Des Moines Drug Crime Lawyer
Facing Drug Charges & Need Direction Now
If you were arrested on a drug charge in Des Moines, you may be worried about jail, your job, and your record. It can feel like everything moved fast, from the stop or search to being booked and given a court date. You may not know what to say, who to trust, or what happens next.
At Feld Law Firm, we help people in this situation every day. Our firm focuses on criminal defense, including a wide range of drug offenses in Polk County and surrounding courts. We work to protect your rights from the first appearance through the final resolution, and we explain each step in clear, straightforward terms.
Our attorney has handled hundreds of criminal cases in this area and brings a unique background as a former private investigator. That experience helps us dig into how police handled the stop, search, and investigation in your case. When your future is on the line, you deserve a defense that looks closely at every detail instead of treating your case like a file number.
Call (515) 996-4441 today to set up a consultation, or contact us online to learn more. Our attorneys are ready to help.
Why People Turn To Feld Law Firm
When you search for a drug attorney in Des Moines, options can seem similar at first glance. What often matters most is who you feel will actually listen to you, investigate the case, and stand beside you in court. We structure our representation around those goals. From your first meeting, we focus on learning what happened, what you are most worried about, and what outcome you are hoping for.
Our attorney’s prior work as a private investigator shapes our approach. We do not simply read the police report and assume it is accurate. Instead, we look at how officers justified the traffic stop, the search of your car or home, and any statements that were taken. This perspective helps us identify issues that may support motions affecting how evidence is used or support a more favorable resolution.
We also bring experience from hundreds of criminal matters in Polk County courts. That experience helps us understand how local prosecutors and judges often handle drug charges, which can inform the advice we give you about risk, plea offers, and trial decisions. We cannot promise a specific result, but we can give you an informed view of what to expect and what options may be available.
We know cost is a major concern when choosing a drug crime attorney. Des Moines clients often tell us this is one of their first questions. Our services start at $1,000, and we are upfront about fees so you can make practical decisions. During a consultation, we can explain what representation typically involves for cases like yours and discuss the likely cost before you decide how to move forward.
Communication is another reason people choose our firm. We treat clients like family, which to us means answering questions, returning calls, and explaining things without legal jargon. Our team offers Spanish-speaking support for clients and families who are more comfortable communicating in Spanish, so important information is not lost or misunderstood.
Drug Charges & Consequences In Iowa
Understanding what you are actually facing is an important first step. In Iowa, drug offenses range from simple possession of a controlled substance to more serious allegations like possession with intent to deliver, distribution, or manufacturing. The type of drug, the amount involved, and your prior record all affect how charges are filed.
Some possession cases are charged as misdemeanors, which can still involve possible jail time, fines, and probation. Allegations involving larger amounts, repeated offenses, or accusations of selling or delivering drugs are often charged as felonies. Felony convictions may carry the possibility of prison, longer probation terms, and more serious fines. When your case is filed in the Polk County courthouse in Des Moines, the specific charge and level will be listed on your complaint or trial information paperwork.
The consequences of a conviction can extend far beyond the sentence imposed by the court. A drug case on your record can affect employment, professional licenses, housing applications, and education opportunities. For some people, especially non-citizens, certain drug convictions can also create serious immigration problems. These are some of the reasons many people choose to work with a drug crime lawyer Des Moines residents trust, rather than trying to handle serious charges alone.
At the same time, it is important to remember that every case is different. Courts may consider factors such as your prior history, whether violence was involved, the role you are alleged to have played, and whether treatment or counseling could be part of a solution. In some situations, there may be opportunities to pursue treatment-focused outcomes or other alternatives. We can help you understand which options may realistically apply in your situation and which are unlikely, based on the facts and your background.
Our role is to take the law and the facts and translate them into clear choices for you. When we meet with you, we review the exact charges, discuss potential penalties, and explain the range of outcomes that cases like yours sometimes see in this area. That way, you are not guessing about what is at stake while you decide how to proceed.
What To Do After A Drug Arrest
What you do in the hours and days after a drug arrest can affect your case. Many people feel pressure to explain themselves to officers or to friends and family. We encourage you to pause and get legal advice first. Statements made in the heat of the moment can be misunderstood or later used against you in court.
Once you are released, you will likely receive paperwork that includes your charges and a date to appear at the Polk County Justice Center or another courthouse. It is important to keep every document you receive and bring them to any meeting with a drug arrest attorney. Those documents tell us how the case is currently charged and when deadlines are approaching.
Missing a court date can create new problems, such as additional charges or a warrant. Until your case is finished, you should plan to attend every scheduled appearance and follow any bond conditions the court sets. If you are unsure about where to go or what a particular hearing is for, we can explain that and, if we represent you, appear with you.
Our firm places a strong emphasis on early intervention. When we are contacted soon after an arrest, we can request reports, begin reviewing how the stop or search occurred, and prepare for your first appearance. The earlier we are involved, the sooner we can look for weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence and opportunities to argue for reduced charges or other favorable outcomes.
