Nicholas A. Sarcone - Des Moines, IA
Attorney at Babich Sarcone Attorneys at Law
Assault & Domestic Assault Lawyers in Des Moines, IA
501 SW 7th Street Suite J Des Moines, IA 50309
- 1 Super Lawyers®
-
19
Years
Experience
Des Moines Assault & Domestic Assault Lawyer
Updated: 03/10/2026
Areas of Practice
- Assault & Domestic Assault
- Drug Crimes
- Sex Crimes
- Theft & Fraud
- OWI/DUI
- Firearms
- Sex Offender Registry Removal
Attorney Information
Overview
If you are facing federal or state criminal charges you deserve your best defense.
Choosing a lawyer is a big deal. Your liberty is in our hands. Whether you have been caught in a bad circumstance or made a series of bad decisions, I have seen it before and you don’t have to face it alone. I will put my experience of representing thousands of people in state and federal criminal court to work for you and I intend to get you the best possible result.
When I worked at the Federal Public Defender’s Office while in law school at the University of Iowa, I had the realization that no matter the crime, everyone deserves a skilled, intelligent advocate working tirelessly to give them their best defense. If I were charged with a crime I would expect that, so why shouldn’t you? I believe that every person deserves the best possible defense. You are probably nervous, worried, scared and likely angry. That is natural. You want someone to deal with the problem and help you get the best outcome. That’s where I come in.
After my summers in the Federal Defender Office in San Francisco and the Federal Defender Office in Des Moines, I became an Assistant Public Defender in Tampa, FL. For the last several years I have been in private practice. I’ve represented thousands of clients facing charges ranging from simple assault to complex federal drug conspiracies to sexual assault, burglary, robbery and beyond. I’ve taken many of those clients to jury and bench trials. I have also argued some of their cases before the Iowa Supreme Court and Iowa Court of Appeals. It is likely that I have handled a case not unlike yours.
WHAT TO EXPECT
When I represent you, you can expect me to: communicate, counsel and advocate.
Communication. Communication is the key to any good relationship. Yes, I am busy. It is my intention to return phone calls and emails as quickly as possible. I also make it a priority to explain issues in your case and break them down so you understand them. Let’s face it, the law isn’t simple or easy (that’s why I went to law school) and that is why I am here.
Counsel. They don’t call us counselors for nothing. I am a straight shooter. I’m going to give you the most well reasoned advice I can give, even if you dislike it. I often counsel clients about steps they can take while their case is pending–to better themselves and their case. My job is to counsel you to the best outcome, whatever that may be.
Advocate. My job is to dig into your case and make sure no stone is left unturned. No record left unsubpoenaed. No motion left unfiled. Getting great plea deals, winning motions to suppress and getting cases dismissed requires creativity, skill and ingenuity in the approach to your defense. This becomes particularly important in trial or if I need to take your case before the Iowa Supreme Court.
Choosing a lawyer is a big deal. Your liberty is in our hands. It can be an overwhelming experience. While I cannot promise you what the outcome of your case will be, I can promise that I will put my experience and dedication to work for you. I look forward to your call!
Awards and Honors
Honors
- Top 100 Trial Lawyers
Other Sources of Feedback About Nicholas A. Sarcone
Included on the 2025 Great Plains Super Lawyers list
Past Lists
- 2024 Great Plains Super Lawyers list
- 2023 Great Plains Super Lawyers list
- 2021 Great Plains Super Lawyers list
- 2020 Great Plains Super Lawyers list
- 2019 Great Plains Super Lawyers list
- 2018 Great Plains Super Lawyers list
- 2017 Great Plains Super Lawyers list
- 2016 Great Plains Super Lawyers list
- 2015 Great Plains Super Lawyers list
Education
-
Legal Education
-
University of Iowa College of Law,
Iowa City,
Iowa, 2007
J.D.
-
University of Iowa College of Law,
Iowa City,
Iowa, 2007
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Non Legal Education
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Saint Louis University,
St. Louis ,
Missouri, 2004
B.A.
Honors: Magna Cum Laude
Major: Political Science
-
Saint Louis University,
St. Louis ,
Missouri, 2004
Past Positions
- Federal Public Defender Northern District of California, Clerk, May 1, 2005 - August 15, 2005
- Federal Public Defender Southern District of Iowa, Clerk, May 1, 2006 - August 15, 2006
- Hillsborough County Public Defender - Tampa, Florida, Assistant Public Defender, August 1, 2007 - October 1, 2008
Classes and Seminars
-
Basics of a Criminal Case, Iowa Association for Justice, February 1, 2014
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Discovery in a Criminal Case, Iowa Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, August 1, 2014
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Litigating a Criminal Case, NBE, October 1, 2014
- Criminal Defense Basics, Iowa Defense Counsel, February 27, 2015
Bar Admissions
- Florida, 2007
- Iowa, 2008
- U.S. District Court Southern District of Iowa, 2010
- U.S. Court of Appeals 8th Circuit, 2010
- U.S. District Court Northern District of Iowa
Other Affiliations
- Iowa Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
- National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
- Iowa Association for Justice (Criminal Core Group Member)
- National Trial Lawyers (Top 100)
- National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys
Fraternities and Sororities
- Sigma Phi Epsilon
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