Criminal Defense in Des Moines, IA
What Is a Criminal Defense Lawyer?
Because a criminal conviction can have serious consequences, you want an experienced Des Moines, Iowa attorney on your side. These attorneys research the facts of your case so you can have peace of mind. By performing their own investigation, criminal defense attorneys put you in a better position to negotiate a deal with the prosecutors, possibly resulting in reduced charges, a lower bail amount, less sentencing time and even possibly dismissed charges. Put simply, hiring a defense lawyer in Des Moines, IA is the most effective way to protect your rights.
Unfortunately, the Iowa criminal process more than likely leads to costly fines, jail time, and possible incarceration for those who do not have competent legal counsel. As jails become increasingly overcrowded, criminal defense attorneys work with prosecutors to reduce the time that you may spend in jail. They do this by formulating a plea, reviewing the procedure of the search and seizure, questioning witnesses, gathering evidence, assessing the potential sentence, and investigating the prosecutor’s case. Furthermore, your Des Moines criminal defense lawyer helps you understand the complex criminal justice system.
Hiring a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Des Moines, Iowa
Hiring a criminal defense lawyer gives you access to a Des Moines professional who defends you aggressively. This means you have someone standing beside you when you face the judge. If you are looking to hire a compassionate and committed criminal defense lawyer in Des Moines, IA who is ready to help represent you in court, we have lawyers that are standing by in all areas of law throughout multiple locations in the United States. Get in contact with us today.
What is the Difference Between Parole and Probation?
If you are facing criminal charges in Des Moines you may have an option for either parole or probation. While their names are similar, these two concepts are vastly different. Your criminal defense attorney can help you understand these alternatives to incarceration.
Probation
Probation is typically an alternative to jail or prison. There are times when a judge may order a defendant to serve probation. If you are on probation, you will be under a particular set of guidelines. Furthermore, there will also likely be strict supervision rules.
Because of this, Iowa laws are in place to force you to submit to warrantless searches without any probable cause.
When you receive probation, a judge usually will give you an opportunity to show that you have an interest in receiving rehabilitation. Probation in place of an incarceration sentence may not be an option without expert defense, though. Accordingly, you should immediately seek legal advice to avoid a direct prison sentence.
Even though probation does not send you to jail, it usually requires you to follow many of the same conditions that come with serving time in prison. Some of these conditions include participating in rehabilitating programs, following a curfew, and receiving frequent drug testing.
In Des Moines, Iowa you may also be required to pay restitution, court costs, a fine, and any other fees. The length of time you are on probation may drastically range, depending on the initial crime and your previous history.
Iowa gives the courts the authority to set probation length for a misdemeanor at anywhere from 1 to 2 years. For a felony, probation length can run anywhere from 2 to 5 years.
Probation Revoked
If you do not follow the precise instructions a judge gives you, the judge may revoke your probation. This typically results in incarceration. Furthermore, depending on the nature of your violation, you may receive an additional sentence beyond your initial one.
Probation in Des Moines is administered by Iowa’s 5th Judicial District, Department of Correctional Services. You will typically have regular meetings with your probation officer at the Probation Field Office in Des Moines. Other conditions of probation can include alcohol and drug abstinence and performing community service. In addition, your probation may also involve electronic monitoring. Under Iowa law, you can be arrested if you violate your probation. However, you have the right to an attorney at your probation revocation hearing with the Polk County District Court. The Court can revoke your probation and sentence you to serve the suspended sentence. Having a qualified Des Moines attorney on your side can help ensure the best possible outcome at your hearing.
Typically, a probation officer manages your probation. This officer monitors your progress and compliance. He or she also files periodic reports with the court. Accordingly, if you do not comply with the terms of your probation, the judge is apt to know. Then he or she may then revoke your probation and send you to jail. A Des Moines, Iowa criminal defense attorney can help you with probation violations.
Parole
Instead of interacting with a probation officer, parole requires you to report to a parole officer. A parole officer will outline any expectations you are to meet. In addition to the rules of your parole. He or she also monitors your progress and reports back to the court and the parole board.
Parole is a term to refer to the period of time that comes after a release from incarceration. Just as with probation, there are usually many conditions and safeguards that you must follow during your parole.
Upon release from incarceration in Polk County, your parole will be supervised by Iowa’s 5th Judicial District, Department of Correctional Services. If you live in Des Moines, you will typically have regular meetings with your parole officer at the Des Moines Parole Field Office. Other conditions of parole include maintaining employment, alcohol and drug abstinence, and not fraternizing with convicts. The Iowa Board of Parole can arrest you, revoke your probation, and send you back to prison if you violate any terms of parole. However, you have the right to counsel at your parole revocation hearing with the Board. Having a qualified Des Moines attorney on your side can help ensure the best possible outcome at your hearing.
If you violate the terms of your parole, the parole board may require you to finish the remaining time of your sentence. Certain violations, though, may result in additional charges and a longer incarceration time resulting in the need for a Des Moines, IA criminal defense attorney.
Work With an Experienced Local Des Moines, Iowa Criminal Defense Lawyer
A Des Moines criminal defense attorney works with the prosecuting attorney to determine a beneficial outcome in your criminal case. You may not want to go through the criminal justice process alone. By working together to negotiate an affordable bond or a later plea deal, an experienced Des Moines, IA criminal defense lawyer uses all available resources and relationships with prosecutors to negotiate the best possible outcome for your criminal defense case. He or she may also help you seek a dismissal of your criminal complaint.
If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges in any state, contact our team to learn how we can connect you with a reputable criminal defense attorney near you. We can even help you connect with an attorney across Iowa state lines.
Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!
