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About Scott
Biography
I originally became interested in law while interning with the Waterloo police department during my time as a student at Upper Iowa University. During that time I originally wanted to be a prosecutor. However, while attending Drake University School of Law, I worked for a criminal defense attorney and realized that I like the challenge of defending individuals charged with crimes.
Outside of the office, I enjoy lifting weights and compete as a bodybuilder. I coach youth and high school club wrestling in Bondurant. I also like to camp, fish and hunt.
Shut Up. Wise Up. Lawyer Up.
Practice Areas
5
Practice Areas
DUI and DWI
45%
18 years
Criminal Defense
35%
18 years
Workers Compensation
10%
15 years
Administrative Law
5%
18 years
Fees and Rates
Awards
2022 2021 2019
Licenses
Licensed in Iowa for 18 years
State: Iowa
Acquired: 2007
No misconduct found
Location
Gourley, Rehkemper & Lindholm, PLC
440 Fairway Dr., Suite 210, West Des Moines, IA, 50266
grllaw.comGourley, Rehkemper & Lindholm, PLC
520 South Pierce Avenue, Suite 209, Mason City, IA, 50401
grllaw.comGallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Scott online.
Scott Alan Michels's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 38 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by anonymous | December 17, 2024 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Highly Reccommended!
I highly recommend Scott A. Michels at GRL Law. It has been extremely helpful to work with Scott and the entire team at GRL Law. I truly appreciated the dedication and professionalism demonstrated throughout my entire case. Scott was always available to answer any questions and kept me informed throu...
Posted by anonymous | January 5, 2024 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hard Working and Informative
Contacted my lawyer immediately. He and his legal assistant Emily were very informative with every step of the process. I received communication and what to expect throughout our time working together. Even better, they helped fight a charge that could have impacted my life. I could not ask for bette...
Posted by William | September 19, 2023 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Sexoffender Registry Removel
Scott did an excellent job of explaining what needed to be done for removal, and the steps that needed to be taken. I have nothing to say except admiration for his ability.
Posted by anonymous | May 2, 2023 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Better Call Scott
Was very thorough when explaining a situation, often cracked jokes while doing. Got my charges completely dropped before the state could even bring in a 2nd witness. Great guy, great lawyer. Would I want him again? No, nobody “wants” a lawyer. But if I needed him I would choose him again.
Posted by Logan | February 6, 2023 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Scott and Emily
I got pulled over and at risk of losing my cdl, and job. With the help of Scott and Emily I got to keep everything. They are both very helpful and knowledgeable and I would recommend them if you ever need a good dui lawyer.
Scott Alan Michels's Lawyer Endorsements
"Scott knows the law and knows the right steps for clients. When I recently consulted Scott on a case, he cited the code section and talked about how to practically apply the law. In addition, he didn't take money from a client when he did not think he could do some good. That makes him a good lawyer and a good guy."
"A leader in his field. Scott's relentless defense and representation of his clients has set him apart from other attorneys. He truly cares about each person he represents and does whatever is necessary to ensure that justice is achieved. Scott doesn't give up or take the easy way out. He is tenacious, presses on, does it right and makes sure that his people are taken care of. Scott cares. Scott fights. Scott's clients win."
"I have had the opportunity to work as opposing counsel to Scott on numerous occasions. Scott and his colleagues are solid advocates in the court room who come prepared with knowledge and experience on criminal law matters."
"I have known Scott for going on 10 years now and his knowledge of the law, preparation, and desire to win are attributes that continue to put him as one of the top criminal defense attorneys in Iowa."
"I endorse this lawyer. Quality lawyer with high ethical standards. Does excellent work for his clients! Highly recommended."
"I attended a specialized, three-day training in Standardized Field Sobriety Testing with Scott last August in Denver, Colorado. He stood out among many experienced DUI trial attorneys for his ability to quickly grasp and apply the techniques involved in the administration and scoring of these tests. I know he possesses the critical insight and advanced knowledge necessary to defend someone against the State's claim that they are "under the influence" due to the results of the SFSTs. If you or someone you know is charged with OWI in Iowa, you should be represented by a skilled attorney like Scott who can create reasonable doubt by critically cross-examining the arresting officer. His training in this area sets him apart from others."
Experience
Honors
2016
Summer Session, National College of DUI Defense
2014
Top 40 Under 40, National Trial Lawyers
2009
NHTSA Field Sobriety Test Certification, NHTSA/IACP
2009
Young Alumni Award, Upper Iowa University
2007
Constitutional Law and Civil Rights Certificate, Drake University School of Law
2007
Litigation and Dispute Resolution Certificate, Drake University School of Law
Work Experience
2007 - Present
Junior Partner, Gourley, Rehkemper & Lindholm PLC
Associations
2016 - Present
National College of DUI DefenseMember
2014 - Present
DUI Defense Lawyers AssociationMember
2009 - Present
Iowa Association for JusticeMember
2008 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense AttorneysMember
2007 - Present
Iowa Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2007 - Present
Iowa State Bar AssociationMember
2007 - Present
Polk County Bar AssociationMember
Sample of Legal Cases
State v. M.S.
Removed from registry
State v. D.S.
Removed from registry
State v. Smith
Dismissed
X.C. v. J&K Animal Adventures
$95,000
Muller v. Iowa Home Care
$160,000 settlement on top of health care and weekly benefits paid
State v. Hauser
Pled guilty to misdemeanor charges
Christiansen v. Underdogs
$25,000 settlement
State v. Dimmler
Pled guilty to two simple misdemeanors
Rahn v. OMG Midwest
$125,000 settlement on top health care and weekly benefits paid
State v. Knudtson
Not Guilty
State v. Heagel
Not Guilty
State v. Nunez-Guzman
Not Guilty
State v. Preston
Dismissal
State v. Mueggenberg
Not Guilty
State v. Felper
Dismissed
State v. Holloway
Not Guilty
State v. Wilson
Dismissed
State v. Hermes
Dismissed
Education
2007
Drake University
JD - Juris Doctor
2003
Upper Iowa University
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2014
Drinking and Driving Informational Meeting
Know Your Rights
2014
Annual Seminar on Iowa Criminal Law and Procedure
Sex Offender Registry Modification
Publications
2015
2014
GRL Blog
Challenging DOT Sanctions
2011
GRL Blog
Dismissals With Or Without Prejudice
2010
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
Will I get into legal trouble for leaving my physically/verbally abusive home at the age of 17 in Iowa?
05 Jun 2022
Q&A
I got ticket for over speeding limited 34 mph $227. What is the consequences of speeding ticket?
17 Oct 2021
Q&A
Can I charge someone with rape if it happened a long time ago?
04 May 2021