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Criminal Defense You're Not Alone in This. Let Us Fight For You.

Criminal Defense Lawyers in Des Moines, IA

Over 65 Years of Experience Advocating for Your Rights

At Branstad & Olson, our Iowa criminal defense attorneys bring 65 years of collective experience to each case. We have effectively represented thousands of clients and have a record of dismissals, as well as reducing charges and sentences. Our results are driven by caring about our clients’ best interests and by working hard to achieve the best outcome.

Regardless of the charge you face, you will find our attorneys maintain a never-give-up approach. We put forth the time and energy necessary to develop a compelling defense strategy for you. We understand your situation is unique, and we provide a legal solution tailored to the specific aspects of your case.

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Legacy of Results

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.

  • Suppression Suppression Decision on Appeal of Search of Vehicle
  • Deferred Judgement Deferred Judgement Felony Child Endangerment
  • Not Guilty– Jury Trial Criminal Mischief
  • Not Guilty – Jury Trial

    Murder 1st Degree, Attempted Murder, Intimidation with a Weapon

  • Suspended Sentence Contested Sentencing Suspended Sentence on Vehicular Homicide
  • Acquittal Sex Abuse 3rd Degree

    Jury Trial resulting in verdict of Not Guilty on all counts.

Learn More About Your Charge

There Is No Case Too Complex

What Our Criminal Defense Lawyers Could Do for You

Every criminal defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty through either a guilty plea or verdict. To obtain a conviction during a trial, the prosecution must present evidence demonstrating guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. We utilize a wide array of strategies to cast doubt on the prosecution’s evidence against you.

After carefully reviewing evidence in your case, we can help make an informed decision about how to proceed. Sometimes the road leads to negotiations for a fair plea bargain. Sometimes we attack the constitutionality of a search (suppression). Sometimes the best path is to attack the prosecution’s case in the courtroom to defend your innocence.

Branstad & Olson recognizes there are a number of considerations far before trial or plea negotiation. We can also assist in requesting release from custody and bond reductions as you await trial. 

Not Guilty: High-Profile Des Moines Murder Trial: Our client was charged alongside a co-defendant in a high-profile Des Moines murder case. With the two defendants giving conflicting accounts, the stakes for our client were high. We built the defense around the video evidence and kept it consistent with our client's own statements from start to finish. The jury found our client not guilty.

We Take Your Situation Seriously

If you have been charged with a crime, you may face a range of serious consequences, including: probation, driver’s license suspension, hefty fines, and even long-term imprisonment. We understand that your future is important. Our defense team is dedicated to exploring every option.

Contact (515) 329-3100 Schedule a free consultation with our Des Moines criminal defense lawyers in Des Moines.

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  • Over 65 Years of Collective Experience
  • Thousands of Cases Successfully Handled
  • Outside-the-Box Strategies to Secure the Best Result
  • A Genuine Care for Our Clients' Best Interests
  • Highly Responsive & Accessible
  • A Never-Give-Up Approach

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Hear From Our Happy Clients

At Branstad & Olson, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.

    "Five stars without hesitation!"

    ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ An Outstanding Attorney Who Truly Makes a Difference! Christine Branstad is the kind of attorney everyone hopes to find. Choosing the right lawyer is an important decision, and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work with Christine. Her professionalism, dedication, and commitment to her clients make her stand out. What matters most when working with an attorney is feeling that you have someone in your corner who takes your concerns seriously and is committed to helping you navigate the legal process. Christine is someone I would confidently recommend to anyone looking for legal representation. If you are searching for an attorney who treats her work seriously and understands the importance of her role in her clients’ lives, I highly recommend Christine Branstad. Finding the right lawyer can make all the difference, and I would encourage anyone in need of legal assistance to consider reaching out to her. Thank you, Christine, for your time, professionalism, and dedication. You have my sincere appreciation and recommendation!

    - Dylan
    "Patient, knowledgeable and relatable"
    Clara was extremely patient and thorough with me. I had many, many questions as I'm not familiar with the legal process at all. She made sure to explain things to me in a way I could understand, not just legal terms. She made the legal mess I was going through easier and she was straightforward with me every step of the way. She also has a great team backing her, so she felt confident to double check on a couple things with which another attorney might have had more experience or expertise. She's not just well versed in the law, but she also has a very comprehensive understanding of the nuances of the Polk County court system. Between Clara and her legal assistant, I felt prepared and informed throughout the entire time working with them.
    - Former Client
    "Outstanding Representation"
    Most professional and outstanding representation I have received. In a tough situation, Mr.Newkirk made my experience as respectful and painless as possible. Treated me with respect and kindness.
    - Silvio
    "Best Lawyer and Law Firm In Des Moines"
    I can't thank David Newkirk enough for his outstanding representation during my OWI case. Never have I been in this type of trouble and was concerned for my employment and future. From the very beginning, he was professional, knowledgeable, and truly committed to achieving the best possible outcome for me. He took the time to figure out the State’s weaknesses case against me and I’m unsure if I’d have the same outcome if he wasn’t on my side. His clear communication and thorough approach helped ease my stress throughout the process. If you’re in need of legal representation, I highly recommend David Newkirk and the entire team at Branstad & Olson. Their dedication to their clients is unmatched, and I am incredibly grateful for their support and expertise.
    - Luke
    "The Best!"
    David was truly a savior. I was looking at probation and a suspended prison sentence, I was arrested on an additional felony before sentencing and he still got me probation with a suspended sentence. I already have several criminal charges, but have never been to prison. The were originally trying to sentence me to 11 years. Truthfully, I couldn't have seen my case going much better and a lot of that success I attribute to him being my attorney. I am so grateful!!! Communication was fast and thorough, he was an awesome attorney to work with!
    - Emmett
    "Highly Recommend"
    David was very professional. He helped me get the best outcome for my case. I’d recommend him to anyone who needs legal assistance.
    - Noura
    "Thank You Again!"
    Amazing Lawyer, Highly recommend. Nate Olson was the one to represent me more on Christines behalf and I only had one appearance with Christine but i also rank her at 5 stars as well. I am highly satisfied with the consult of both attorneys and they both helped me win my case and I couldnt be forever more grateful and tremdously thankful i am for their hard work and great professionalism in helping me succeed in landing a great deal on my charge. Thank you again to the both of you :)
    - Melissa B.
    "Property Purchase"
    Nate represented me in negotiating a property purchase. I was unable to do the negotiating myself, but gave Nate the background on the property and my target price. After Nate asked a few probing questions, I authorized him to start a much lower amount than my target. In the end, he saved me $2,000 on the purchase price, well worth the fee he charged.
    - Troy