IOwa Criminal Defense Lawyers DEFENDING YOUR RIGHTS & LIBERTIES
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Des Moines Criminal Defense Lawyer

Just because you're innocent doesn’t mean the court will believe you. Just because you may be guilty doesn’t mean you don’t deserve your day in court. Clark & Sears Law is committed to upholding basic American tenets of everyone deserving a fair trial and everyone being innocent until proven guilty. Making those tenets a reality means having a Des Moines defense lawyer who will take on even unpopular defendants and who will do legal battle with prosecutors every step of their way, ensuring their clients constitutional rights are protected and their defense strongly advocated.

Providing Reliable Criminal Defense in Polk County and the Neighboring Counties

From their Des Moines office, Clark & Sears Law serves clients throughout Polk County, and they also serve Story, Boone, Warren, & Dallas Counties. John & Katherine Sears, the founding partners, have received recognition from their peers for their vigorous defense advocacy efforts. They understand criminal defense strategy starts right at the point of arrest and goes all the way through sentencing. Each step of the criminal defense process is an opportunity for them to advocate for their clients. 


When your freedom and reputation is on the line, reach out to Clark & Sears Law for help. Call us at (515) 200-2787 or contact us online to schedule a free case evaluation with a Des Moines criminal defense attorney today. 


Awards & Associations

Polk County Defense Attorneys

Effective criminal defense begins before the courtroom.  Strong advocacy for defendants begins at arrest.  It includes hard legal work to review the prosecution’s evidence and to make sure the authorities followed proper protocols.  

If you’re convicted, real criminal defense advocacy continues through sentencing.  Every defendant deserves the best possible chance to rebuild their life.  That’s the defense Clark & Sears Law provides. 


Call our Des Moines Criminal defense attorneys today at (515) 200-2787 or contact us online to get started with a free consultation .


Choosing the Best Defense Attorney in Des Moines, Iowa

If you've been arrested in Polk County, choosing the best defense attorney for your case is one of the most important decisions you will make. The right criminal defense attorney will conduct their own investigation, question witnesses, and create a defense strategy unique to your case. They will help you understand the criminal justice system and provide direction to ensure that your case is handled in a way that best protects your legal rights and freedom.

At our criminal defense law firm in Des Moines, Iowa, we have years of experience defending individuals accused of criminal misconduct. We understand the Polk County criminal justice system and are committed to providing our clients with high-quality, professional legal representation. Our defense attorneys in Des Moines, Iowa, strive to provide the best possible outcome for each case we handle.

  • 24/7 Availability
  • Excellent Communication
  • Same Day Consultation Available
  • Free Initial Consultation
Client Experiences With Clark & Sears Law
Story County Felony Theft, Criminal Mischief, Burglary, and Trespass Case

A defendant was charged with Theft in the Second Degree (Class D felony), Criminal Mischief in the Second Degree (Class D felony), Third Degree ...

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They were dedicated to me and my case while handling other cases at the same time and never gave me the impression that my issue was any less important than the others.

- Cliff B.
Frequenttly asked questions
  • What will an Iowa criminal lawyer in Polk County do for me?

    After your arrest, a criminal defense law firm can evaluate the facts of your case, help you negotiate a plea deal, and prepare your case for trial. Your Des Moines, IA, a criminal lawyer will offer you legal advice. Your Iowa criminal defense attorney will counsel you on your chances at trial and help you navigate the plea bargaining process. Ultimately, your defense attorney is responsible for providing you with a clear, honest look at your options so that you can make an informed decision about whether to proceed to trial. If you proceed to trial, your Iowa lawyer will decide your best trial strategy options. Most people charged with crimes in Iowa choose to take plea options rather than proceeding to trial. This is often too bad because, in many cases, plea options involve sentencing options that aren’t necessarily any better than what a judge would likely sentence you to after conviction at trial. For some people, accepting a plea bargain represents giving up an opportunity for acquittal. Defendants who are acquitted may face lower court costs, jail costs, etc., than defendants who are convicted or who plead guilty in exchange for a plea bargain. Your Iowa criminal lawyer will discuss your options with you so that you understand the costs and benefits of going to trial or of giving up your right to trial. Accepting a plea deal can prevent you from appealing your case. Your lawyer will talk to you about this. Suppose you hope to have your misdemeanor charges dismissed. In that case, an Iowa criminal defense lawyer can investigate the evidence and research possible defenses that might convince the State to drop the charges. If dismissal isn’t an option, your Iowa criminal law firm will prepare for trial. Getting ready for effective trial advocacy is time-consuming. It would take even longer for someone unfamiliar with Iowa criminal defense and the rules of criminal procedure.

  • How do I choose a lawyer?

    You need the best Iowa criminal defense lawyer available for your best chances of avoiding a criminal conviction in Iowa. The best criminal defense attorney in Des Moines, Iowa, for you will depend on many factors. You need to find someone you can form a trusting attorney-client relationship with. If you aren’t comfortable talking to someone or you and your lawyer feel constantly frustrated with each other, you might not have the right fit. Next, you need to look for someone who is either familiar with your charges or prepared to become familiar with your charges. Rules are an essential part of law – after all, being accused of a crime is being accused of breaking the rules of law. When you’re looking for the best criminal defense lawyer in Iowa, evaluate whether the criminal attorneys you’re talking to are familiar with the Iowa criminal rules and the Iowa sentencing rules for the misdemeanor or felony criminal offense charged in your case.

  • What role do officers and prosecutors play?

    The police and prosecuting attorneys are public servants, but that doesn’t mean that they’re there to protect your interests. The police will prepare reports. The prosecuting attorney will evaluate the police reports and determine what sort of criminal offense they want to accuse you of.

  • Who else can help me with my case?

    Depending on the facts of your case, your Iowa criminal defense lawyer or defense law firm might have a team to help you that includes private investigators and expert witnesses. Expert witnesses are people who can testify at your case. Unlike regular witnesses (“lay witnesses,”) experts can offer opinion testimony.

Charged with a crime in iowa? We can help!

Call (515) 200-2787 today for a free initial consultation.

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Supreme Court Notice

The determination of the need for legal services and the choice of a lawyer are extremely important decisions and should not be based solely upon advertisements or self-proclaimed expertise. This disclosure is required by rule of the Supreme Court of Iowa.
A description or indication of limitation of practice does not mean that any agency or board has certified such lawyer as a specialist or expert in an indicated field of law practice, nor does it mean that such lawyer is necessarily any more expert or competent than any other lawyer. Memberships and offices in legal fraternities and legal societies, technical and professional licenses, and memberships in scientific, technical and professional associations and societies of law or field of practice do not mean that a lawyer is a specialist or expert in a field of law, nor do they mean that such lawyer is necessarily more expert or competent than any other lawyer.

All potential clients are urged to make their own independent investigation and evaluation of any lawyer being considered. This notice is required by rule of the Supreme Court of Iowa.