Scott Alan Michels

PRO

Scott Alan Michels

4.9
Rating: 8.7

Licensed for 18 years

DUI and DWI Lawyer at West Des Moines, IA
Practice Areas: DUI & DWI, Criminal Defense, Workers Compensation ... +2 more

440 Fairway Dr., Suite 210, West Des Moines, IA

About Scott

Biography

Shut Up. Wise Up. Lawyer Up.

Practice Areas

5

Practice Areas

DUI and DWI 45%

19 years

45%
Criminal Defense 35%

19 years

35%
Workers Compensation 10%

16 years

10%
Administrative Law 5%

Challenging suspension and revocation of driver's licenses for habitual violator, serious violations, and driving probation violations.

19 years

5%
Personal Injury 5%

13 years

5%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2022 2021 2019

Licenses

Licensed in Iowa for 18 years

State: Iowa

Acquired: 2007

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Gourley, Rehkemper & Lindholm, PLC

440 Fairway Dr., Suite 210, West Des Moines, IA, 50266

grllaw.com

Gourley, Rehkemper & Lindholm, PLC

520 South Pierce Avenue, Suite 209, Mason City, IA, 50401

grllaw.com

Online Presence

Other places you can find Scott online.

Scott Alan Michels's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.9 /5.0

38 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (38) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 6 - 10 of 10 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge

Posted by Gary | January 14, 2020 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

First Time DWI

This being my first time charged with a DWI, I wasn’t sure whether to fight it or not. Started doing some research and found that with the “right” attorney, you’re crazy if you don’t fight it. Scott is definitely that “right” attorney. He and his law firm specialize in this sort of thing. Right f...rom the initial free consultation Scott helps to put you at ease and gives you an understanding of what you can reasonably expect from your case. He is straight forward and direct, without a lot of unnecessary BS just so you’ll hire his services. If hired, Scott and his assistant Emily will do their utmost to take care of your case and provide you with the best possible outcome. With their expertise, Scott was able to get my DWI and Driving W/O Headlights reduced to a mere Public Intox with a $65 fine (the lowest amount for that offense). I would highly recommend Scott and his staff as they can definitely make a difference in an unfortunate situation.

Posted by anonymous | June 02, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Scott Michels is a saint.

I was looking for someone to help me with a modification. I originally hired the lawyer, that first dealt with my case back in 2004. But he never done an modification. I was looking on google, well I seen GRL Law. I called them and spoke with Scott for 45 min. Scott took care of everything, getting m...y information from the boys home that I was at in 2004. Scott informed me what I had to do. He let me know when my meeting was, and who I was speaking with. I would recommend Scott to any one trying seek a lawyer. That is not many lawyers that I know of that does SOR modification. Scott knows the in and out. As of May/20th/2019 I was removed the SOR Resgistry.I will say this MONEY WELL SPENT!

Posted by Alli | March 06, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Workers Compensation

Fantastic Lawyer

In an unfortunate situation, I have never been more happy with the decision on who I hired as my attorney. In 2016, I was injured at work and ultimately wound up getting an OWI throughout the process. Luckily, my lawyer had great experience and was able to handle both of cases. The ability for Sco...tt to handle both of these in my time of need was a huge stress reliever. Scott was always available for me whenever I needed him. He was able to answer all of my questions that I had. I can say with certainty I am not sure where I would be in life without him today. He gave me some of the best advice a person can give, along with positive results! I am truly grateful for him.

Posted by anonymous | September 17, 2017 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

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 Jess | October 18, 2013 | Speeding & Traffic Ticket

Outstanding Service

I used Mr. Michels for a my traffic issue where I would likely have lost my license and, as a result, my employment. Mr. Michels was experienced and promptly / professionallyt handled the matter. As a result, I received a probationary period, kept my license, and my job. I firmly believe that Mr. Mi...chel's experience caused the best possible result for me.

See All Client Reviews

Scott Alan Michels's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Scott
Christine E Branstad Esq headshot
Christine Branstad

Sex crime lawyer | Feb 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Robert G Rehkemper III headshot
Robert Rehkemper

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 10

Relationship: Supervised lawyer

"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."

Matthew Hartman McKinney headshot
Matthew McKinney

Unknown lawyer | Aug 30

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"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."

Matthew Thomas Lindholm headshot
Matthew Lindholm

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 10

Relationship: Supervised lawyer

"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."

Nicholas Arthur Sarcone headshot
Nicholas Sarcone

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jan 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Quality lawyer with high ethical standards. Does excellent work for his clients! Highly recommended."

Colin Christopher Murphy headshot
Colin Murphy

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jul 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

View All Endorsements
Matthew Hartman McKinney headshot
Matthew McKinney

Unknown lawyer

Matthew Thomas Lindholm headshot
Matthew Lindholm

DUI and DWI lawyer

Colin Christopher Murphy headshot
Colin Murphy

DUI and DWI lawyer

Experience

Rating:  8.7 (Excellent)

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 Defense

Member

2014 - Present

DUI Defense Lawyers Association

Member

2009 - Present

Iowa Association for Justice

Member

2008 - Present

National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys

Member

2007 - Present

Iowa Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

2007 - Present

Iowa State Bar Association

Member

2007 - Present

Polk County Bar Association

Member

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

See More Legal Cases

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

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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Avvo Rating Levels
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