PRO
Colin Christopher Murphy
also known as Tripp Murphy
Virtual Consultation Available
About Colin
Biography
I focus primarily on defending those accused of possessing, delivering, cultivating or manufacturing marijuana and other narcotics. I also specialize in helping individuals recover property that has been unlawfully seized through civil forfeiture, which allows Iowa law enforcement agencies to profit from large amounts of cash, firearms, vehicles and other property taken from innocent persons. A significant part of my practice includes representing those charged with alcohol and drug-impaired offenses, ranging from public intoxication to OWI to vehicular homicide.
As a trial attorney, I've tried dozens of misdemeanor and felony cases to a jury and obtained dismissals of more than 175 other drug and OWI charges, including driver's licenses revocations, through successful pre-trial motions.
I take a keen interest in developing and litigating issues in traffic stops and other search and seizure contexts to expand the rights of the accused. Most recently, my efforts to overturn a search warrant based on information gathered during warrantless nighttime trash rips led to a landmark Iowa Supreme Court decision in State v. Wright, 961 N.W.2d 396 (Iowa 2021). The decision was the first to recognize the rejuvenated trespass doctrine in Iowa. By finding an expectation of privacy in garbage, the Court overturned a police tactic responsible for untold numbers of convictions during the past four decades. The decision is based on Iowa Constitutional grounds under article 1, section 8. I have since worked diligently to expand the scope of the trespass doctrine to K9 searches, the deployment of recording devices by confidential informants under the one-party consent rule in Iowa and other areas that have typically been analyzed under an expectation of privacy approach.
In response to Wright, the Iowa General Assembly codified a new law in 2022, which sought to reinstate the now-unconstitutional police practice of surreptitiously searching curbside garbage without a warrant. In what I believe to be the first ruling addressing the new law, the Iowa District Court for Boone County struck down the statute as unconstitutional in State v. Whaley, No. FECR115299, on September 28, 2022. Rather than appeal the ruling, however, the State dismissed the charges instead. Regrettably, this section has since been upheld by the Iowa Supreme Court. So, while Wright remains good law regarding the application of the trespass doctrine under the state constitution, the police can once again seize your garbage without a warrant and rummage throught it.
As trial counsel in State v. Pals, 805 N.W.2d 767 (Iowa 2011), I challenged the voluntariness of a detained driver's consent to search his vehicle under the Iowa Constitution. The Pals decision is now one of the seminal cases on the issue of warrantless consent searches.
My knack for understanding and simply explaining complex scientific concepts such as infrared spectrophotometry in breath testing, headspace gas chromatography with flame ionization detection in blood and urine testing, statistical analysis and measurement uncertainty is well known throughout the defense bar. The same can be said for my work in exposing drug K9 "alerts" that were either false positives or otherwise cued by the handler. I am one of a few attorneys in the state who have successfully challenged a vehicle search based on these highly questionable "alerts."
I am twice published in the area of OWI defense. In 2014, I co-authored the first edition one of the few practice-specific treatises in the state, Iowa OWI Defense: The Law and Practice, published by Lawyers & Judges Publishing Company. I also wrote a chapter focusing on the use of indepedent forensic investigations, including crash data and blood alcohol analysis, in Defending DUI Vehicular Homicide Cases, 2013 ed. by Aspatore Books.
As an appellate lawyer, I have briefed and argued issues of constitutional and statutory importance before the Iowa Supreme Court and Iowa Court of Appeals. In addition to Wright, I successfully argued Mitchell County v. Zimmerman, 810 N.W.2d 1 (Iowa 2012), in which a unanimous Iowa Supreme Court struck down a local road-protection ordinance as unconstitutional under the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment. More recently, I secured a second unanimous decision in 2023 by the Iowa Supreme Court in State v. Arrieta, 998 N.W.2d 617 (Iowa 2023), which reversed the Iowa Court of Appeals decision and held our client was unreasonably detained at a weigh station to await a drug K9.
I was co-counsel in Mumford v. Iowa, No. 24-1093, a matter pending before the United States Supreme Court challenging a trepass by a drug K9 on an open car window under the Fourth Amendment. This is an appeal of the Iowa Supreme Court's ruling in State v. Mumford, 14 N.W.3d 346 (Iowa 2024). Regrettably, the petition for certiorari was denied in October 2025.
