Paul Statler - a Des Moines, United States Sex Crimes Lawyer

Des Moines Sex Crimes Lawyer

Updated: 02/28/2026

Areas of Practice

Sex Crimes
Homicide / Murder
Robbery / Theft / Fraud
Drug Crimes
Assault & Domestic Assault
OWI/DUI
Firearm Offenses
Post-Conviction Relief

Attorney Information

Overview

Paul Statler is a dedicated criminal defense attorney with a proven record of fighting for the rights of his clients in state and federal courts across Iowa. Since 2015, Paul has focused his practice on criminal defense and postconviction relief, representing clients in cases ranging from serious felony charges to complex appeals in state and federal jurisdictions. He brings the same level of preparation, strategic thinking, and relentless advocacy to every case—whether in the courtroom, at the negotiation table, or in written pleadings.

Paul is admitted to practice before the Iowa state courts, the U.S. District Courts for the Northern and Southern Districts of Iowa, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. He earned his Juris Doctor from Drake University Law School, receiving academic awards in Criminal Procedure and Federal Income Tax Law. While in law school, Paul served as President of the American Constitution Society and gained extensive hands-on experience through the Neal and Bea Smith Criminal Defense Legal Clinic, the Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic, and a year-long internship with the Federal Public Defender’s Office.

Paul’s clients value his straightforward personality and counsel, meticulous preparation, and willingness to take on even the most challenging cases. He understands that behind every file is a real person whose future depends on the outcome, and he works tirelessly to secure the best possible results.

When he’s not in the courtroom, Paul can often be found engaging with the legal community, mentoring younger attorneys, or spending time with his wife and two ‘crazy’ sons. His diverse background and personal experience gives him a unique perspective on discipline, perseverance, and problem-solving.

Professional perspective:

Inspired by a statement from former Georgia Public Defender, Brett Willis:

People ask me what I do, and when I tell them I’m a criminal defense attorney they ask, “what does that mean?” Almost always, I tell them, “I defend people who are accused of, and charged with committing crimes.” After hearing that, they’ll usually ask “how can you defend those people?”

I tell them the truth about what I do; I tell them, "it's not about 'those people' - it’s about the sanctity of human liberty, and the cost of it if you want to take it. Every person deserves even the most basic level of respect and deserves their rights to be protected against the government that seeks to take them away."

Awards and Honors

Honors

2024, 2023 - Top 100 National Trial Lawyer in Iowa
2019 Graduate-Defense of the Damned, Trial Lawyer College
2018, 2017, 2016 - Top 40 under 40, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
2024 – State v. Andrew Harris, defendant acquitted of Murder in the First Degree
2023 – State v. Michelle P., defendant acquitted by jury of Sex Abuse in the Third Degree
2023 – United States of America v. Frazier, Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals reversal of Career Offender enhancement.
2020 – United States v. Blake Gibbons, defendant sentenced to federal probation after assaulting U.S. Congressman
2020 – State v. James Vandermark, defendant acquitted of Burglary in the First Degree and Willful Injury
2018 – United States v. Jenny Nelson, defendant acquitted of Bank Robbery.
2017 – State v. John Einertson, defendant acquitted of Felon in Possession of Firearm and Carrying Weapons
2017 – State v. Dennis Brouse, defendant acquitted of tax fraud

Education

Legal Education
- Drake University Law School, Des Moines, Iowa, 2013
  Honors: Dean's List
  Honors: Charles & Joseph Howard Fellowship
  Honors: Public Service Certificate
  Honors: Top Grade: Academic achievement award for top “A” in Federal income Tax Law
  Honors: Coursework: Trial Advocacy
  Honors: President, American Constitution Society
  Honors: Drake Mentor
  Honors: Criminal Procedure I-II
  Honors: Federal Criminal Law
Non Legal Education
- University of Kansas, 2003
  Honors: With High Honors
  Major: Secondary Education – Social Studies
  Major: U.S. History
- Gerry Spence Trial Lawyers College – Defense of the Damned, 2019

Past Positions

Owner / Attorney, Statler Law P.L.L.C., 06/2016 – 09/2025
Attorney, Marks Law Firm, P.L.L.C., 07/2015 – 05/2016
Dickey & Campbell Law Firm, P.L.C., Clerk, 02/2014 – 01/2015
Federal Public Defender Southern District of Iowa, Intern, 08/2013 – 8/2014

Bar Admissions

U.S. District Court Southern District of Iowa
U.S. District Court Northern District of Iowa
U.S. Court of Appeals 8th Circuit

Other Affiliations

National Association of Public Defense
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Iowa Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Iowa Association for Justice
American Bar Association
Iowa State Bar Association

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Contact

Des Moines, IA

501 SW 7th Street
Suite J
Des Moines, IA 50309

Directions

Phone: 515-817-1870

Email: Send a message

Websites:

Credit Cards Accepted
Virtual Appointments

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Paul Statler - Des Moines, IA