Murder Attorney in Des Moines

Iowa Trial & Appellate Defense for Homicide Charges

Being arrested or investigated in connection with a death is one of the most frightening situations a person can face. You may be worried about prison, unsure what to say to police, and uncertain where to turn. At McEnroe, Steinbach, Rothman & Kendell P.C., our murder attorneys in Des Moines defend people facing homicide and related felony charges across this part of Iowa, and we guide clients and their families through every stage of the case.

Our attorneys are long-time Iowa trial lawyers who have handled serious criminal matters at both the trial and appellate levels. We have presented cases before the Iowa Supreme Court, which means we are familiar with the complex legal questions that arise in murder prosecutions. When your future is on the line, you need a team that understands how these cases actually move through Iowa courts, not just what the statutes say on paper.

To discuss a murder or homicide case with our murder attorneys in Des Moines, contact us online or call (515) 516-3745.

Why Our Firm Handles Serious Murder Charges

Experience and stability matter when you’re looking for a murder lawyer in Des Moines. McEnroe, Steinbach, Rothman & Kendell P.C. has been part of the Iowa legal community for many years. Our attorneys, Steinbach, Rothman, and Kendell, carry forward a tradition of criminal defense work that stretches back decades in this state. That history means we’ve seen how serious felony cases are investigated, charged, negotiated, and tried in Iowa courtrooms.

Iowa Supreme Court Appellate Experience

Our attorneys have argued cases before the Iowa Supreme Court. That background matters in murder and homicide cases, where questions about evidence, jury instructions, or constitutional rights can shape the case. Understanding how issues may be reviewed on appeal lets us build and preserve your defense from the earliest stages, not as an afterthought once a conviction has occurred.

A Multi-Attorney Team for Complex Cases

We aren’t a single-lawyer office. Murder cases can generate thousands of pages of police reports, witness statements, recordings, and forensic materials. Our clients benefit from a team that can divide that review, discuss strategy together, and appear at key hearings when schedules demand it.

Our practice includes criminal defense, family law, and personal injury. That breadth means we appear regularly before Polk County judges and juries across different case types. We understand how witnesses present, how evidence comes in, and how decision-makers respond in actual hearings. Clients who have worked with attorney Frank Steinbach describe him as a go-to resource whose guidance is knowledgeable and precise when it matters most. When the charge is as serious as homicide, that practical courtroom experience isn’t a background detail.

Facing a Murder Investigation or Charge in Iowa: What to Do Next

Responding to Police Contact About a Death

When law enforcement contacts you about a death, every decision can have long-term consequences. Police and investigators are trained to gather information. You have the right to protect yourself, and exercising that right doesn’t make you look guilty. It means you understand that these situations are serious and that you want legal guidance before you speak.

If officers from the Des Moines Police Department or another agency want to interview you, you can calmly state that you wish to speak with a murder attorney in Des Moines before answering any questions. You don’t have to explain why. Once you clearly request a lawyer, questioning should stop until you’ve had the chance to consult counsel. We can then help you decide whether to give a statement and in what form.

What Happens After an Arrest

After an arrest on a homicide-related charge, you’re typically taken to a local jail for booking and then scheduled for an initial appearance in court. In cases arising in this area, that often occurs at the Polk County Courthouse or another courthouse with jurisdiction over where the incident is alleged to have happened. At that first hearing, the formal charge and initial conditions of release are usually addressed.

For family members, the first hours and days are often chaotic. You may be trying to find out where your loved one is being held, what the exact charges are, and when the next hearing is. Avoid discussing case details on recorded jail calls or over social media, because those communications can be used as evidence. Gather basic information, such as the case number and the facility where the person is held, then contact our office so we can review the situation and talk through next steps.

Our murder attorneys in Des Moines work to respond quickly in serious cases, because early involvement can make a difference in how evidence is handled and how your position is presented in court. Our after-hours intake means a family member can reach someone even when an arrest happens outside regular business hours.

Iowa Homicide Charges: What You Are Facing

The specific charge matters because penalties under Iowa law vary significantly depending on how the offense is classified. The ranges below come from Iowa statutes and apply regardless of the facts of any individual case.

• First-degree murder is a class A felony. Under Iowa law, a conviction carries a mandatory sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole. First-degree murder includes willful, deliberate, and premeditated killings, as well as killings under the felony murder rule, killings during escape from lawful custody, and killings of a peace officer or other protected individuals under Iowa Code section 707.2.
• Second-degree murder is a class B felony. A conviction can result in up to 50 years in prison, with a mandatory minimum that must be served before parole eligibility.
• Attempted murder is also a class B felony and can carry up to 25 years in prison, with a 70% mandatory minimum before parole eligibility applies.
• Voluntary and involuntary manslaughter are related but distinct charges under Iowa law, with different elements and different sentencing ranges than murder.

The outcome in any case depends on the specific statute charged, the facts the prosecution can demonstrate, and the defendant’s prior record. These figures are a starting point for understanding what is at stake, not a prediction of what will happen in your case.