I have been named a Great Plains Super Lawyer in the area of Criminal Defense for eight years running (2018-2025).
"How to Choose a DUI Lawyer in Iowa" is a must read. Check out my legal guide first before hiring any lawyer to defend your DUI in Iowa.
Did your last encounter with law enforcement result in joint pain? Better call Colin.
Did your last encounter with law enforcement result in joint pain? Better call Colin.
Practice Areas
2
Practice Areas
25 years
25 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
Licenses
Licensed in Iowa for 27 years
State: Iowa
Acquired: 1998
No misconduct found
Licensed in Pennsylvania for 28 years
State: Pennsylvania
Acquired: 1997
No misconduct found
Location
Gourley, Rehkemper & Lindholm, PLC
Mobile
440 Fairway Drive, Suite 210, West Des Moines, IA, 50266
grllaw.comGallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Colin online.
Colin Christopher Murphy's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 40 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by anonymous | October 15, 2021 | Hired Attorney
Colin Murphy: champion of the 4th amendment
In a society where privacy is in a perpetual state of decay, Colin has gone above and beyond what most lawyers have dreamt of accomplishing. He has changed the state's law in a way that benefits anyone that recognizes and appreciates the protections the 4th amendment gives us. His proven superior und...
Posted by Kyle | August 30, 2021 | Hired Attorney
Easy to work with
Amazing people great to work with very friendly only law firm I’ll ever hire
Posted by anonymous | November 9, 2020 | Hired Attorney
Lawyer review
Colin was able to get rid of my owi which was great because it was my second one.
Posted by Stuart | July 3, 2025 | Hired Attorney
Transformed My Credit to 800+ – Pinnacle Saved the Day
I had a 3 year old credit card from capital one it’s was the only card I had, the limit is $300 they never graduated me, I didn’t know how to use it I also didn’t know they were 2 different dates on the card so I would pay it all off by 20th of each month and then by 22nd I spent it all off not knowi...
Posted by anonymous | July 3, 2025 | Hired Attorney
Highly recommend Colin as an Attorney
It has been a great pleasure to work with Colin, his assistant Leilani, and the office. They are very skillful, efficient, and responsive in handling my case, especially considering that I was out of state. I highly recommend their services for their effectiveness and productivity. I decided to switc...
Colin Christopher Murphy's Lawyer Endorsements
"Colin is a superb lawyer who has an excellent track record of success for his clients. Colin is a skilled lawyer who thoroughly understands the myriad of complex issues that can arise in OWI, Marijuana and Asset Forfeiture cases. This knowledge and skill pays dividends for Conlin's clients. I would never hesitate to send someone I knew to Colin for help."
"I endorse this lawyer. Colin Murphy is an excellent attorney. He has demonstrated a mastery of criminal issues. I find him to be particularly skilled in the areas of defense to include operating while intoxicated (OWI/DUI) as well as drug cases. Ive been fortunate to listen to him present on the issue of search and seizure which including drug dog searches. I highly recommend him if you find yourself in criminal trouble."
"I endorse and highly recommend Mr. Murphy. I learn a lot from his answers on Avvo."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Murphy is an effective and brilliant advocate for his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Mr. Murphy's answers to online inquiries are always very well thought-out and professional. He seems knowledgeable and comes up with novel and clever approaches to fact patterns."
"I endorse this lawyer. He is a solid member of the legal community."
"Colin Murphy is an excellent criminal defense attorney. Our office routinely refers clients to him."
"Collin is among the best in the field. He is highly respected for his knowledge about drunk driving defenses, and one whom other defense attorneys call for advice."
"When faced with a new or complicated situation, I look to Colin for advice. He is always on the cutting edge of drunk driving defense strategies. You can't go wrong with Colin Murphy."
"I have been reading Mr. Murphy's answers on Avvo for a few months now, and I am impressed with his encyclopedic knowledge of criminal law in Iowa, as well as his willingness to share on this forum."
