Violent Crimes

Violent Crimes Lawyers in Des Moines

When you are charged with a violent crime, the stakes are likely very high. These charges can carry long prison sentences, lasting damage to your reputation, and significant barriers to employment, housing, and more. At McEnroe, Gotsdiner, Steinbach, Rothman & Kendell P.C., we understand the fear and uncertainty you may be facing. Since opening our doors in 1988, our lawyers have helped clients throughout Des Moines and Polk County navigate these serious charges with skill and determination.

Call (515) 516-3745 today for a free consultation. We can meet in person in our office in West Des Moines, or we can do a video conference.

The Plea Bargain Process for Violent Crimes

In many violent crime cases, such as assault, armed robbery, or manslaughter, prosecutors may offer a plea bargain. This process allows defendants to plead guilty to a lesser charge or agree to a reduced sentence in exchange for avoiding trial.

While plea bargains can provide benefits, such as shorter sentences and more certainty about the outcome, they also come with risks. Accepting a deal means giving up your right to a trial, and even a lesser conviction can permanently impact your criminal record. For violent crimes, where prosecutors often push for maximum penalties, it takes a skilled lawyer to negotiate terms that truly serve your best interest.

At McEnroe, Gotsdiner, Steinbach, Rothman & Kendell P.C., we carefully evaluate every offer against the strength of the state’s evidence, the risks of trial, and your long-term future. Our team has years of experience negotiating directly with Polk County prosecutors, and we understand how local courts handle violent crime cases. When a plea bargain is in your best interest, we fight to secure the most favorable terms possible, but we are always prepared to go to trial if that is the better option for you.

The Use of Self-Defense as a Legal Strategy

Self-defense is one of the most important defenses in violent crime cases and one of the most complex. Under Iowa law, a person has the right to use reasonable force to protect themselves or others from immediate harm.

To prove self-defense, certain criteria must be met:

There must have been an imminent threat.
The response must have been proportionate.
The defendant must not have been the aggressor.

Our firm takes a detailed approach to building a self-defense case. This often involves:

Gathering witness statements that confirm the circumstances of the incident.
Reviewing surveillance or security footage from locations such as public areas or businesses.
Analyzing forensic reports to support your version of events.

Because self-defense cases often involve competing narratives, with your word against the accuser’s, we focus on gathering as much objective evidence as possible. By doing so, we help you get your story heard clearly in court.

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What Our Clients Are Saying

“Invaluable Counsel”
“I engaged Gary as counsel for a legal matter. His counsel and insight were invaluable and helped me bring the matter to a successful close.”

- Doug A.
“Case Dismissed”
“Frank did a great Job representing me, he was able to get my case dismissed without even going to court!”

- Matt H.
“Professional & Kept Me Informed”
“Very professional and made sure I understood what was going on throughout the whole process.”

- Holly T.
“Knowledgeable & Caring”
“Very knowledgeable and really seem to care about you. I would highly recommend using this firm.”

- Jimmy K.
“Above & Beyond”
“Frank always goes above and beyond to help with any need I may have. From advice to being my attorney. I will always use him and recommend him for all legal needs.”

- Derek M.
“Frank Gets You the Best Deal”
“I have used Frank a couple of times, and he has always been up front with me. He works hard to get you the best deal. Frank communicates with you, even if it seems like a stupid question, he will listen and tell you the best way to handle your problems.”

- Ryan B.
“They Solve Your Issue”
“Great experience with the McEnroe Law firm. They ask good questions to answer my problem. I feel very satisfied with my solution. You should contact them to solve your issue.”

- Eric R.
“My Go-To Attorney”
“Frank Steinbach has been my go-to attorney for both personal and business matters for years. He has a wealth of knowledge and information, but his guidance has always been spot on in the times that I've really needed it.”

- Adrienne A.

Call Our Des Moines Violent Crimes Lawyers Today

Being accused of a violent crime is overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone. McEnroe, Gotsdiner, Steinbach, Rothman & Kendell P.C. is committed to guiding clients through every stage of the process. We also believe in accessibility. To that end, we offer payment plans to help defendants manage their costs at a stressful time in their lives.

Call (515) 516-3745 or contact us online today.

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