Top best Criminal Defense Lawyers Near me in ZIP 50309

Scott Bandstra of the Bandstra Law Firm in Des Moines, IA is a graduate of Drake Law School (1993) and a 25-year member of the Iowa Bar in good standing. For 25 years, Mr. Bandstra has practices in the areas of Criminal Defense, Automobile Accidents, Personal Injury and Family Law. Scott also serves as corporate counsel for local Mental Health groups with legal issues that often arise during their practice.

People ask me what I do, and when I tell them I’m a criminal defense attorney they ask, “what does that mean?”  Almost always, I tell them, “I defend people who are accused of, and charged with committing crimes.”  After hearing that, they’ll usually ask “how can you defend those people?”. I tell them the truth about what I do, and tell them "it's not about 'those people' - it’s about the sanctity of human liberty, and the cost of it if you want to take it. Every person deserves even the most basic level of respect and deserves their rights to be protected against the government that seeks to take them away."

Nathan Mundy has been practicing law in Central Iowa for well over 10 years. He is an Iowa native, raised on the South Side of Des Moines graduating from Lincoln High School in 2000. He is a graduate of St. Ambrose University in Davenport, IA in 2004. After college, he returned to Des Moines and attended Drake University Law School. At Drake, he sharpened his trial advocacy skills by leading the American Trial Lawyers Association Mock Trial Team; he represented his fellow students as an elected representative on the Student Bar Association; planned social outings as the Social Chair of Delta Theta Phi; and organized fundraisers as the Treasurer of the International Law Society. He also studied International Business Law and International Family Law during a study abroad program in Nantes, France in the summer of 2005.. Nate was born on an Air Force base in Mountain Home, Idaho. He lived there for two years until he moved to Cannon Air Force Base in New Mexico. He moved to Des Moines when he was in first grade and has lived here ever since. He went to Lincoln High School where he was All-Conference in football, ran track including a role on the team for the 1600m medley relay at the Drake Relays and the Iowa State Track Meet, participated in show choir, some small theater roles, and the State-Champion All-Male Dance Team.. After high school, he received a football scholarship to play at St. Ambrose University in Davenport, IA. While he only played football for two years, he did discover his next passion in life, the law. There he majored in Political Science and Philosophy and founded the SAU Chapter of the Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity and re-started the Mock Trial Program as its captain. He also served on the Student Government Association and was on the committee that drafted the SGA Mission Statement. He was also an alumni ambassador to the school’s vast regional alumni network.. He works to ensure your rights are respected and enforced by our government. We cannot allow big government and big business to overstep your right to be free from intrusion, harm, and injury. Nate Mundy is the best weapon to guarantee your right to Due Process, Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Unlawful Arrest, Freedom from Unreasonable Searches, Freedom to Own Property, and all other freedoms that come with the pursuit of Life, Liberty, and Happiness.

Keith Herting took a circuitous route to arrive in Iowa. Originally from Nebraska, he attended Middlesex University in London to attain his Bachelor of Arts degree in Creative and Media Writing. Following his graduation he had worked in the Information Technology field in New York, NY and San Antonio, TX before choosing a career helping people navigate the many hurdles created by the legal system. He earned his Juris Doctorate from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law and then chose Iowa as the place he wanted to build a practice and a family.. While studying at the University of Pittsburgh, Mr. Herting worked tirelessly with the Immigration Law Clinic and a regional immigration law firm. He represented clients from all over the world in matters regarding asylum, removal proceedings, and helping clients pursue family or employment based immigration claims. Beyond his immigration experience, Mr. Herting also assisted clients in matters of custody disputes, family court orders, and criminal matters.

Jon has a unique background for an Iowa attorney. He originally hails from Memphis, Tennessee. In 2004, he received his BBA in banking and finance with a minor in economics from Mississippi State University. After undergrad, Jon immediately opened an insurance agency where he managed a staff and assisted over 1000 clients with their insurance needs and financial planning. He held insurance licenses in Tennessee, Arkansas, and Mississippi. In addition, he earned his series 6 and 63 securities licenses. In 2011, Jon entered Mississippi College School of Law. His main focus was on criminal law, receiving highest marks on both his writing requirement paper on the importance of defending 4th Amendment search and seizure rights in the wireless age and for his performance in trial practice. Jon's finance and business acumen also remained strong during law school, receiving Best Paper Awards in both Accounting for Lawyers and Secured Transactions. In May of 2014, he received his Juris Doctorate with Honors. During his legal profession, Jon has participated in federal and state court proceedings both on the side of the defense as well as the prosecution. His legal research and writing skills have been applied to briefs, motions, and judicial opinions. Cases include, but are not limited to, contract disputes, personal injury, drug possession and distribution, child abuse and neglect, rape, murder, and transportation of illegal aliens for financial gain. Jon also has experience representing minors in the juvenile system and counseling them through rehabilitation and diversionary programs. In addition, as a law firm associate, Jon dealt mostly with class action suits and the probating of wills. Jon is now a licensed attorney in Iowa focusing on criminal defense, divorce, bankruptcy, and immigration matters.

I’ve created a client centered practice in which I’m easily accessible for each and every client. My uniqueapproach includes using a secure online portal with a commitment to communicating with clients whenit works best for them. It’s important to me that you know exactly how everything works prior to hiringme so we’ll discuss the full process in advance. I’m also dedicated to respecting all of my clients,including court-appointed clients.. I offer pro bono services and have been recognized twice by the Iowa Supreme Court in pro bono cases.I’m also committed to going above and beyond to researching non-legal issues when it’s appropriate.

