Drug Possession Attorney in Des Moines

Charged With Drug Possession In Iowa? Our Team Is Ready To Help

Being accused of possessing drugs can turn your life upside down in a matter of hours. You may be worried about going to jail, losing your job, or ending up with a criminal record that follows you for years. You might have paperwork in your hands, a court date, and no idea what happens next. If this happens to you, you need the help of a drug possession attorney in Des Moines from our firm.

At McEnroe, Gotsdiner, Steinbach, Rothman & Kendell P.C., we defend people facing drug possession charges in Des Moines and throughout Iowa. Our attorneys have spent years in Iowa courts handling criminal cases, and we understand how local judges and prosecutors approach these matters. We know you need clear answers, practical guidance, and someone who will stand between you and the system.

We take the consequences of a possession charge seriously, and we work to protect your future, not just get you through the next hearing. 

To discuss your situation confidentially with a drug possession attorney in Des Moines and learn how we may be able to help, call (515) 516-3745 or contact us online.

Why Work With Our Criminal Defense Team On A Drug Possession Charge

When you are deciding who should stand up for you in a criminal case, experience matters. Our firm has been part of the Iowa legal community for many years, and our attorneys have handled matters before the Iowa Supreme Court. Our background in high level litigation means we are used to analyzing statutes, court decisions, and constitutional issues that often arise in drug cases.

Criminal defense is a core part of our practice. We regularly represent people who are accused of possession of marijuana, prescription medications, and other controlled substances. Because we work in this area day after day, we understand how prosecutors typically charge these cases, what they focus on, and what types of issues can make a difference in negotiations or at hearings.

We also know that clients do not come to us just for legal theory. They come because they want straightforward advice and a realistic assessment of their risks. The goal of our drug possession attorneys in Des Moines is to give you clear explanations, answer your questions honestly, and help you make informed decisions at every step.

What Happens After A Drug Possession Arrest In Des Moines

The hours and days after an arrest or citation can feel confusing and rushed. In many situations, you will first go through booking, then have an initial appearance where a judge addresses the conditions of release. The specific timeline often depends on when you were arrested, where the incident occurred, and whether you are being held or released.

For many drug possession cases in Polk County, the next steps include an arraignment hearing. The court generally informs you of the formal charges and sets future dates. It is common for people to feel pressure to speak quickly to law enforcement or to the prosecutor about what happened, but those conversations can have serious consequences if you do not have a drug possession lawyer in Des Moines advising you.

Right after a drug arrest, some practical steps usually help protect your rights:

• Keep all paperwork, notices, and bond information in a safe place so you do not miss any dates.
• Avoid discussing details of the incident with anyone but your attorney, including on texts and social media.
• Write down what you remember about the stop, search, and arrest while it is still fresh.
• Make sure you know when and where your next court appearance is scheduled.
• Contact a drug possession attorney in Des Moines as early as you can so there is time to prepare before your next hearing.

We routinely guide clients through these early stages and work to prevent small missteps from turning into bigger problems. When we become involved quickly, we can review your charges, help you understand the process, and start protecting your interests right away.

Potential Consequences & Options In Iowa Drug Possession Cases

Even a single drug possession charge under Iowa law can carry more consequences than many people expect. Depending on the substance involved, the amount, and your prior record, a conviction may expose you to fines, probation, or jail time. It can also trigger collateral issues, such as problems with employment, professional licensing, housing applications, or immigration status.

Court systems in Iowa often treat first-time cases differently from situations involving a longer history of criminal charges. Prosecutors and judges may consider whether there is a prior record, whether there are signs of substance abuse, and whether the incident involved any other alleged criminal conduct. In some situations, there may be room to explore options that do not look the same as a straightforward conviction and sentence, but the availability of those paths depends on many factors.

For people facing their first accusation of possessing a controlled substance, the fear of a permanent record can be intense. Our role is to explain what the law says about your charge, how similar cases are typically handled, and what tools might be available to reduce the long term impact. These can include negotiating toward reduced charges, arguing for treatment-oriented resolutions, or challenging parts of the prosecution’s case when the facts support that approach.

