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People ask me what I do, and when I tell them I’m a criminal defense attorney they ask, “what does that mean?” Almost always, I tell them, “I defend people who are accused of, and charged with committing crimes.” After hearing that, they’ll usually ask “how can you defend those people?”
I tell them the truth about what I do, and tell them "it's not about 'those people' - it’s about the sanctity of human liberty, and the cost of it if you want to take it. Every person deserves even the most basic level of respect and deserves their rights to be protected against the government that seeks to take them away."
2
Practice Areas
11 years | 450 cases
11 years | 100 cases
Free Consultation
$0 first 60 minutes
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Chat withState: Iowa
Acquired: 2015
No misconduct found
301 E Walnut St Ste 7, Des Moines, IA, 50309-2032
Showing 1 - 5 of 5 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Matt | November 11, 2025 | Hired Attorney
I did not have a good experience with Mr. Statler as he simply did not do as he said and billed to do. He quit days before my trial and thus delayed my case by 8-9 months. He lied, bragged about his wealth and intelligence but applied little effort to helping me. He and the public defender I was assi...
Hi Matt, We're sorry you had a bad experience with our firm. We strive for the utmost client satisfaction in every case. Please feel free to contact me directly to discuss your cited concerns, as you make several claims which do not align with our practices and our records from your case; and it appears you are misconstruing many circumstances. Thank you, Paul Statler
Posted by Starr | August 21, 2025 | Hired Attorney
Paul was very prompt with communication and very thorough with my case. He took more than enough time listening to me and explaining all tge details and answering all my questions. I was very happy with the outcome of my case. Thank you Paul
Posted by anonymous | May 15, 2020 | Hired Attorney
Paul came recommended to me when I was in need of a lawyer. Paul spelled it out up front in what to expect in my case, he was spot on with the final outcome of the case. he is very quick to respond to your emails, and keeping you informed on case progress his flat fee approach for my case was a ...
Posted by anonymous | April 29, 2020 | Hired Attorney
Paul did an excellent job of listening to my concerns and providing me with the guidance I needed. He was prompt in his response to my calls, emails, and texts. I have used him on several occasions to and will continue to use his services in the future. I would highly recommend him to acquaintances,...
Posted by Bob | June 18, 2015
All I can say is my wife and I were tremendously impressed with the job Mr. Statler did for us after our real estate investment firm fell upon hard times after the housing crash in 2008. We were being crushed by the relentless calls, letters and harassment from the bill collectors, banks and credit ...
"Paul is one of the most dedicated and hard working attorneys I have encountered while practicing law. Paul never hesitates to put his clients first, while providing honest and direct legal advice. I fully endorse Paul and would use him myself if ever necessary."
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2019
Graduate - Defense of the Damned, Trial Lawyer College
2018
Top 40 under 40, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
2015 - Present
Attorney, Statler Law
2014 - 2015
Law Clerk, Dickey & Campbell Law Firm, P.L.C.
2014 - 2015
Intern, Federal Public Defender Office
2012 - 2014
Assistant, Wetsch, Abbott, and Osborn
2019 - Present
National Association for Public DefenseMember
2017 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2017 - Present
Iowa Association for JusticeMember
2015 - Present
American Bar AssociationMember
2015 - Present
Iowa State Bar AssociationMember
2015 - Present
Polk County Bar AssociationMember
Federal probation
Not Guilty
Not Guilty
Not Guilty
Not Guilty
Seizure unconstitutional - evidence suppressed
Not Guilty
2019
Defense of the Damned
2014
JD - Juris Doctor
2003
BS - Bachelor of Science
2014
Capital Punishment
English