"I know from first hand observation that Colin Murphy is an exceptional attorney. He is a masterful trial lawyer and highly effective. It is evident that his clients trust him and for good reason. He wins cases. He also wins cases because of his advocacy outside of the courtroom. He is expert in OWI law and will review the facts of your case carefully to identify defenses that other attorneys may miss. I endorse Colin Murphy without reservation."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"DUI defense is a highly-specialized, technical field. Colin Murphy puts in the time and effort it takes to be trained and skilled in this area. I would not and do not hesitate to recommend Colin to anyone who needs help in his area."
"I endorse this lawyer. Unlike many "dump truck" lawyers who just plead their clients guilty without considering ALL the consequences, if Colin has a client with an Illinois driver's license who receives an Iowa, he checks with an Illinois driver's license lawyer so he can give his client the full range of options. That's what you call a real professional. That's Colin."
"Mr. Murphy has devoted his practice to representing citizens accused of intoxication crimes. I fully endorse this lawyers work."
"Colin and I are both members of a group of Iowa attorneys dedicated to protecting the rights of Iowans. If you, a friend, or loved one need help with an OWI, other criminal matter or litigation in general then Colin will work hard for you. He is both knowledgeable and a strong advocate for his clients. I have no hesitation in recommending him."
"Attorney Murphy has the requisite training, knowledge and experience to successfully represent those accused of a crime. He is someone to trust. He has earned a great reputation for being a zealous and professionally aggressive advocate for the citizen among us who has been accused of a crime. He is a first rate lawyer who obtains first rate results."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Mr. Murphy is a lawyer who has taken a great deal of time to gain understanding in the science behind field sobriety tests and alcohol/drug testing. He is meticulous in his assessment and preparation of his client's cases in order to ensure that none of his clients' rights have been violated and to obtain the best possible result on each case."
Criminal defense lawyer
Speeding and traffic ticket lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
DUI and DWI lawyer
Workers compensation lawyer
Construction and development lawyer
Immigration lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
DUI and DWI lawyer
Mediation lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
DUI and DWI lawyer
Employment and labor lawyer
DUI and DWI lawyer
DUI and DWI lawyer
DUI and DWI lawyer
Personal injury lawyer
Immigration lawyer
DUI and DWI lawyer
Experience
Honors
2024
Super Lawyers - Top Rated Criminal Defense Lawyer, Thomson Reuters
2023
Super Lawyers - Top Rated Criminal Defense Lawyer, Thomson Reuters
2022
Super Lawyers - Top Rated Criminal Defense Lawyer, Thomson Reuters
2021
Super Lawyers - Top Rated Criminal Defense Lawyer, Thomson Reuters
2020
Super Lawyers - Top Rated Criminal Defense Lawyer, Thomson Reuters
2019
Super Lawyers - Top Rated Criminal Defense Lawyer, Thomson Reuters
2018
Super Lawyers - Top Rated Criminal Defense Lawyer, Thomson Reuters
2011
Pharmacology of ETOH, Marijuana & Benzodiazepines - Certificate, The McShane Firm, LLC
2009
NHTSA SFST Practitioner Certificate of Completion (24 Hours), Platt & Associates
2008
Certificate of Competency - BAC DataMaster, National Patent Analytical Systems, Inc.
2008
Forensic Blood & Urine Testing Certificate (28 Hours), William C. Head / Headlines Marketing
2008
12th Annual DUI Seminar, NCDD/NACDL
1996
Honors Graduate, Drake Law School
1995
Executive Board - Research Editor, Drake Law Review
1994
Staff Member, Drake Law Review
Work Experience
2018 - Present
Associate, Gourley, Rehkemper & Lindholm, PLC
2009 - 2014
Attorney, Colin Murphy, P.C.
