Iowa District Attorneys

After the police arrest a suspect in Iowa, they are processed and released on bail unless they pose a danger or flight risk. If the district attorney (D.A.) believes there's enough evidence, they'll file formal criminal charges. At times, a grand jury may decide whether charges are appropriate.

After this initial arrest and processing phase, the suspect's fate rests in the hands of the district attorney, who assesses the available evidence. The D.A. plays a significant role in our criminal justice system. Their office determines who is charged. No person can be indicted without the district attorney first assessing whether pursuing the criminal charge is in the interest of justice.

In Iowa, district attorneys are called "county attorneys." They are the chief law enforcement official for the county. The county attorney's main duty is to prosecute violations of criminal laws, including felonies and misdemeanors.

The county attorney's responsibilities also include:

• Prosecuting county ordinances
• Handling cases involving controlled substances and participating in drug court
• Managing probation and parole violations
• Providing legal advice on county matters to the Board of Supervisors and other county officers
• Representing the state, county, and its officers in cases related to their official duties
• Recovering debts, fines, and penalties owed to the state or county
• Overseeing mental health commitment proceedings
• Directing cases involving juvenile delinquency
• Initiating CINA (Child in Need of Assistance) petitions to protect abused or neglected children
• Assisting and supporting crime victims and witnesses

The county attorney does not:

• Offer legal advice to private individuals or groups
• Handle private lawsuits, including family law matters such as dissolution of marriage
• Draft wills, deeds, or other legal documents for individuals

Communicating With the Prosecutor

If facing criminal charges, you may want to contact the prosecutor to negotiate a plea deal. However, revealing your defense strategy prematurely can be detrimental to your case. It's usually best to hire a criminal defense attorney and let them handle communications with prosecutors.

Public Defender

Iowans with low incomes who need legal services for state criminal matters and cannot afford a lawyer can request a public defender or a court-appointed private attorney. Your financial circumstances determine eligibility.

For federal criminal charges, you can get a federal public defender. They represent people who can't afford private counsel. The federal government covers legal fees and expenses. Offices for federal public defenders are in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, and Sioux City.

Legal Aid

Apart from the public defender system, there's another avenue for legal assistance in Iowa. Iowa Legal Aid is a nonprofit organization that also provides legal help to Iowans with a low income. They work with pro bono (volunteer) lawyers to provide legal representation in non-criminal practice areas such as:

• Family law, including domestic violence
• Housing
• Public benefits

Iowa Attorney General's Office

The Iowa Attorney General (A.G.) holds the highest legal office in the state. As the chief legal officer for the state of Iowa, the AG represents the state in all legal matters. The Attorney General prosecutes violations of state laws. The A.G. often takes the lead in complex or significant criminal cases.

The Attorney General protects consumers from fraudulent and deceptive business practices by enforcing consumer protection laws. This includes investigating consumer complaints and pursuing legal action against violators.

The A.G. also provides legal advice to state agencies, boards, and commissions.

Directory of Iowa District Attorneys

There are 99 counties in Iowa, each with its own county attorney's office. Click on a link below to learn more about your local county attorney or to contact their office.

Note: We strive to provide the most current contact and website information available for the D.A. offices in this state. However, this information is subject to change. If you have found contact or website information that is not current, please contact us.

Get Legal Advice Before Calling an Iowa County Attorney

When you're facing criminal charges, it can be difficult to determine how to handle what your strategy should be. An experienced legal professional can walk you through the legal system. A defense attorney can also help you negotiate a plea deal. Don't handle legal issues on your own. Reach out to a local Iowa criminal defense attorney today to discuss your case and learn about your options.