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Scott Alan Michels
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.
Practice Areas
5
Practice Areas
DUI and DWI
45%
19 years
Criminal Defense
35%
19 years
Workers Compensation
10%
16 years
Administrative Law
5%
19 years
Fees and Rates
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Chat withLicenses
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
Gourley, Rehkemper & Lindholm, PLC
520 South Pierce Avenue, Suite 209, Mason City, IA, 50401
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Scott Alan Michels's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
38 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Case Results (27)
Advocacy (16)
Recommendation (13)
Communication Style (12)
Practice Area Knowledge (10)
Professionalism (10)
Responsiveness (9)
General Knowledge (8)
Cost of Services (6)
Character & Conduct (5)
Trustworthiness (5)
Staff & Support (3)
Compassion (2)
Free Consultations (1)
Punctuality (1)
Showing 26 - 30 of 38 reviews
Posted by Corey | February 05, 2019 | Hired Attorney
Criminal defense
First class attorney and law firm. Got everything thrown out and never had to see court room.
Posted by anonymous | August 29, 2018 | Hired Attorney
SOR removal
Scott was excellent. Told me the process, gave me some options, and some advice when I asked. I could tell he cared about his clients welfare and outcome by our conversations. He did win my case.
Posted by anonymous | April 02, 2018 | Hired Attorney
SOR Removal
Very pleased with Scott. He let me know what to expect, moved quickly, and kept me informed throughout the process. And, he took time to talk through scenarios and returned my calls when I had questions.
Posted by anonymous | September 17, 2017 | Hired Attorney
Hard working and honest attourney
Scott is well worth his money! He kept me informed and updated at all times. He is well versed in Iowa's OWI laws. Great personality and we'll respected with his peers. I highly recommend Scott for anybody looking for a defense attorney!!!!!!!
Posted by Steph | August 02, 2017 | Hired Attorney
Don't waste your time & money!
Sent 1500 for retainer for him to represent my fiance for a revocation of probation hearing for not staying in contct with his p.o. for a drug charge in 2014. A warrant was issued & had a court hearing coming up on 7-28-17. He suggested that he get an evaluation from a treatment facility & to himsel...
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