Atty. William S. Smith
William S. Smith is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Criminal Defense: White-Collar.
Criminal Defense: White-Collar Attorney · Serving Des Moines, IA
Profile Summary
About William S. Smith at a Glance
William S. Smith is a criminal defense and white collar attorney based in Des Moines, Iowa, practicing at Dickinson, Bradshaw, Fowler & Hagen PC. Educated at The University of Iowa (J.D., 1968). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: White-Collar (2026). Serves clients in Des Moines, IA and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About William S. Smith
- William S. Smith is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Criminal Defense: White-Collar
- William, who practices law in Des Moines, Iowa, has been recognized since 1995
- This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which William S. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area
- William practices as Smith & Kramer, P.C. and Of Counsel to Dickinson, Bradshaw, Fowler & Hagen, P.C
- Bill is Of Counsel to the Dickinson Bradshaw firm and was previously a senior partner in another Des Moines law firm
- His background includes practicing as a C.P.A. for a major accounting firm and a smaller firm here in Des Moines following his graduation from college and he has practiced law actively for more than 35 years
- Bill practices primarily in criminal and administrative defense work related to business and employer issues including environmental compliance (EPA), criminal and civil tax defense, Medicare and Medicaid issues, money laundering, structuring, fraud allegations as well as Qui Tam actions
- In addition, a substantial portion of his practice involves business related issues for, primarily, large agricultural operations
Practice Areas Explained
William S. Smith's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases William S. Smith handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Des Moines.
Criminal Defense in Des Moines
A criminal defense attorney protects your rights from arrest through trial. Find experienced lawyers handling DUI, drug, federal, theft, and violent-crime charges.
William S. Smith is one of 212,605 criminal defense attorneys indexed nationally. Browse criminal defense attorneys in Iowa →
White Collar Crimes in Des Moines
William S. Smith is one of 19,824 white collar attorneys indexed nationally. Browse white collar attorneys in Iowa →
Jurisdictional Context
Why Local Counsel Matters in Des Moines
Practicing law in Iowa. Legal matters in Iowa are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Des Moines are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Iowa state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Iowa brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this venue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Iowa courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Des Moines Courts and Legal Process
Choosing a Des Moines-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.
Looking for additional Iowa attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Des Moines or all attorneys in Iowa.
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Professional Profile
Why Clients in Des Moines Choose William S. Smith
Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish William S. Smith's practice in the field of criminal defense and white collar.
Broad Practice Area Coverage
Covering criminal defense and white collar, William S. Smith can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.
Local Presence in Des Moines
A Des Moines-based practice means William S. Smith attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.
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How People Find William S. Smith Online
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William S. Smith's Practice Areas & Specializations
Education & Law School Background
Awards & Professional Honors
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