Our drug possession attorneys in Des Moines never promise a specific outcome. Every case turns on its own facts, the history of the person involved, and the decisions made by the court and prosecution. What we can do is analyze your situation closely, give you a clear picture of the risks, and work to pursue the most favorable outcome that the circumstances allow.

How Our Drug Possession Attorneys in Des Moines Defend Drug Charges

A strong defense in a drug possession case usually starts with a careful review of how the evidence was obtained. We look closely at the stop, the search, and any seizure of property to see whether law enforcement followed constitutional requirements. If an officer searched your vehicle, your home, or your person, we examine whether there was a warrant, valid consent, or another claimed legal basis for that search.

We also study the written reports, recordings, and lab results that the prosecution expects to rely on. Problems with the chain of custody, inconsistencies in officer statements, and questions about lab testing methods can sometimes open up important defense arguments. When those issues exist, raising them at the right time can affect what evidence the court allows and how the case may proceed.

Throughout this process, we work to keep you informed. We talk with you about your goals, your work or school situation, and any concerns about immigration or licensing, and we take those into account when we discuss options. Sometimes the strategy may focus on challenging the legality of the search, sometimes on negotiating for a reduction, and sometimes on persuading the court to consider alternatives that better protect your future.

Our attorneys have handled serious criminal matters in Iowa courts, including work that has reached the Iowa Supreme Court. That experience shapes how we think about legal arguments and how we prepare cases, even when the charge is a lower-level possession offense. Our focus is always on using the law and the facts in a way that gives you the strongest available defense.

Support, Accessibility & Communication For Our Clients

When you are facing a criminal charge for the first time, it can feel like the legal system is built for everyone except you. We work to change that by making our services as accessible and understandable as we can. For many people with a first possession case, cost is a major concern, so we offer options that are designed to be realistic for someone who did not plan for legal fees.

Our firm accepts credit card payments, which can provide flexibility if you need to spread out the cost of representation. When we sit down with you, we explain our fees clearly so you know what to expect and can plan accordingly. Our drug possession attorneys in Des Moines want you to focus on the decisions in your case, not stay awake at night wondering about surprise charges.

We also pay close attention to communication. Our goal is to answer your questions in plain language, keep you informed about upcoming court dates, and make sure you understand what each hearing means. Members of our team speak French and Chinese, which can be especially helpful for clients and families who are more comfortable discussing important matters in those languages.

Criminal accusations do not only happen during business hours. We provide after-hours intake answering so you have a way to reach out when an arrest occurs at night or over a weekend. That first call can be the starting point for regaining some control over a situation that feels overwhelming.

Working With A Local Drug Possession Lawyer In The Des Moines Area

When your court dates will take place in Polk County, working with a lawyer who regularly appears in those courtrooms can have practical advantages. Our attorneys handle criminal matters that move through courts in this area, so we have a grounded understanding of how the calendar works, how hearings are usually structured, and what procedures you are likely to encounter.

We are familiar with how drug possession cases are typically scheduled and processed here, including common approaches to arraignments, pretrial hearings, and motion practice. That local knowledge helps us prepare you for what to expect when you walk into court, from when to arrive to how long a hearing might take in an ordinary situation. It also allows us to plan ahead for issues that frequently arise in these cases.

Because our firm is rooted in Iowa, we are close enough for in-person meetings when that is helpful. Many clients find that sitting across the table to review paperwork, discuss options, and plan testimony makes them feel more prepared. Whether we meet in person or speak by phone or video, we focus on giving you clear, Iowa-specific advice about your drug possession charge.

Local presence also means our relationship with you does not stop at the courtroom door. We understand the impact these cases can have on your life here, and we work with that long-term picture in mind when we help you weigh choices.

When you contact McEnroe, Gotsdiner, Steinbach, Rothman & Kendell P.C., you have the opportunity to speak with a team that understands how drug cases move through courts in this part of Iowa. Call us at (515) 516-3745.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I Go To Jail For A First-Time Drug Possession Charge?

Many people with a first possession charge do not know whether they are actually facing jail time. The answer depends on several factors, including the type of drug, the amount, your prior record, and how the court views the specific facts in your case. In some first offense situations, courts may consider options that do not involve serving time in jail, although there are no guarantees.

