offensive manner, and
- Have the ability to complete the conduct; or
- Commit an act:
- That will make another reasonably fear harm is imminent, and
- The harm will cause pain, injury, insult, or offense, and
- Have the ability to carry out the act; or
- Intentionally:
- Aim a gun at someone, or
- Display a dangerous weapon at another
Iowa Code § 708.2A - Domestic Abuse Assault
This statute provides that a person commits an offense when they assault a family or household member.
Family or household members are defined as:
- People who live together
- Separated spouses or people divorced from each other but not living together
- People who have a child together (whether or not the individuals are or have been married or living together)
- People who lived together in the previous year before the assault but are not currently living together
Iowa Code § 708.2C - Assault in Violation of Individual Rights
This law prohibits conduct considered a hate crime.
An assaultive hate crime is one in which an act was carried out because of the alleged victim's actual or perceived:
- Race,
- Color,
- Religion,
- Ancestry,
- National origin,
- Political affiliation,
- Sex,
- Sexual orientation,
- Age, or
- Disability
Iowa Code § 708.3 - Assault While Participating in a Felony
Under this law, a person commits an offense when they assault someone during the commission of a felony.
Iowa Code § 708.3A - Assaults on Persons Engaged in Certain Occupations
This statute specifically concerns assaultive offenses committed against:
- Peace officers,
- Jailers,
- Correctional staff,
- Board of parole employees,
- Health care providers,
- Department of Human Services employees,
- Department of Revenue employees, or
- Firefighters
Iowa Code § 708.3B - Inmate Assaults
This law prohibits acts involving bodily fluids (blood, semen, urine, and feces) engaged in by correctional facility inmates.
Understanding Assault in Des Moines: Local Insights
In Des Moines, assault charges can have serious implications, affecting both the individual accused and the broader community. Local law enforcement, including the Des Moines Police Department, is focused on maintaining public safety, which can lead to close scrutiny of assault cases. If you’re facing assault charges, it’s essential to understand the local legal landscape and the possible consequences.
Personalized Legal Care from the Start
Residents may encounter challenges such as the impact of assault charges on employment or housing opportunities. We understand the worries our clients face about the aftermath of these charges—that's why we are dedicated to fighting for them every step of the way. Our team is experienced with the intricacies of the local legal system and can guide you through the process with determination and care.
In Des Moines, we know that facing assault charges can be intimidating and isolating. Our team is dedicated to offering compassionate support and a strong defense tailored to your unique circumstances. Let us help you navigate this challenging time with a deep understanding of the local context.
If you're facing assault charges in Iowa, contact the Des Moines assault lawyer at Branstad & Olson Law Office by calling (515) 329-3100!
Penalties for Assault in Iowa
As mentioned earlier, assault can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony. The level depends on the specific conduct involved, and the penalties are tied to the level of charge.
Below are some of the conviction penalties for assault in Iowa:
Simple Misdemeanor
Penalties include:
- Up to 30 days in jail and/or
- Up to $855 in fines
Offenses include:
- Simple assault (no aggravating factors present, such as causing serious bodily injury or displaying a dangerous weapon)
Can a Simple Assault Charge be Expunged in Iowa?
An expungement in Iowa allows for a person's criminal record to be sealed. This means that conviction information will not be available to the general public but can be accessed by authorities in limited circumstances. Some assault convictions can be cleared; others cannot.
Assault convictions that can't be expunged according to Iowa expungement laws include:
- Felony offenses
- Domestic abuse assault
- Assault involving the use or display of a dangerous weapon
In most other cases, the defendant can submit a request to the court to consider expungement of the assault offense.
The following eligibility criteria apply for this type of relief:
- The conviction must have happened more than 8 years prior to the request being made
- The defendant can't have pending criminal charges
- The defendant cannot have had two previous deferred judgments
- The defendant must have satisfied all financial obligations pertaining to their case
Contact Branstad & Olson
Our assault lawyers in Des Moines understand the seriousness of these types of cases. That is why we will do what is necessary to aggressively fight for you.
Hire a zealous advocate who will ensure that your voice is heard. Call our Des Moines assault attorneys at (515) 329-3100 or submit an online contact form.
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I was in pursuit of legal advice and services and had NO knowledge of where to start. Just like another reviewer mentioned, Christine Branstad was my saving grace. She went above and beyond her expertise and used human compassion to help and guide me along the way. She is an excellent professional and I highly recommend not only her services, but her characteristics of how she handled the situation.
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"My case was dismissed!"
Christine helped me out when I was falsely accused by my husband's ex wife. She told me exactly what was going to happen and how long it was going to take. She fought very hard for me. My case was dismissed and my DHS case was overturned also. I had never been through anything like this before and she made me feel like I was in very capable hands. I would highly recommend Christine to anyone.- Barb
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