Story County Criminal Defense Attorneys
At McCarthy and Hamrock, P.C., we are committed to protecting the rights of individuals charged with criminal offenses across Story County, Iowa. Whether you’ve been arrested in Ames, Nevada, or one of the county’s smaller communities, you deserve personalized, strategic legal advocacy. With decades of experience handling everything from minor infractions to serious felony trials, our attorneys provide aggressive defense and honest counsel at every stage of the process.
Story County is home to Iowa State University and sees a mix of local residents, college students, and visitors passing through central Iowa. Unfortunately, this also means increased police presence, traffic stops, and criminal investigations. Whether it’s an OWI arrest during a campus event, a drug charge stemming from a dorm room search, or a domestic dispute, a conviction can follow you for life.
If you’re facing criminal accusations in Story County, don’t wait to get legal help. Even a seemingly minor charge can carry jail time, fines, or long-term consequences for employment, education, and housing. Let our firm step in early, evaluate the facts, and build a defense strategy that puts your future first.
If you are seeking legal information about a personal injury case, please visit Story County Personal Injury
Overview of Legal Representation in Story County, Iowa
- Types of Criminal Cases We Handle
- Story County OWI Defense
- Story County Court Resources
- Additional Resources
Types of Criminal Cases We Handle
McCarthy and Hamrock, P.C. defends clients charged with a wide array of offenses in Story County District Court and Juvenile Court. Some of the most common cases we take on include:
Domestic Abuse and Protective Order Violations – Domestic violence accusations often arise after emotionally charged situations between family or household members. These cases can result in immediate arrests, no-contact orders, and firearm restrictions. We help clients challenge false claims and fight to restore their rights.
Drug Offenses – Story County law enforcement and campus police closely monitor drug activity in Ames and surrounding areas. Charges may involve marijuana, LSD, psilocybin, Adderall, or fentanyl. Our team investigates for illegal search and seizure, coerced confessions, or unreliable lab results to defend your case.
White Collar and Fraud Crimes – Whether it’s theft from a workplace, online identity fraud, or misuse of financial accounts, these offenses are often complex and document-heavy. We have experience managing cases involving embezzlement, elder fraud, unemployment benefit abuse, and student loan fraud.
Weapons Charges – From unauthorized possession to use of a weapon during another crime, firearms cases in Iowa carry serious penalties. If you’re a student, immigrant, or have a prior record, your legal rights may be impacted even more. We defend against unlawful searches, mistaken identity, and procedural violations.
Probation Violations – Violating the terms of your probation, even unintentionally, can lead to jail time. We represent clients accused of missed check-ins, failed drug tests, or new charges while on probation and work to keep them out of custody.
Sex Offenses – Charges such as sexual assault, child exploitation, or online solicitation are among the most serious in Iowa law. We offer discreet and thorough defense, often challenging the credibility of accusers or the sufficiency of digital evidence. Early legal intervention is essential in these cases.
Violent Crimes – Story County prosecutors are aggressive in pursuing felony assault, robbery, attempted murder, and related charges. Self-defense, lack of intent, or inconsistent witness testimony may be key elements of your defense.
Property Crimes and Theft – Shoplifting, burglary, vehicle theft, and criminal mischief cases often hinge on surveillance evidence and police interviews. First-time offenders may qualify for diversion or deferred judgment. We work to protect your record and negotiate favorable outcomes.
Traffic Charges – Our attorneys also defend hit-and-run, driving while barred, and eluding law enforcement.
Juvenile Offenses – Youthful mistakes can have long-lasting consequences if not handled with care. We represent minors facing charges for theft, drug use, underage drinking, and school-related incidents, helping them avoid a permanent criminal record and focusing on rehabilitation over punishment.
Story County OWI Defense
With Iowa Highway 30, U.S. Highway 69, and Interstate 35 running through Story County, OWI enforcement is a priority for local and state law enforcement agencies. Patrol units and campus police in Ames frequently conduct OWI stops near campus housing, downtown bars, and major roadways.
A conviction for Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) in Iowa can result in license revocation, steep fines, and even jail time, especially if you have prior offenses. Field sobriety tests and breathalyzers are not always administered correctly, and we examine every step of the arrest process to challenge weak or unlawful evidence.
Our attorneys understand the impact an OWI conviction can have on students, professionals, and anyone who relies on their driving privileges. We explore alternatives such as deferred judgment, substance abuse treatment, or dismissal when possible.
Story County Court Resources
Story County District Court – This court handles criminal cases, civil litigation, traffic violations, and juvenile matters for Story County. Felony trials, misdemeanor proceedings, and protective order hearings are all held here.
Address: 1315 South B Avenue, Nevada, IA 50201
Phone: (515) 382-7410
Fax: 515-382-7522
Story County Attorney’s Office – This office is responsible for prosecuting all criminal charges brought by state and local law enforcement in Story County. The County Attorney also oversees juvenile prosecutions and handles civil representation of the county.
Address: 1315 South B Avenue, Nevada, IA 50201
Phone: (515) 382-7255
Fax: (515) 382-7270
Current County Attorney: Tim Meals
Story County Sheriff’s Office – The Sheriff’s Office provides law enforcement across the county, manages the jail, serves legal documents, and investigates criminal activity outside city limits.
Address: 1315 South B Avenue, Nevada, IA 50201
Dispatch: (515) 382-6566
Civil: (515) 382-7460
Records: (515) 382-7462
Gun Permits: (515) 382-7461
Jail: (515) 382-7464
Current Sheriff: Paul Fitzgerald
Ames Police Department – This department serves the city of Ames and works closely with Iowa State University police. It handles traffic enforcement, criminal investigations, and emergency response within city limits.
Address: 515 Clark Avenue, Ames, IA 50010
Phone: (515) 239-5133
Current Chief: Geoff Huff
Additional Legal Resources
Iowa Legislature – Iowa Code – The full body of state criminal laws, searchable by chapter and section.
Story County, Iowa Official Website – County services, court news, board agendas, and local updates for residents and visitors.
Criminal Defense Lawyer in Story County, Iowa
If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges in Story County, Iowa, the attorneys at McCarthy and Hamrock, P.C. are ready to fight for your future. From college students in Ames to residents in Nevada or Huxley, we provide skilled and tenacious legal defense backed by decades of courtroom experience.
Call us today at (515) 279-9700 for a free consultation. Let us help you take control of your case and protect what matters most.