Polk County Criminal Defense Attorneys
At McCarthy and Hamrock, P.C., we are committed to delivering trustworthy, personalized, and high-quality legal representation to every client we serve. Our firm is built on the principles of professionalism, advocacy, and responsiveness, and we continue to evolve with the legal landscape to better serve our community. Whether you’re facing serious criminal charges or navigating a personal injury case, our attorneys provide the focused guidance you need.
McCarthy and Hamrock, P.C. represents clients across all of Polk County, Iowa. From major cities like Des Moines and West Des Moines to smaller communities like Altoona, Ankeny, and Pleasant Hill, we offer dependable legal counsel to residents and visitors alike.
Law enforcement in Polk County is active, and officers from the Des Moines Police Department, Polk County Sheriff’s Office, and Iowa State Patrol frequently issue citations and make arrests for a wide variety of offenses. Criminal charges, whether for DUI, drug possession, theft, or more serious felonies, can carry heavy penalties, including jail time, fines, and permanent damage to your record.
Even misdemeanor charges can lead to long-term consequences for your career, housing, and reputation. If you’ve been accused of a crime in Polk County, securing experienced legal counsel as early as possible can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
If you are seeking legal information about a personal injury case, please visit Polk County Personal Injury
Overview of Legal Representation in Polk County, Iowa
- Criminal Charges We Defend in Polk County
- DUI Defense in Polk County
- Polk County Court Resources
- Additional Resources
Criminal Charges We Defend in Polk County
At McCarthy and Hamrock, P.C., we tailor defense strategies to the unique facts of every case. We handle a wide range of criminal cases, including but not limited to:
Domestic Abuse – Domestic abuse charges in Des Moines can result from disputes between spouses, partners, or family members. These charges may include assault, harassment, or no-contact order violations. Prosecutors aggressively pursue these cases, and penalties may include jail, fines, and firearm restrictions. Defenses often include self-defense or false allegations tied to divorce or custody disputes.
Drug Offenses – Polk County law enforcement frequently collaborates with state and federal authorities in prosecuting drug offenses ranging from marijuana possession to trafficking in fentanyl or methamphetamine. These cases often involve search and seizure issues or disputes over constructive possession.
White Collar Crimes – Charges such as embezzlement, credit card fraud, and identity theft are serious and may result in both state and federal prosecution. Our team works to identify lack of intent or evidentiary flaws to defend those accused of financial crimes.
Weapons Violations – Iowa gun laws permit lawful possession, but charges for unlawful carrying, brandishing a weapon, or felon-in-possession cases are common. We evaluate whether the weapon was legally owned, whether the stop was lawful, and whether the defendant had knowledge of the weapon.
Probation Violations – If you’ve been accused of violating probation conditions, the court may impose stricter penalties or incarceration. We present mitigating evidence and advocate for alternatives to revocation.
Sex Offenses – These charges carry harsh penalties, including mandatory sex offender registration. Allegations may include sexual assault, exploitation, or child pornography possession. Our attorneys handle these sensitive cases with discretion and work to challenge the evidence presented.
Violent Crimes – Assault, robbery, and homicide charges carry life-changing penalties. We investigate claims of self-defense, defense of others, or mistaken identity to fight these accusations.
Property and Theft Crimes – Shoplifting, burglary, and criminal mischief charges depend on the value of the property involved. For low-level offenses, diversion programs or deferred judgments may be possible.
Traffic Offenses – From driving without a license to fleeing police or reckless driving, traffic crimes can result in license suspension, fines, and jail time. Many cases can be resolved through negotiations or legal motions to suppress evidence.
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.
DUI Defense in Polk County
Interstates such as I-35, I-80, and I-235, as well as U.S. Highways 6 and 69, see frequent patrols and DUI arrests. Drivers pulled over on suspicion of OWI (Operating While Intoxicated) face both administrative penalties through the Iowa DOT and criminal charges through the Polk County court system.
First-time OWI convictions carry fines, jail time, and license revocation. Refusal to submit to breath testing can also result in extended license suspension. Field sobriety and chemical tests are not always accurate, and legal challenges may include improper stop, faulty equipment, or rights violations. Our firm is experienced in both trial litigation and negotiating favorable plea agreements in OWI cases.
Polk County Court Resources
Polk County District Court – The Polk County District Court handles criminal and civil matters, including felony and misdemeanor prosecutions, juvenile cases, and probation violations.
Address: 500 Mulberry Street, Des Moines, IA 50309
Phone: (515) 286-3772
Polk County Juvenile Court – Juvenile delinquency cases are handled in a separate division of the Polk County court system.
Address: 222 5th Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50309
Phone: (515) 286-3827
Polk County Attorney’s Office – The County Attorney handles prosecution of criminal offenses in Polk County, from misdemeanors to felonies.
Address: 222 5th Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50309
Phone: (515) 286-3737
Polk County Sheriff’s Office – The Sheriff’s Office is responsible for law enforcement, jail operations, and service of civil processes throughout the county.
Address: 1985 NE 51st Place, Des Moines, IA 50313
Phone: (515) 286-3333
Des Moines Police Department – Responsible for law enforcement within Des Moines city limits, the department investigates crimes and conducts traffic enforcement.
Address: 25 E 1st Street, Des Moines, IA 50309
Phone: (515) 283-4811
Additional Resources
Iowa Code – Access Iowa’s official laws and statutes through the Iowa Legislature’s website
Polk County, Iowa Official Site – For county news, resources, and public records
Polk County Criminal Defense Lawyers
If you or a loved one has been arrested in Polk County or is facing charges in Des Moines or a surrounding city, contact McCarthy and Hamrock, P.C. today. Our firm provides thorough, effective legal representation for those accused of crimes ranging from simple misdemeanors to complex felonies. Call us at (515) 279-9700 to schedule a free consultation and take the first step in protecting your rights.
We serve clients throughout Polk County and nearby areas, including Dallas, Jasper, Warren, and Story counties.