How much does it cost to hire Richard for a construction case?

Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Richard walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

Does Richard offer a free consultation?

Richard charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Richard's office. Some construction attorneys offer free consults — check Richard's current terms during booking.

How long do construction cases in Iowa typically take?

Simple construction 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. Richard gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Richard take my case if I'm outside Des Moines?

Richard 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 — Richard 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 Richard?

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. Richard will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is Richard accepting new construction clients right now?

Richard's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Richard Douglas Garmer, Construction Attorney in Des Moines, Iowa

Over 35 years of legal practice · focused on Construction, Criminal Defense, and Elder Law

MemberatLaw Firm of Richard D. Garmer & Associates

Des Moines, IA

Practicing construction in Des Moines since 1991.

35+: Years practicing
5: Bar admissions

Practices in

Construction Criminal Defense Elder Law Employment Estate Planning Federal Crimes +4 more →

Are you Richard Douglas Garmer?

This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.

Claim this profile — free

Quick answer

Richard Douglas Garmer is a member based in Des Moines, IA. The practice focuses on Construction, Criminal Defense, and Elder Law. Richard has over 35 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Law Firm of Richard D. Garmer & Associates.

Based in: Des Moines, IA
Experience: over 35 years
Known for: Construction · Criminal Defense · Elder Law

Handles Construction, Criminal Defense, and Elder Law matters from Des Moines, IA.
Over 35 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Richard takes on

Richard concentrates on construction, criminal defense, elder law, employment, and estate planning. Each area below outlines the kind of case Richard handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Construction cases in Des Moines, Iowa

Richard takes construction 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 Richard agrees to represent you.

Criminal Defense cases in Des Moines, Iowa

Richard 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 Richard agrees to represent you.

Elder Law cases in Des Moines, Iowa

Richard takes elder law 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 Richard agrees to represent you.

Employment cases in Des Moines, Iowa

Richard takes employment 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 Richard agrees to represent you.

Estate Planning cases in Des Moines, Iowa

Richard takes estate planning 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 Richard agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Richard Douglas Garmer — construction lawyer in Des Moines

Richard Douglas Garmer is a lawyer practicing labor and employment law, federal criminal law, criminal law and 7 other areas of law. Richard received a A.A. degree from Iowa State University in 1987, and has been licensed for 35 years. Richard practices at Law Firm of Richard D. Garmer & Associates in Des Moines, IA.

How Richard handles construction matters

The kind of cases Richard takes

Richard reviews new inquiries case-by-case for construction, criminal defense, and elder law matters in Des Moines and the surrounding Iowa area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

University of Tulsa
J.D. · 1981
Iowa State University
A.A. Construction · 1987

Jurisdictions

Richard's state bar admissions

Iowa
1997 · ACTIVE
District of Columbia
1994 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
1994 · ACTIVE
Illinois
1991 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1991 · ACTIVE

Richard studied at J.D. in University of Tulsa and A.A. Construction in Iowa State University.

Law school and academic background

Richard completed J.D. in University of Tulsa and A.A. Construction in Iowa State University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Richard runs in Iowa is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Affiliations

Richard's professional memberships and bar associations

The District of Columbia Bar Illinois State
Member, General Practice Section, 1996— Chairman, Awards and Service, 1997) and American Bar Associations The Association of Trial Lawyers of America Illinois Trial Lawyers Association Illinois Attorneys for Criminal Justice Christian Legal Society (Board · membership

Locations

Richard Douglas Garmer's office in Des Moines

Richard's primary office is at 3246 E University Ave., Des Moines, IA, 50317-2414. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Law Firm of Richard D. Garmer & Associates

3246 E University Ave.

Des Moines, IA 50317-2414

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Richard Douglas Garmer

Richard has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.

No reviews yet

Only verified clients who have consulted with Richard Douglas Garmer can leave a review.

Schedule your consultation

Hiring guide

How to hire Richard Douglas Garmer — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new construction attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Richard usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Richard charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Richard'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; Richard will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a construction attorney in Des Moines, Iowa

A short list to run through before you commit: How many construction 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 Richard

Richard discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in construction practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every construction 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. Richard confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Richard's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many construction practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Richard Douglas Garmer

How much does it cost to hire Richard for a construction case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Richard walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Richard offer a free consultation?
Richard charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Richard's office. Some construction attorneys offer free consults — check Richard's current terms during booking.
How long do construction cases in Iowa typically take?
Simple construction 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. Richard gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Richard take my case if I'm outside Des Moines?
Richard 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 — Richard 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 Richard?
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. Richard will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Richard accepting new construction clients right now?
Richard's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Construction attorneys serving Des Moines, Cedar Rapids and West Des Moines in Iowa

Richard handles construction matters throughout Iowa. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified construction attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Richard's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these construction attorneys in Des Moines handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.