Karen Ann Romano, Criminal Defense Attorney in Des Moines, Iowa
Over 39 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense and General
Dist. J.
Des Moines, IA
Practicing criminal defense in Des Moines since 1987.
- 39+
- Years practicing
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
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Quick answer
Karen Ann Romano is a dist. j. based in Des Moines, IA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense and General. Karen has over 39 years of legal experience.
- Based in
- Des Moines, IA
- Experience
- over 39 years
- Known for
- Criminal Defense · General
- Handles Criminal Defense and General matters from Des Moines, IA.
- Over 39 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Karen Ann Romano: Karen Ann Romano is a dist. j. based in Des Moines, IA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense and General. Karen has over 39 years of legal experience.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Karen takes on
Karen concentrates on criminal defense and general. Each area below outlines the kind of case Karen handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Criminal Defense cases in Des Moines, Iowa
Karen takes criminal defense matters in Des Moines, Iowa. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Karen agrees to represent you.
General cases in Des Moines, Iowa
Karen takes general matters in Des Moines, Iowa. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Karen agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Karen Ann Romano — criminal defense lawyer in Des Moines
Karen Ann Romano is a dist. j. based in Des Moines, IA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense and General. Karen has over 39 years of legal experience.
Karen Ann Romano is a lawyer practicing criminal prosecution, child abuse and neglect. Karen received a B.A. degree from Creighton University in 1983, and has been licensed for 39 years. Karen practices in Des Moines, IA.
Working with Karen on a criminal defense matter
Karen Ann Romano is a lawyer practicing criminal prosecution, child abuse and neglect. Karen received a B.A. degree from Creighton University in 1983, and has been licensed for 39 years. Karen practices in Des Moines, IA.
Clients Karen works with
Karen reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense and general matters in Des Moines and the surrounding Iowa area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
University of Iowa College of Law
J.D. · 1986
Creighton University
B.A. · 1983
Jurisdictions
Karen's state bar admissions
Iowa
1987 · ACTIVE
Karen studied at J.D. in University of Iowa College of Law and B.A. in Creighton University.
Law school and academic background
Karen completed J.D. in University of Iowa College of Law and B.A. in Creighton University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Karen runs in Iowa is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Locations
Karen Ann Romano's office in Des Moines
Karen's primary office is at Polk County Courthouse, 500 Mulberry St, Des Moines, IA, 50309-4214. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Karen Ann Romano
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Karen Ann Romano — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new criminal defense attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Karen usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Karen charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Karen's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Karen will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in Des Moines, Iowa
A short list to run through before you commit: How many criminal defense matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Karen
Karen discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in criminal defense practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every criminal defense matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Karen confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Karen's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many criminal defense practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Karen Ann Romano
How much does it cost to hire Karen for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Karen walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Karen offer a free consultation?
Karen charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Karen's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check Karen's current terms during booking.
How long do criminal defense cases in Iowa typically take?
Simple criminal defense matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Karen gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Karen take my case if I'm outside Des Moines?
Karen is licensed in Iowa. Matters governed by Iowa law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Karen will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Karen?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Karen will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Karen accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
Karen's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Criminal Defense attorneys serving Des Moines, Cedar Rapids and West Des Moines in Iowa
Karen handles criminal defense matters throughout Iowa. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified criminal defense attorneys in that community.
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