Our role is to look at the details of your charge and explain the range of potential outcomes based on Iowa law and local practices. We talk with you about what judges in this area commonly consider and what steps we can take to argue for a result that reduces the risk of incarceration. That way, you are not guessing about what could happen, but making decisions with a clearer understanding of the possibilities.

How Can Your Team Help Protect My Record & My Job?

A criminal record from a drug conviction can affect employment, professional licenses, and background checks. When we take on a possession case, we pay close attention to how different outcomes might show up on your record and how that could influence your work life. We ask about your current job, career plans, and any licenses or clearances you hold so we can keep those in mind as we prepare your defense.

Depending on the facts and your history, it may be possible to pursue resolutions that carry less long-term impact than a straightforward conviction. This can involve negotiating with the prosecution, raising legal issues that put pressure on the case, or arguing for alternatives that focus on rehabilitation instead of punishment. Our drug possession attorneys in Des Moines explain the pros and cons of each path so you can choose the approach that best protects your future.

What Should I Do Right Now If I Were Just Arrested In Des Moines?

If you were just arrested in Des Moines on a drug allegation, your priority is to protect your rights. It generally helps to avoid giving statements about the incident to law enforcement or anyone else until you have spoken with a lawyer. You should keep all documents you received at the jail or from officers, especially anything that lists a court date.

In the hours after an arrest, these steps are usually helpful:

• Stay calm and avoid arguing about the facts of the case with officers.
• Contact a trusted family member or friend who can help you keep track of paperwork and dates.
• Reach out to a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible so there is time to prepare before your first appearance or arraignment.

We can review your situation, explain what the next hearing is likely to involve, and start planning how to approach your case in the courts that serve the Des Moines area.

How Much Does It Cost To Hire Your Firm For A Drug Possession Case?

The cost of representation in a drug case depends on the complexity of the charges, the number of hearings involved, and whether there are contested motions or a trial. We know that many clients with a first offense are worried about how they will afford a lawyer, so we make a point of discussing fees clearly and early in the conversation. Our firm offers options for people facing their first charge, and we accept credit cards to give clients more flexibility in managing payments.

During a consultation, we can look at the specifics of your case and outline the likely scope of the work. That helps you understand what you are paying for and how our representation can support you through each stage of the process.

Can You Help If I Do Not Speak English Very Well?

Yes, we can often help clients and families who are more comfortable in languages other than English. Members of our team speak French and Chinese, and that can make a real difference when you are trying to understand charges, court procedures, and legal options. Being able to ask questions and hear explanations in a language you know well can reduce confusion and stress.

Even if you speak some English, legal terms and court instructions can be difficult to follow. We take the time to explain matters clearly and to check that you feel confident about what is happening in your case. If you reach out to us, let us know your language needs so we can plan communication in the way that works best for you.

How Quickly Can You Start Working On My Drug Case?

We can usually begin reviewing a new case as soon as we have your basic information and paperwork. Because criminal timelines in local courts can move quickly, especially for initial hearings, it is helpful to contact us as soon as you learn about a charge or upcoming court date. Early involvement gives us more time to study the reports, look for legal issues, and prepare you for what will happen in court.

Our firm offers after-hours intake answering, which means you have a way to reach out even when an arrest happens outside standard business hours. Once we connect with you, we can explain the next steps for retaining our firm and start working to protect your interests.

Do I Have To Go To Trial For A Drug Possession Charge?

Many drug possession cases do not end in a trial, although that is always one possible outcome. Some matters resolve through negotiated agreements, while others may involve contested motions that change the shape of the case before any trial is scheduled. Whether a trial makes sense in your situation depends on the strength of the evidence, the legal issues present, and the offers, if any, made by the prosecution.

We discuss these factors with you in detail and help you weigh the risks of trial against the terms of any proposed resolution. Our attorneys prepare cases with both negotiation and contested hearings in mind so that if a trial becomes the right path, you are not starting from zero.

If you contact us, we can review your situation, explain your options, and begin building a plan tailored to your specific case.