1998 - 2009
Attorney, Private Practice
1995 - 1996
Legal Intern, Federal Public Defender - Southern District of Iowa
Associations
2009 - 2012
Iowa Association for JusticeBoard of Governors
2008 - 2012
Iowa Association for JusticeLegislative Committee
2006 - 2012
Iowa Association for Justice, Criminal Law Core GroupMember
2005 - 2008
Iowa State Bar Association, Criminal Law SectionExecutive Committee
1996 - 1996
Blackstone American Inn of CourtMember
Sample of Legal Cases
Driver's License Revocation Rescinded
Felony Drug Charges Dismissed
OWI Charge Dismissed
Driver's License Revocation Rescinded
Seized Property Returned
Felony Drug Charges Dismissed
Drug Charges Dismissed
Drug Charges Dismissed
Drug Charges Dismissed
Drug Charges Dismissed
OWI Charge Dismissed
Drug Charges Dismissed
Driver's License Revocation Rescinded
Felony Drug Charges Dismissed
Driver's License Revocation Rescinded
OWI Charge Dismissed
Felony Charges Dismissed
Seized Property Returned
Driver's License Revocation Rescinded
Drug Charges Dismissed
Drug Charges Dismissed
Drug Charges Dismissed
Felony OWI Amended to Public Intoxication
OWI Charge Dismissed
Driver's License Revocation Rescinded
OWI Charge Dismissed
Felony Drug Charges Dismissed
Felony Drug Charges Dismissed
Felony OWI Dismissed
Driver's License Revocation Rescinded
CDL Charge Dismissed
Not Guilty Verdict
Not Guilty As Charged
Drug Charges Dismissed
Driver's License Revocation Rescinded
Driver's License Revocation Rescinded
Firearm Charges Dismissed
Drug Charges Dismissed
Drug Charge Dismissed
Felony Charges Dismissed
Drug Charges Dismissed
Drug Charges Dismissed
Drug Charges Dismissed
Felony OWI Charge Amended to Public Intoxication with No Jail
Driver's License Revocation Rescinded
Not Guilty Verdict
CDL Charge Dismissed
OWI Charge Amended to Public Intoxication
Drug Charges Dismissed
OWI Charge Amended to Public Intoxication and Reckless Driving with No Jail
Drug Charges Dismissed
Drug Paraphernalia Charges Dismissed
CDL Charge Dismissed
CDL Charge Dismissed
CDL Charge Dismissed
Drug Charges Dismissed
CDL Charges Dismissed
CDL Charge Dismissed
CDL Charge Dismissed
CDL Charges Dismissed
Felony Drug Charges Dismissed
OWI Charge Amended to Public Intoxication with No Jail
Commercial Driver's License Revocation Rescinded
OWI Charge Amended to Public Intoxication with No Jail
Driver's License Revocation Rescinded
Drug Charges Dismissed
Commercial Driver's License Revocation Rescinded
Driver's License Revocation Rescinded
OWI Charge Dismissed
Drug Charges Dismissed
OWI Charge Dismissed
Felony Drug Charges Amended and Dismissed
Forfeiture of $3,000 of Hemp-Derived CBD Prevented
Theft Charge Dismissed
OWI Charge Amended to Reckless Driving
Felony Drug Charges Dismissed
Felony Charges Amended to Misdemeanor and Credit for Time Served
OWI Charge Amended to Public Intoxication with No Jail
Felony Drug Charges Amended and Dismissed
Forfeiture of $760, Smart Phone and Wallet Prevented
Felony Drug Charges Dismissed
Traffic Charges Dismissed
Forfeiture of Firearm, Smart Phone and USB Drives Prevented
Not Guilty Verdict - OWI First Offense
OWI Charge Dismissed
Forfeiture of $25,000 Prevented
Not Guilty Verdict - Unsafe Railroad Crossing
Driver's License Revocation Rescinded
Forfeiture of Automobile Reversed
Jury Conviction Set Aside
Possession of Marijuana - Second Offense Dismissed
Driver's License Suspension Rescinded
Driver's License Suspension Rescinded
OWI Amended to Reckless Driving
OWI - Second Offense Amended to Public Intoxication
OWI Amended to Public Intoxication
License Revocation Rescinded
Driver's License Revocation Rescinded
Marijuana Possession Charge Dismissed
Not Guilty Verdict - OWI
Possession of Marijuana Charge Dismissed
BWI Amended to Public Intoxication
Accessory After the Fact Charge Dismissed
