Jacob Aaron Michael Van Cleaf, Criminal Defense Attorney in Des Moines, Iowa

Jacob concentrates on criminal defense, employment, family law, general, and juvenile. Each area below outlines the kind of case Jacob handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

• Criminal Defense

  View other Criminal Defense attorneys

• Employment

  View other Employment attorneys

• Family Law

  View other Family Law attorneys

• General

  View other General attorneys

• Juvenile

  View other Juvenile attorneys

• Personal Injury

  View other Personal Injury attorneys

Jacob's primary office is at 118 S.E. 4th St., Des Moines, IA, 50309. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

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

Jacob 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.

• How much does it cost to hire Jacob for a criminal defense case?

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

• Does Jacob offer a free consultation?

  Jacob charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Jacob's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check Jacob'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. Jacob gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

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

  Jacob 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 — Jacob 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 Jacob?

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

• Is Jacob accepting new criminal defense clients right now?

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