Mary Clare Kelley, Criminal Defense Attorney in Dubuque, Iowa
Over 45 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense and Juvenile · 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Asst. Pub. Def.
Dubuque, IA
Practicing criminal defense in Dubuque since 1981.
- 45+
- Years practicing
- 4.4 ★
- 1 client review
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
Are you Mary Clare Kelley?
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Quick answer
Mary Clare Kelley is an asst. pub. def. based in Dubuque, IA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense and Juvenile. Mary has over 45 years of legal experience. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Dubuque, IA
- Experience
- over 45 years
- Known for
- Criminal Defense · Juvenile
- Handles Criminal Defense and Juvenile matters from Dubuque, IA.
- Over 45 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About Mary Clare Kelley: Mary Clare Kelley is an asst. pub. def. based in Dubuque, IA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense and Juvenile. Mary has over 45 years of legal experience. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Mary Clare Kelley
Mary concentrates on criminal defense and juvenile. Each area below outlines the kind of case Mary handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Criminal Defense cases in Dubuque, Iowa
Mary takes criminal defense matters in Dubuque, 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 Mary agrees to represent you.
Juvenile cases in Dubuque, Iowa
Mary takes juvenile matters in Dubuque, 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 Mary agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Mary Clare Kelley — Over 45 years of Iowa criminal defense experience
Mary Clare Kelley is an asst. pub. def. based in Dubuque, IA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense and Juvenile. Mary has over 45 years of legal experience. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Mary Clare Kelley is a lawyer practicing juvenile criminal law. Mary Clare received a B.G.S. degree from University of Iowa in 1978, and has been licensed for 45 years. Mary Clare practices in Dubuque, IA.
How Mary handles criminal defense matters
Mary Clare Kelley is a lawyer practicing juvenile criminal law. Mary Clare received a B.G.S. degree from University of Iowa in 1978, and has been licensed for 45 years. Mary Clare practices in Dubuque, IA.
The kind of cases Mary takes
Mary reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense and juvenile matters in Dubuque and the surrounding Iowa area.
Credentials
Mary Clare Kelley's legal education and bar admissions
University of Iowa
J.D. · 1981
University of Iowa
B.G.S. · 1978
Jurisdictions
Mary's state bar admissions
Iowa
1981 · ACTIVE
Mary studied at J.D. in University of Iowa and B.G.S. in University of Iowa.
Law school and academic background
Mary completed J.D. in University of Iowa and B.G.S. in University of Iowa. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Mary runs in Iowa is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Mary Clare Kelley
Mary has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Locations
Mary Clare Kelley's office in Dubuque
Mary's primary office is at 555 Fisher Bldg., Dubuque, IA, 52001. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Mary Clare Kelley — 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Mary. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing criminal defense attorneys in Dubuque.
4.4
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Mary Clare Kelley claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Mary Clare Kelley — 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 Mary usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Mary charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Mary'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; Mary will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in Dubuque, 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 Mary
Mary 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. Mary confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Mary'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 Mary Clare Kelley
How much does it cost to hire Mary for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Mary walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Mary offer a free consultation?
Mary charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Mary's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check Mary'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. Mary gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Mary take my case if I'm outside Dubuque?
Mary 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 — Mary 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 Mary?
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. Mary will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Mary accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
Mary'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 Dubuque, Des Moines and Cedar Rapids in Iowa
Mary 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.
More counsel
Other top-rated criminal defense attorneys in Iowa
If Mary's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these criminal defense attorneys in Dubuque handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