OWI Charge Dismissed
OWI Amended to Reckless Driving
Not Guilty Verdict
OWI Third Offense Charge Dismissed
OWI Second Offense Amended to Reckless Driving
Class B Felony Drug Possession Charge Dismissed
Not Guilty Verdict - OWI
OWI Charge Dismissed
Not Guilty Verdict
OWI Second Offense Charge Dismissed
Chevrolet Tahoe SUV Returned
OWI Charge Dismissed
Two Class D Felony Drug Possession Charges Dismissed
Not Guilty Verdict - OWI Second Offense
Forfeiture of $3,000 and Chevrolet Cube Truck Prevented
Possession of Marijuana Charge Dismissed
Not Guilty Verdict - Class C Felony Burglary
OWI - Second Offense Charge Dismissed
Not Guilty Verdict - Boating While Intoxicated
Class B Felony Drug and Tax Stamp Charges Dismissed
Possession of Methamphetamine Charge Dismissed
Three Class D Felony Drug Charges Dismissed
Reversed and remanded for entry of an order of dismissal
Forfeiture of Vehicle Prevented
Forfeiture of $5,900 Prevented
OWI Amended to Public Intoxication
OWI Amended to Public Intoxication
Not Guilty Verdict - OWI Third Offense
OWI (Marijuana) Charge Dismissed
Felony Drug Possession Charge Dismissed
OWI Amended to Public Intoxication
OWI Amended to Public Intoxication
OWI 2nd Offense Charge Dismissed
OWI Second Offense Charge Dismissed
OWI Charge Dismissed
OWI Amended to Public Intoxication
Not Guilty Verdict - OWI 2nd Offense
OWI (Marijuana) and Drug Possession Charges Dismissed
Drug Possession Charge Dismissed
OWI Charge Dismissed
OWI 2nd Offense Charge Dismissed
Driver's License Revocation Rescinded
Driver's License Revocation Rescinded
Driver's License Revocation Rescinded
Charges Dismissed
Charges Dismissed
BWI Amended to Public Intoxication
OWI Amended to Public Intoxication
Charges Dismissed
OWI Amended to Public Intoxication
Driver's License Revocation Rescinded
Charges Dismissed
Charges Dismissed
Charges Dismissed
OWI Amended to Public Intoxication
Charges Dismissed
Charges Dismissed
Not Guilty Verdict
Charges Dismissed
Charges Dismissed
Charges Dismissed
OWI Amended to Public Intoxication
Charges Dismissed
OWI Amended to Public Intoxication
Charges Dismissed
Charges Dismissed
Charges Dismissed
Charges Dismissed
Charges Dismissed
Charges Dismissed
Charges Dismissed
Charges Dismissed
Charges Dismissed
Charges Dismissed
Charges Dismissed
Charges Dismissed
Charges Dismissed
Charges Dismissed
Education
2022
Sports Performance Analytics - Certificate
1996
J.D. with Honors
1991
B.A. - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2024
Recurring Issues in Marijuana OWI Cases
2021
Iowa Marijuana Law Update
2021
Applying the Jones/Jardines "Trespass First" Doctrine
2021
The Legal Status of Hemp Extract (9/16/2021)
2020
The Legal Status of Hemp Extract in Iowa
2019
2014
The Intoxication Defense: Law & Science
2013
OWI Roundtable
2013
Unreasonable Sniff and Seizure
2012
Curbing the "Infallible" Drug Dog
2011
Curbing the "Infallible" Drug Dog
2010
Curbing the "Infallible" Drug Dog
2009
Forensic Blood Testing in OWI Cases
2009
Forensic Blood Testing in OWI Cases
2009
Understanding SFSTs for Civil Trial Lawyers
2007
Recurring Suppression Issues in Drug Cases
Publications
2014
2013
2013
2013
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Top Contributor
Colin earned significant contribution points in 2025.
Legal Answers
Is it illegal to order ketamine from the web for medical purposes?
14 Sep 2022
I have had two intercepted usps packages for two days, now there Calling for me to sign pickup?
15 Sep 2022
Feds dont give credit for time done in detention?
14 Sep 2022
Legal Guides
Generating Reasonable Doubt in Methamphetamine Possession Cases
29 Jan 2026
Winning Prescription Drug Defense Strategies for Iowa Administrative License Hearings
19 Jan 2026
Challenging Search Warrants Involving Marijuana Stems and Seeds
29 Jul 2020