Criminal Defense
Criminal Defense Lawyers in Des Moines, IA
Strategic Des Moines County Criminal Law Experts Ready to Defend You
When a person has been charged with a crime, their record, reputation—even their freedom—are on the line. It’s not uncommon for defendants to be abandoned by those close to them, and to have the community around them prejudge their case. Defendants may feel despair and pressure to accept whatever plea deal a prosecutor offers. What a defendant needs most at this time is our Des Moines criminal defense lawyers who are ready to stand in the breach, fight for their rights, vigorously advocate their case, and give them reliable counsel on the best way to proceed.
That’s what Attorney Nicholas Lombardi does. From a background where he worked his way up the hard way, Attorney Lombardi has seen friends from his youth have to go to jail. From personal experience, he knows that our criminal justice system is far from perfect. From professional experience, he knows how to fight within that system for justice.
The Lombardi & Miler Law Firm serves all of Central Iowa. If you or a loved one are facing criminal charges, call our office at (515) 206-8366 or fill out our online contact form today. Free consultations and payment plans are available.
What Steps Should You Take After a Criminal Charge in Iowa?
If you have been charged with a crime in Des Moines, Iowa, it is important to take the following steps:
- Get in touch with our criminal defense attorneys as soon as possible. An experienced lawyer can advise you on the best course of action and represent you in court.
- Make sure you understand the charges against you and the potential consequences if you are found guilty.
- Gather any relevant documents or evidence that might be helpful in your defense. This could include witness statements, photographs, or other evidence.
- Consider entering a plea. You have the option to plead guilty or not guilty to the charges against you. You should discuss this decision with your attorneys.
- If you plead not guilty, your case will go to trial. During this time, your criminal defense attorneys in Des Moines will work to build a strong defense on your behalf.
- If you are found guilty, you may have the opportunity to appeal the decision. Your attorneys can advise you on whether this is a good option in your case.
It is important to remember that the criminal justice process can be complex and it is in your best interests to seek legal representation as soon as possible.
Our Criminal Defense Practice Areas
OWI
When someone’s blood-alcohol content level (BAC) is 0.08% or higher while operating a motor vehicle, they can be charged with OWI (operating while intoxicated). What is often not realized is that there are several viable ways to challenge the validity of this charge. There are several ways that a blood or breath test might give a falsely high reading. Even the test itself may have been improperly administered. Before pleading out, let our Attorneys find out.
Drugs
A drug charge can bring charges at both the state and federal level. Defendants may face allegations of everything from possession to possession with intent to sell, to the manufacture, sale, and distribution. The penalties can be severe. There are also options. Defendants have rights under the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution. Did police follow proper procedure in gathering evidence? We’ll dig into the details of a drug case.
Sexual Assault
The consequences of a sexual assault conviction can go well beyond the initial sentence. There is required registration as a sex offender. Even after time is served, this means a publicly available record that can be seen by everyone from employers to landlords to neighbors. That’s to say nothing of the sentence itself, which may involve a substantial prison term. That’s why our Des Moines criminal defense attorneys fight hard for our defendant clients every step of the way.
Domestic Violence
Our society is rightly horrified by crimes of domestic violence. But society can wrongly assume that everyone accused of a terrible crime is therefore guilty. At The Lombardi & Miler Law Firm, we believe in fundamental concepts like “innocent until proven guilty” or that guilt must be proven “ beyond a reasonable doubt.” Our revulsion at a crime should also lead us to be revolted against the idea of rushing to judgment on the accused.
Forgery
Crimes involving forgery can involve everything from bad checks to falsified documents to improperly getting a government identification. It’s also easier than many may realize for an innocent person to become unwittingly snared in a forgery allegation. It’s possible that a person who did commit forgery faced duress. There are any number of reasons that may lead to acquittal or the mitigation of guilt, and we are determined to find out.
Theft
The act of theft is another allegation that could boil down to a misunderstanding. Or it could have been something done under duress. A defendant owes it to themselves to let a vigorous Des Moines criminal defense lawyer, like our attorneys, do their due diligence in investigating the case before cutting a plea agreement.
The Lombardi & Miler Law Firm serves all of Central Iowa. Call our Des Moines office today at (515) 206-8366 or contact us online to arrange for a free consultation.
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“Have nothing but great things to say about him. Works hard and is very good at what he does. Would recommend him to anyone!” - Cody T.
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“He answered the few texts I made when I had questions and he promptly responded every time no matter the time of day or what day.” - Bo T.
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“He will go to the ends of the earth for you and I can attest even after your case is closed, he will not just leave.” - Devin G.
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Honest
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Compassionate
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Understanding
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Aggressive