Arrested in Eastern Iowa?

Davenport Criminal Defense Lawyer — Scott County Is My Courthouse

If you've been charged with a crime in Davenport, the most important thing you can do right now is talk to a lawyer who knows this courthouse, these prosecutors, and these judges. I'm Gary Koos. I've been practicing criminal defense in Scott County for 50 years, my office is five blocks from the Scott County Courthouse, and I answer my phone at 2 AM.

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Defense Legacy

50 Years Defending Criminal Cases

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Manhattan Experience

12 Years in Manhattan, Alongside Trial Attorneys Like Joe Tacopina

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Trial Practicum

Drake Law — Home of the Country's Only First-Year Trial Practicum

What Happens After an Arrest in Davenport

When Davenport Police or the Scott County Sheriff's Office makes an arrest, you move through a system that has its own rhythms and its own people. After booking at the Scott County Jail, you'll appear for arraignment at the Scott County Courthouse at 400 W. 4th Street — where charges are formally read and bail is addressed. The courthouse handles the full range of criminal matters: OWI and traffic cases, drug charges, assault, weapons offenses, domestic assault, and serious felonies. The earlier you have a defense attorney involved, the more options stay open. Waiting costs you leverage.

My Office Is Five Blocks From the Scott County Courthouse

Most criminal defense lawyers who advertise in Davenport are based in Des Moines or Iowa City. They drive in for hearings and drive back out. I'm here. My office is at 116 East 6th Street — a short walk from the courthouse — and Davenport has been my home base since I returned from New York and brought that experience back to eastern Iowa.

 

That proximity matters in ways that don't show up in a fee quote. I know the local prosecutors. I know how Scott County judges approach sentencing, plea negotiations, and trial. I've appeared before every judge currently on the bench. When you hire a lawyer from out of town, you're paying for someone who is still learning the room.

The Charges I Defend in Scott County

I handle the full range of criminal cases filed in the 7th Judicial District, including Scott County:

 

  • OWI / DUI — first offense, second offense, third and felony OWI, license revocation, temporary restricted licenses, and ignition interlock
  • Drug charges — possession, delivery, and federal drug offenses
  • Assault and domestic assault
  • Gun and weapons charges
  • Traffic offenses — speeding, reckless driving, driving while barred, CDL violations
  • White collar and federal defense
  • Select felonies

 

If you're not sure whether your charge is something I handle, call me. I'll tell you honestly.

50 Years of Criminal Defense, Including 12 Years practicing in Manhattan

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I graduated from Drake Law, which preLaw Magazine ranked among the top schools in the country for trial advocacy. After law school, I spent 12 years in Manhattan — practicing alongside attorneys who have represented high profile clients. I brought that trial experience back to Iowa and have been defending clients in eastern Iowa ever since.

 

Last year alone, I tried four major cases. That matters because most criminal defense lawyers in smaller markets rarely see the inside of a courtroom — they resolve everything through negotiation. Negotiation has its place, but when trial is the right move, you need a lawyer who has actually done it.

Common Questions From Davenport Clients

  • How close is your office to the Scott County Courthouse?

    My office is at 116 East 6th Street in Davenport — about five blocks from the Scott County Courthouse at 400 W. 4th Street. For most hearings, I walk. There's no travel time built into my fees, and I'm available to meet in person without scheduling around a commute.

  • What is the 10-day rule for Iowa OWI arrests, and does it apply to Davenport cases?

    Yes, it applies to every OWI arrest in Iowa, including those made by Davenport Police or the Scott County Sheriff's Office. After an OWI arrest, you have 10 calendar days to request an administrative hearing with the Iowa DOT to contest your license revocation. If you don't request that hearing in time, your license is automatically suspended. This is separate from the criminal charge and has to be handled immediately.

  • Will I have to appear at the Scott County Courthouse?

    Most likely yes, at least for arraignment and any subsequent hearings. The Scott County Courthouse at 400 W. 4th Street handles criminal matters for Davenport and the surrounding area. I appear there regularly and will be with you at every required court date.

  • Do you handle cases in other Quad Cities courts, or only Scott County?

    My primary practice is in Scott County and the Iowa 7th Judicial District, which covers Davenport and the surrounding counties. I also handle cases in Iowa City, Muscatine, Dubuque, and Clinton, and I take western Illinois cases on a case-by-case basis. If you're not sure whether your court falls within my service area, call and ask.

  • What should I do if I was arrested by Davenport Police and I don't know what to say?

    Don't say anything beyond providing your identification. You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. Politely decline to answer questions until you've spoken with a lawyer. Then call me — I'll walk you through exactly what to expect and what to do next.
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Call a Davenport Criminal Defense Lawyer Who Is Actually in Davenport

If you're facing charges in Scott County, you don't need a lawyer who treats Davenport like a satellite office. You need someone who is here, who knows the courthouse, and who picks up the phone when you call. I've been that lawyer in this city for 50 years. Call me today at 563-275-8820 — day or night.