If you have just been arrested, these steps can help protect your rights:
- Stay calm and avoid talking about the facts of the case with the police or others until you have spoken with an attorney.
- Collect and organize all paperwork, including citations, complaints, and bond documents, so you can bring them to your first legal consultation.
- Write down what you remember about the stop, search, and any statements that were made while the events are still fresh in your mind.
- Attend all court dates listed on your paperwork and follow any conditions set by the judge.
- Contact a drug arrest attorney as soon as possible so your defense can start before evidence and memories fade.
How Our Team Builds Your Defense
Once you decide to work with our firm, we start by listening to your story. We want to know what happened from your perspective, what concerns you most, and what goals you have for your case. That conversation guides how we review reports, evidence, and options. A strong working relationship begins with clear communication and mutual understanding.
From there, we obtain and study the police reports, video if available, and other materials related to your drug arrest. We look closely at how officers justified the initial stop, whether any consent to search was truly voluntary, and whether any search warrants were properly supported. As we review, we are looking for legal issues that a drug arrest lawyer could raise in motions or negotiations.
Our attorney’s background as a private investigator is especially valuable in this stage. That experience helps us analyze investigative steps, compare statements, and identify gaps or inconsistencies in the prosecution’s account. In some cases, this may support a challenge to the admissibility of certain evidence. In others, it may provide leverage in discussions with the prosecutor about reducing a charge or limiting penalties.
As the case moves through the Polk County court system, we keep you informed. We explain the purpose of each hearing, what decisions may need to be made, and what choices you have. Whether the case is headed toward negotiation, pretrial motions, or trial, we talk through the risks and potential benefits in plain language so you can make informed decisions.
Our approach is not one size fits all. The strategy for a first offense possession case is often different from a case involving allegations of delivery or a client with a significant prior record. We take into account your history, the strength of the evidence, and your personal and professional situation. Our goal is to build a defense that reflects your reality, while working to protect your future as much as the facts and the law allow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I go to jail for my drug charge?
Jail is a possibility in many drug cases, but it is not automatic. The risk depends on the charge level, your prior record, and the facts of the case. We review these factors with you and work to pursue outcomes that limit or avoid incarceration when the law and facts support that.
How quickly should I contact a drug lawyer?
You should contact a lawyer as soon as you can after an arrest or if you learn you are under investigation. Early involvement allows us to review the stop and search, protect your rights at initial hearings, and start gathering information before memories fade or evidence becomes harder to obtain.
Can you challenge the search or traffic stop?
In many cases, we can evaluate whether the stop or search followed constitutional and procedural rules. If there are problems, we may file motions asking the court to exclude certain evidence. Our attorney’s private investigator background helps in analyzing these issues, although each situation depends on its specific facts.
How much does it cost to hire your firm?
Our services for criminal defense matters start at $1,000. The total cost depends on the complexity of the case, the number of hearings, and whether the matter goes to trial. We explain likely fees during a consultation so you have a clear picture before deciding how to proceed.
How will you keep me informed about my case?
We work to keep you updated at each stage of the process. Our team explains upcoming court dates, discusses options before important decisions, and answers questions as they arise. We also offer Spanish-speaking support so clients and families can communicate comfortably and understand what is happening in the case.
Talk To Our Drug Defense Team
A drug arrest in Des Moines can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to navigate it alone. When you contact Feld Law Firm, you reach a firm that focuses on criminal defense, understands how cases move through the Polk County courthouse, and is prepared to look closely at the details of your situation.
By speaking with our team, you can learn how a Des Moines Drug Crime Lawyer may help protect your rights, review how evidence was obtained, and pursue outcomes that take your life and goals into account. We discuss your charges, review your paperwork, and explain what the next steps typically look like, all in clear, straightforward language.
Our services start at $1,000, and we explain fees openly so there are no surprises. We also offer Spanish-speaking support for clients and families who prefer to communicate in Spanish. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can begin working on your defense and preparing for upcoming court dates.
Call (515) 996-4441 to schedule a consultation with our drug arrest attorney today.
Our Reviews
Serving West Des Moines, IA Since 2014
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"If you're having any legal issues I would recommend coming to Ben and have him help you out!"- C.
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"Ben was very helpful and knowledgeable about the situation and did a great job explaining the process along the way."- J.D.
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"He represented me very well and would absolutely recommend! 5 Stars!"- S.H.
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"He will be straight forward with you without making promises he cannot keep but he's very experienced and pretty much knows what can and cannot be done."- R.D.
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"So I highly recommend and highly rate him! 5 out of 5 stars from me and my family to his firm!"- W.L.
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"Do not hesitate to call and speak with Attorney ben about your case. I assure you, you will not be disappointed!"- J.C.
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"He was able to negotiate a good outcome for my case."- B.K.
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"He explained everything and was a tremendous help. I would recommend him to anyone that needs a lawyer."- K.N.