Before Michael Arleth became an attorney, he spent years working as an automotive technician, a background that gave him a practical, hands-on way of approaching problems before he ever set foot in a courtroom. That career transition informs how he practices: methodically, with attention to the specific mechanics of each case rather than generic legal formulas. Arleth Law operates from Des Moines, Iowa, handling criminal defense, family law, and estate planning for clients across the state.

Introduction

Arleth Law is a Des Moines-based practice representing clients in criminal defense, family law, and estate planning matters throughout Iowa. Attorney Michael Arleth brings 39 years of combined experience to his cases, including time spent as a prosecutor, which gives him insight into how cases are built and where they can be challenged. He has been recognized twice by the Iowa Supreme Court’s pro bono honor roll, reflecting a commitment to serving clients regardless of their financial position. The firm represents both retained clients and court-appointed clients, treating each with the same level of preparation and attention. The office is located at 309 Court Avenue, Suite 803, Des Moines, IA 50309, and can be reached at 515-528-9408.

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense

Criminal defense is the firm’s primary area of focus. Arleth handles a range of charges, including DWI, drug offenses, property crimes, assault, and probation violations. His approach to defense is individualized; rather than applying a standard playbook, he develops mitigation strategies tailored to the specific circumstances of each client’s case. His prosecutorial background provides a genuine advantage here, because understanding how a case is built from the prosecution’s side makes it possible to identify weaknesses and pressure points that a defense-only attorney might not immediately recognize.

Family Law

Family law matters at Arleth Law include divorce proceedings and related family matters. These cases are handled with the same client-centered approach that defines the criminal defense work: attention to the individual circumstances, clear communication, and strategies suited to the actual situation rather than a template.

Estate Planning

The firm also assists clients with estate planning, helping them put legal structures in place to protect their assets and ensure their intentions are followed. Estate planning at a smaller, accessible firm like Arleth Law allows clients to work directly with the attorney rather than cycling through departments.

Attorney Profile

Michael Arleth began his professional life as an automotive technician before pursuing a legal career, giving him a perspective that differs from attorneys who went directly from undergraduate study to law school. His 39 years of combined experience includes time as a prosecutor, which means he has sat on both sides of criminal cases. The Iowa Supreme Court has recognized him twice on its pro bono honor roll, a distinction that reflects ongoing service to clients who could not otherwise afford representation. He handles both retained and court-appointed matters, and his client-centered approach includes adapting to clients’ scheduling needs, using secure online portals for communication, and researching non-legal issues that intersect with a client’s legal situation, such as employment concerns, housing implications, or treatment options that may be relevant to a mitigation strategy.

Location and Service Area

Arleth Law is based at 309 Court Avenue, Suite 803, Des Moines, IA 50309. The firm handles matters statewide across Iowa, making it accessible to clients who are not located in Des Moines but need representation in courts around the state. The office number is 515-528-9408, and more information is available at arlethlaw.com.

Client Focus

The firm serves a broad client base, from individuals facing serious criminal charges to those planning their estates or working through a family law matter. One of the firm’s defining characteristics is its willingness to represent court-appointed clients alongside retained clients, and to treat both groups with equal care. The firm’s use of secure online portals for communication reflects an understanding that clients deal with enough disruption during legal proceedings without also needing to rearrange their schedules around rigid office visit requirements. Scheduling flexibility and clear, respectful communication are built into how the firm operates.

FAQ

What makes Michael Arleth’s prosecutorial background relevant to criminal defense?
Having worked as a prosecutor means Arleth understands how cases are assembled, what evidence matters most to a charging decision, and where investigations tend to have gaps. That knowledge allows him to evaluate defense options from the inside out, identifying arguments and weaknesses that an attorney without prosecutorial experience might take longer to recognize.

Does the firm handle court-appointed criminal cases?
Yes. Arleth Law represents both retained clients and court-appointed clients. The level of preparation and attention given to a case does not differ based on how representation was arranged.

How does the firm accommodate clients with scheduling constraints?
The firm adapts to clients’ scheduling needs rather than requiring clients to conform to fixed appointment times. Secure online portals are also available for communication, so clients can correspond with the firm in a way that fits their circumstances.

What does “individualized mitigation strategies” mean in practice?
In criminal defense, mitigation refers to evidence and arguments that can reduce the severity of charges, influence plea negotiations, or affect sentencing. An individualized strategy means the firm does not apply a pre-set approach to every DWI or drug charge; instead, it evaluates each client’s specific background, circumstances, and legal situation to develop arguments most likely to produce the best available outcome.

Does Arleth Law handle cases outside Des Moines?
Yes. While the office is located in Des Moines, the firm represents clients in matters across Iowa.

Closing

Michael Arleth’s path from automotive technician to attorney, prosecutor, and longtime defense lawyer is not a conventional one, and it shows in how he works. He does not fit the standard template of a criminal defense firm. Two Iowa Supreme Court pro bono recognitions, 39 years of combined experience, and a practice model built around direct communication and client-specific strategy make Arleth Law a firm worth serious consideration for anyone in Iowa dealing with a criminal charge, a family law matter, or an estate planning need. The office is at 309 Court Avenue, Suite 803, Des Moines, IA 50309. Call 515-528-9408 or visit arlethlaw.com.