Felony Lawyers in Des Moines

Here are the key steps to protect yourself:

• Stay silent. You have the right to remain silent. Use it. Do not answer questions from law enforcement without our lawyer present.
• Do not consent to searches. Never agree to a search of your home, car, or phone without a warrant. This protects your constitutional rights.
• Contact us immediately. Before speaking to police, friends, or even family about the situation, call our office. Early legal representation can prevent costly mistakes and safeguard your defense.
• Stay calm and respectful. Avoid confrontation. The less you say and the more you cooperate respectfully, the less likely complications will arise later.

By following these steps, you can maintain control in a stressful situation and give our attorney the best possible foundation to defend you.

Plea Bargain vs. Trial: Understanding Your Options 

One of the biggest decisions defendants face in a felony case is whether to accept a plea bargain or move forward to trial. Both options carry serious implications, and the right choice depends on the details of your case and your long-term goals.

A plea bargain is an agreement with the prosecution that typically reduces the charges or penalties in exchange for a guilty plea. This can be beneficial if the evidence against you is strong, if you want to avoid the stress and expense of a trial, or if you’re seeking certainty in the outcome. 

However, it also means giving up the opportunity to challenge the evidence in court.

By contrast, taking your case to trial allows you to assert your right to have the prosecution prove every element beyond a reasonable doubt. Trials can result in acquittals if the state’s evidence is flawed or obtained improperly. 

Yet, the risk is higher. If convicted, penalties may be more severe than what might have been offered in a plea.

Several factors weigh into this decision, including:

• Strength of the evidence. How solid is the prosecution’s case?
• Potential sentencing. What are the possible penalties if convicted at trial compared to the plea deal?
• Collateral consequences. How will the outcome impact your life beyond any jail time, from career repercussions to family relationships? 
• Your goals. For some, avoiding a conviction entirely is the priority. For others, reducing exposure to prison time may matter most.

At McEnroe, Gotsdiner, Steinbach, Rothman & Kendell P.C., we never apply a one-size-fits-all approach. We carefully review the evidence, explain every angle of the options available, and negotiate aggressively when it serves your best interests. If trial is the better path, we are fully prepared to defend you in court. If a plea bargain offers the most strategic outcome, we’ll work to secure terms that protect your future. Our commitment is always to do what is best for you, not what is easiest for us.