How We Approach Murder & Homicide Defense

Careful Review of Evidence & Procedures

Every homicide case is different, but our job is always the same: understand both the facts and the law, then find the places where the prosecution’s version of events can be questioned. We begin with a methodical review of all available discovery, including police reports, witness statements, video and audio recordings, and forensic materials. We pay close attention to how evidence was collected, whether procedures were followed under Iowa and federal law, and whether any searches or statements may be open to challenge. When appropriate, we may recommend seeking additional records or an independent review of specific evidence, such as medical findings or timelines.

Defense Strategies in Iowa Homicide Cases

Several defense approaches arise regularly under Iowa homicide law. Self-defense is recognized when the accused genuinely feared for their life or the lives of others, and we examine what evidence supports that claim. We also scrutinize questions of identification, what each party knew or intended at the time, and whether evidence of malice aforethought, the mental state required for a murder conviction, is actually present. Evidence challenges based on improper searches, police misconduct, or constitutional violations can affect what materials are admissible at trial.

Our Iowa Supreme Court appellate experience shapes how we approach these issues from the start. Preserving legal questions for potential appeal or postconviction relief isn’t something we think about after the verdict. We build that thinking into case strategy from the arraignment forward. For some clients, the case moves toward a negotiated resolution; for others, the focus stays on trial preparation. We advise on both paths and the risks each carries.

Communication & Case Strategy

Our murder attorneys in Des Moines talk with clients about what the documents show, what options may exist, and what risks come with each path. We keep you informed so you’re not left guessing about what happens next. Homicide charges often take time to resolve, and having a clear plan with a team that explains each step makes that process more manageable.

Stages of a Serious Felony Case in Iowa

Serious felony cases move through several distinct stages. After investigation and arrest, there is an initial appearance where charges are formally stated and conditions of release are addressed. An arraignment follows, where a formal plea is entered. Between arraignment and trial, there are typically multiple pretrial conferences and motion hearings covering evidence, statements, and other legal questions. During this period, the defense and prosecution may discuss possible negotiated resolutions. The trial itself involves jury selection, opening statements, witness testimony, and closing arguments. A conviction may lead to a sentencing hearing and, when appropriate, consideration of appeals or postconviction relief under Iowa law.

Our attorneys have experience at both the trial and appellate levels, including work before the Iowa Supreme Court. We look not only at the next hearing, but at how decisions made early can affect what is possible later in the case.

Call us at (515) 516-3745 today. Speaking with a knowledgeable murder lawyer in Des Moines can give you a clearer sense of your options and a plan for what comes next.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Should I Do If Police Want to Question Me About a Death?

Clearly and calmly request to speak with a murder attorney in Des Moines before answering any questions. You have this right whether you’ve been arrested or are simply being interviewed. Once you make that request, questioning should stop until you’ve consulted counsel. We can then review the situation, help you understand what investigators are likely focused on, and advise you on whether to give a statement. Taking this step early can protect your rights and prevent statements that are difficult to correct later.

How Serious Are Murder Charges in Iowa, & What Penalties Could I Face?

Murder charges in Iowa are among the most serious in the criminal code. First-degree murder carries mandatory life without parole as a class A felony. Second-degree murder, a class B felony, can mean up to 50 years with a mandatory minimum. Attempted murder also carries up to 25 years with a 70% mandatory minimum. The specific range depends on the statute charged, what the prosecution can prove, and any prior record. We review all of those factors before giving guidance about potential outcomes.

Can I Afford a Lawyer for a Murder Case?

Cost is a real concern, and it’s natural to worry that strong representation might be out of reach. Fees for homicide cases depend on the complexity of the evidence, the number of hearings and motions, and whether the case is likely to go to trial. We work to provide affordable representation for some first-offense situations and always explain our fee structure before moving forward. We accept credit card payments, which can help families secure counsel when immediate cash is limited. The best way to understand the financial side is to speak with us directly.

Can Your Firm Help If My Case Goes to the Iowa Supreme Court?

Yes. Our attorneys have argued cases before the Iowa Supreme Court and are familiar with the appellate process at the highest level of Iowa’s court system. Not every murder case reaches that court, but appellate experience informs how we preserve issues during trial and how we advise clients about the potential for later review. If your case does go to appeal, we can discuss whether our firm is the right fit for that stage or whether other arrangements make more sense.

Can You Speak With My Family While I Am in Jail?

Yes. Families often need information about upcoming court dates, what to expect at hearings, and how to support a loved one without inadvertently harming the case. With your consent, we can communicate with family members about those process-related questions. Our after-hours intake means your family can reach someone to start that conversation even when an arrest happens outside regular business hours.

What Defenses Are Available in an Iowa Murder Case?

Recognized defenses in Iowa homicide cases can include self-defense, challenging identification, disputing intent or mental state such as malice aforethought, and attacking the admissibility of evidence obtained through improper searches or police misconduct. The felony murder rule and questions about what occurred during police interrogation also arise frequently. The right approach depends on the specific facts, the charge, and what the discovery reveals. We work through those questions with every client before advising on strategy.

If you or someone you care about is being questioned or has been arrested, you don’t have to face this alone. We invite you to contact us to talk about what is happening and what steps make sense now, so you can make decisions with clear information instead of fear.