Iowa City and Davenport Murder Defense Attorneys

Aggressive Criminal Defense for All Homicide Charges Statewide

When your future depends on the outcome of a criminal case, you need the best possible defense on your side. A murder conviction in Iowa can come with penalties as extreme as life in prison or even execution. Do not trust your future to less than the very best defense you can afford.

At Keegan, Tindal & Jaeger, our accomplished Iowa City murder defense lawyers truly care about the well-being of our clients. Building transformative relationships with the individuals we represent is our first and most important responsibility. We are here not just to advocate for you, but to listen and provide support as you face one of the most difficult seasons of your life.

To request an initial consultation with a murder defense attorney at our firm, call us at (319) 499-5524 or contact us online today.

Iowa Murder Statutes

In Iowa, murder charges are classified into different degrees depending on the severity of the crime and the circumstances surrounding it.

First-Degree Murder

First-degree murder is the most severe charge and involves premeditation, intent, and malice aforethought. In order to secure a conviction, the prosecution must prove that the defendant intentionally planned and carried out the murder. This is the charge with the most severe penalties, and the need for experienced murder defense attorneys is critical.

Second-Degree Murder

Second-degree murder involves killing someone without premeditation but still with malice aforethought. This means that the person intended to kill the victim, but there was no prior planning or deliberation. In some cases, the prosecution may reduce the charges to manslaughter if the killing occurred in the heat of passion or in self-defense.

Manslaughter

While manslaughter is a lesser charge than murder, it still carries significant consequences. Manslaughter charges can arise from situations where the defendant unintentionally caused someone’s death, often in situations of provocation, recklessness, or self-defense.

What are the Penalties for Murder Convictions in Iowa?

In Iowa, the penalties for murder vary depending on the degree of the crime.

• First-Degree Murder: First-degree murder is classified as a Class A felony in Iowa. A conviction for first-degree murder results in a sentence of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. There is no possibility of early release or parole under any circumstances, meaning a person convicted of first-degree murder will serve life in prison.
• Second-Degree Murder: Second-degree murder is a Class B felony. A conviction carries a sentence of up to 25 years in prison, with the possibility of parole after 17 years (depending on the circumstances). In some cases, a defendant convicted of second-degree murder could receive a reduced sentence, but it will generally be a long term of imprisonment.
• Manslaughter: Manslaughter is classified as a Class C felony in Iowa. A conviction for manslaughter can result in up to 10 years in prison. However, the court may impose a sentence reduction based on mitigating factors, such as the defendant's mental state, the degree of provocation, or other circumstances surrounding the case.

In addition to these prison sentences, a conviction for any degree of murder may also involve other legal consequences, including mandatory restitution to the victim's family, a lifetime ban from certain occupations (such as those working with children or vulnerable populations), and the requirement to pay court fees. Furthermore, individuals convicted of murder will be permanently listed in the state's criminal record, which can impact their future opportunities for housing, employment, and other aspects of life.

Legal representation is crucial when facing any murder charge in Iowa, as the penalties are severe and life-altering.

Murder Convictions Are Challenged by Our Skilled Defense

In a murder case, one common defense is mistaken identity. That is, asserting that the defendant was not actually the person responsible for the alleged murder. Using a variation of the mistaken identity argument, we may also assert that the defendant was present but did not actually commit the murder. The prosecution may not be able to demonstrate “beyond a reasonable doubt” that the defendant was truly the person responsible.

J. Dean Keegan, Eric D. Tindal, Andrea D. Jaeger, and Jeffrey L. Powell have the extensive resources and invaluable experience necessary to locate the evidence required to build a stunningly effective defense to even the most serious murder charges, including:

• Affirmative defenses that assert the individual accused of murder may not be legally responsible for his or her actions during the incident in question. There are several possible affirmative defenses that an effective and experienced
• Self-defense claims for those accused of taking another life when under threat—felonies involving dangerous weapons or guns are often considered violent felonies whereas self-defense claims on misdemeanor assault charges might not win as the defendant wanted
• Insanity or temporary insanity claims that question whether the individual on trial understood the nature of his or her actions, appreciated their ethical and moral implications, and was able to understand the consequences of breaking the law. While not foolproof, the insanity defense has been used effectively in many murder trials. Establishing drug and alcohol addiction before the act, showing a diminished state of mind might assist courts in achieving a verdict with lesser punishments.

Why Hire Keegan, Tindal & Jaeger?

Historically, criminal defendants have been at a marked disadvantage. The police and the prosecution have always had more power and resources to direct against a case than the defendant and his or her counsel. This is why it is so important to enlist an exceptional team of defense attorneys.

The stakes are simply too high. When we take on your case, Keegan, Tindal & Jaeger is the firm that steps into your corner. Your interest will come first.

Ready to discuss your case? Call (319) 499-5524 or fill out our online form to book your initial consultation with a dedicated murder defense attorney in Iowa City and Davenport.