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Don’t Let A Mistake Ruin Your Life Forever

Des Moines Criminal Defense Attorney: An Aggressive Advocate

Criminal charges of any kind are serious and could result in significant penalties. In addition, a criminal record can follow you far into the future, always visible to employers or anyone pulling a background check. If you have been accused of or charged with a crime, take control of the situation by calling a skilled criminal defense lawyer.

My name is Joseph Vogel. I founded Vogel Law, PLLC, in Des Moines to help clients accused of crimes in the surrounding Iowa communities. I have dedicated my legal career to fighting criminal charges and protecting my clients’ futures. I can provide you with legal guidance and advice based on my in-depth knowledge of Iowa criminal laws and my experience with prosecutors and judges in Iowa’s criminal justice system.

Comprehensive Criminal Defense Legal Services

Every case is different. No matter what crime you have been charged with, I will thoroughly investigate it, advise you of your rights and options, and aggressively advocate on your behalf.

I represent clients charged with a full range of criminal offenses in Iowa, including:

Whether you have been charged with a state or federal crime, I will zealously advocate on your behalf to protect your rights and best interests. I give each case the attention it needs and deserves, paying attention to the details and communicating with my clients throughout the duration of their case.

Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense

For years, I have helped countless people get the help they need when facing criminal charges. Clients can ask me any questions they may have about their case. Here is a collection of frequently asked questions:

What should I do if I have been arrested or charged with a crime?

If you are arrested for a crime, it is crucial to remain calm and remember your rights. Assert your right to remain silent if the police ask any questions about your involvement with a crime, your interactions with others or your awareness of why you are being arrested. Ask to speak to an attorney immediately. An attorney can inform you about your legal rights, protect you from official overreaches and advocate for your interests from the beginning of your case.

Should I cooperate with the police?

While it is important to cooperate with the police when they issue orders, it is also crucial for you to understand your legal rights when interacting with the police. Avoid making any self-incriminating comments that could be used against you in court – so after providing the required identifying information, remain silent until you can speak with your attorney. In addition, while you cannot impede the police if they decide to conduct a search, do not give your consent to any searches of your person, vehicle or home. If the police are asking your permission, tell them to obtain a warrant.

What is the criminal justice process, and what can I expect?

The criminal justice process involves several steps. These steps are required to give defendants a fair and impartial trial. Typically, the process begins with an arrest. From there, the general process works like this:

  • Booking: You will be processed into the system at the jail.
  • Arraignment: You will hear the formal charges against you and enter a plea of guilty, not guilty or “no contest” in response.
  • Discovery: Unless you immediately plead guilty (which is ill-advised), both the prosecution and defense will begin to gather and exchange evidence.
  • Preliminary hearings and motions: The court has to decide if there is enough evidence to proceed to trial, and both sides will generally make motions to the court regarding evidence and procedures.
  • Plea bargaining: In many cases, prosecutors and defense attorneys will negotiate to reach some kind of agreement about charges or sentencing (or both) and resolve the case without a trial.
  • Trial: If the case cannot be resolved without a trial, the case will go to court.

It can take months – and sometimes years – for a case to go to trial. The best way to mitigate the consequences of a criminal charge is to seek immediate legal guidance.

What are the potential penalties for a criminal conviction?

If convicted of a crime, defendants may face incarceration, fines, probation and community service. The severity of these punishments depends on the type of offense a defendant faces after a trial.

What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony?

Criminal charges are categorized by the severity of a crime. A misdemeanor charge typically includes nonviolent crimes such as drunk driving (without injuries), first-time drug possession and petty theft. It can lead to time behind bars at a local county jail and fines. There are three kinds of misdemeanors in Iowa, including:

  • Simple misdemeanor: Up to 30 days in jail and between $105 and $855 in fines
  • Serious misdemeanor: Up to a year in jail and between $430 and $2,560 in fines
  • Aggravated misdemeanor: Up to two years in jail and between $855 and $8,540 in fines

Felony charges are more serious. A defendant may be charged with a felony for more extreme actions such as aggravated assault, drug trafficking, sexual assault and murder. There are several felony classes, including:

  • Class D felony: Five years in prison and between $1,025 and $10,245 in fines
  • Class C felony: 10 years in prison and between $1,370 and $13,660 in fines
  • Class B felony: 25 years in prison
  • Class A felony: Life imprisonment

A lawyer can help you understand your charges and the possible consequences.

How could a criminal conviction affect my future?

A defendant convicted of a crime will likely face fines and incarceration. However, these are not the only consequences of a criminal conviction. Incarceration can mean that a defendant will have limited access to their family. The defendant will also have a criminal history that affects their ability to file for loans, obtain housing, pursue education, secure employment and vote. A defense lawyer can help you protect your entire future.

How can I prove my innocence if I’m wrongly accused?

People wrongly accused can create a legal defense during a trial to protect themselves from serious repercussions. This can be done by collecting evidence supporting a suspect’s innocence, including:

  • Witness testimony
  • Receipts
  • Video footage
  • DNA evidence
  • Social media posts

With this evidence, the defendant can prove that they lacked any knowledge of a crime, were seeking to protect themselves or were under duress, for example.

Consult A Des Moines Criminal Defense Attorney

As a criminal defense attorney, I will help you understand every aspect of your case so that you can make informed decisions. Together, we will evaluate the prosecutor’s evidence and present the best possible defense.

To schedule an initial consultation, call me at 515-446-9886 or send me a message through my website. I look forward to hearing about your case and telling you more about how you can fight against the criminal charges you are facing.