If you are facing federal or state criminal charges you deserve your best defense.. Choosing a lawyer is a big deal. Your liberty is in our hands. Whether you have been caught in a bad circumstance or made a series of bad decisions, I have seen it before and you don’t have to face it alone. I will put my experience of representing thousands of people in state and federal criminal court to work for you and I intend to get you the best possible result.. When I worked at the Federal Public Defender’s Office while in law school at the University of Iowa, I had the realization that no matter the crime, everyone deserves a skilled, intelligent advocate working tirelessly to give them their best defense. If I were charged with a crime I would expect that, so why shouldn’t you? I believe that every person deserves the best possible defense. You are probably nervous, worried, scared and likely angry. That is natural. You want someone to deal with the problem and help you get the best outcome. That’s where I come in.. After my summers in the Federal Defender Office in San Francisco and the Federal Defender Office in Des Moines, I became an Assistant Public Defender in Tampa, FL. For the last several years I have been in private practice. I’ve represented thousands of clients facing charges ranging from simple assault to complex federal drug conspiracies to sexual assault, burglary, robbery and beyond. I’ve taken many of those clients to jury and bench trials. I have also argued some of their cases before the Iowa Supreme Court and Iowa Court of Appeals. It is likely that I have handled a case not unlike yours.. WHAT TO EXPECTWhen I represent you, you can expect me to: communicate, counsel and advocate.. Communication. Communication is the key to any good relationship. Yes, I am busy. It is my intention to return phone calls and emails as quickly as possible. I also make it a priority to explain issues in your case and break them down so you understand them. Let’s face it, the law isn’t simple or easy (that’s why I went to law school) and that is why I am here.. Counsel. They don’t call us counselors for nothing. I am a straight shooter. I’m going to give you the most well reasoned advice I can give, even if you dislike it. I often counsel clients about steps they can take while their case is pending–to better themselves and their case. My job is to counsel you to the best outcome, whatever that may be.. Advocate. My job is to dig into your case and make sure no stone is left unturned. No record left unsubpoenaed. No motion left unfiled. Getting great plea deals, winning motions to suppress and getting cases dismissed requires creativity, skill and ingenuity in the approach to your defense.  This becomes particularly important in trial or if I need to take your case before the Iowa Supreme Court.. Choosing a lawyer is a big deal. Your liberty is in our hands. It can be an overwhelming experience. While I cannot promise you what the outcome of your case will be, I can promise that I will put my experience and dedication to work for you.  I look forward to your call!

I was born in Appleton, Wisconsin, in 1961. I grew up in Madison, Wisconsin, where I attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison and earned my Bachelor's Degree in Sociology and Criminal Justice in 1983. I then moved to Des Moines, Iowa. I attended Drake University Law School, earning My Juris Doctorate Degree in 1987. While there, I was awarded the Dean's Service Award as Honor Board Chief Justice, and the Presidential Award for Outstanding Service to the Law School. I have practiced law for the last 27 years. I practice in the area's of criminal law and personal injury law. I am a member of the Iowa State Bar Association, the American association for Justice, The Iowa Association for Justice, the American Bar Association, and I am on the Board of Directors of the Iowa Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.. I have handled almost every type of Criminal case including murder,robbery,burglary,. vehicular homicide,felony and misdemeanor drug charges as well as sex offender charges. I have handled well in excess of 1,000 drunk driving cases.. My clients tell me that the thing they like the most about me besides my experience is my accesibility. I am able to be reached 24 hours a day.

I am passionate about achieving the best possible outcome for my clients, whether they find themselves charged with a crime or being mistreated by an employer, landlord, or government official. You can be sure I will work hard for you and handle whatever your situation is with professionalism and compassion.. Prior to joining Glazebrook & Hurd, LLP, I worked for two years investigating claims of harassment, discrimination, and retaliation for the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, the state agency which enforces the Iowa Civil Rights Act. Before that I clerked for a firm specializing in criminal defense and civil rights, represented clients in the criminal defense clinic at the Neal and Bea Smith Legal Clinic in Des Moines, and interned with the American Civil Liberties Union of Iowa and State Senator Rob Hogg (D-Cedar Rapids).. I worked as a journalist for several years prior to practicing law. I earned my J.D. with High Honors from Drake University Law School, as well as certificates in Constitutional Law and Civil Rights; Legislative Practice; and Public Service. I am also a certified mediator.. I am a member of the Iowa State Bar Association and serve on the ACLU of Iowa's legal committee.

I am a competitive and driven trial attorney who enjoys fighting for the rights of my clients.  I believe that the American jury system of justice is the best fact finding system in the history of the world and I love to employ it to the benefit of my clients.. In addition to my love for the law, I am also a compasionate and dedicated listener.  To truely understand someone's problem, you have to be fully invested in listening to them.  I believe that communication and respect is the key to a great attorney-client relationship and I try always to listen to and respect my clients so that I can achieve for them the best outcome possible.

Frank is a Spanish-speaking attorney practicing law in Des Moines, Iowa. He was born and raised in southern California. After spending his early life in Joshua Tree, California, he completed his undergraduate degree with highest honors from the University of California, Santa Barbara in Spanish and Sociology. Afterwards, he obtained his Juris Doctor from the University of California, Los Angeles. He lived in South America during both his undergraduate and law school studies. Upon graduating UCLA he obtained his license to practice law in California (the nation’s most difficult bar to pass) and later represented migrant farm workers in the Coachella valley in employment and housing cases. He moved to Des Moines in 2015 and worked at the Iowa Civil Rights Commission as a Civil Rights Specialist before starting his own law practice.