Criminal Defense Lawyers

Iowa Federal Criminal Defense Lawyers

Iowa federal criminal cases are stressful, especially when your freedom and future are on the line. At Spodek Law Group, we understand that, and we’re here to help you. Often, clients in Des Moines reach out because they’ve been served with a federal indictment under 21 U.S.C. § 841 (controlled substances), or they’re concerned about a white-collar case involving conspiracy under 18 U.S.C. § 1349.

Other times, people in Cedar Rapids aren’t sure if a knock on the door from the FBI is just a routine visit, or a serious sign of trouble. Either way, once federal agencies get involved, the stakes change drastically. At this point, you need our Iowa federal defense lawyers. We focus on protecting you from the harsh penalties in federal cases.

Federal jurisdiction comes up when a crime crosses state lines, implicates federal statutes, or involves agencies like the DEA, FBI, or IRS. That can be fraud under 18 U.S.C. §§ 1343 or 1341, it can be cybercrime under 18 U.S.C. §§ 1029 or 1030, or it could be a drug conspiracy under 21 U.S.C. § 846. In Iowa, local police might start the investigation, but if the U.S. Attorney’s Office steps in, federal procedure and guidelines take over. This often means mandatory minimums, strict sentencing rules, and a different way of handling plea deals.

We run roleplaying exercises because it’s not enough just to understand the law—you also need to be prepared. Suppose you’re accused of wire fraud under 18 U.S.C. § 1343. Our team of criminal attorneys walk you through how prosecutors will try to build their case, and we’ll map out defenses that show a lack of intent, or emphasize weak links in the evidence. One of the most effective ways of winning the case, is getting all evidence thrown out of court.

Or, let’s say you’re facing a drug conspiracy charge under 21 U.S.C. § 846: maybe you’re a trucker in Iowa who unknowingly transported contraband. We’ll look at whether the government overstepped while gathering evidence, or whether you had zero knowledge of any wrongdoing. In some cases, double jeopardy might apply if you’ve already resolved a similar state charge. In other situations, we’ll focus on search-and-seizure issues or entrapment. Our job is to spot vulnerabilities in the government’s narrative and capitalize on them.

We deal with a wide range of federal crimes. Some involve allegations of wire fraud, others revolve around narcotics or firearms offenses under 18 U.S.C. § 922. Depending on the charge, you could face years in federal prison, steep fines, or both. Judges rely heavily on the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which means your sentence might hinge on factors like drug quantity, role in the offense, or prior convictions. We also look at 18 U.S.C. § 3553(a) to argue for a lower sentence based on your background, your contributions to your community, or other mitigating circumstances. Even when things look bleak, these details can tilt the scales in your favor.

Sometimes, clients ask about cooperation. Maybe the government is pushing you to give information on others in exchange for a reduced sentence under U.S.S.G. § 5K1.1. That’s a personal decision, and we walk you through the risks. We also cover the difference between a good plea and one that sets you up for failure. Our approach is always rooted in honesty. Every client’s situation is different, and we tailor our strategy to what matters most to you—whether it’s reducing prison time, avoiding a felony record, or both.

Below is a quick snapshot of some federal charges, how the penalties might shake out, and a few typical defense strategies:

When you work with Spodek Law Group, you can expect thorough investigation, direct communication, and around-the-clock availability. Some lawyers shy away from challenging prosecutors because they fear damaging relationships. We don’t. We’re loyal to you, and our only priority is getting you the best outcome possible. That means filing the right pretrial motions, attacking the prosecution’s case, and if it comes to trial, fighting every step of the way. We believe in a transparent approach when it comes to fees and strategy. If we choose to represent you, it means we see a path forward.

We handle cases across the Northern and Southern Districts of Iowa. Whether you’re in Davenport or Sioux City, we’ll take a hard look at the facts and help you figure out what comes next. We’re used to unraveling investigations that started off small, only to balloon into big federal prosecutions. Our job is to find the weaknesses in the government’s case and point them out. That could mean showing a key witness’s story doesn’t add up, or revealing a procedural mistake that invalidates a search warrant.