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Murray W. Bell

Murray W. Bell

Murray W. Bell, P.C.
601 Brady Street
Suite 311
Davenport, IA 52803

Phone: (563) 326-4095  |  Fax: (563) 323-9309
http://www.murraybellpc.com

Contact Murray W. Bell

Great Negotiator - Aggressive Trial Attorney

Legal Topic

Criminal Defense

Preferred New Clients

I practice primarily criminal defense work.

Sub-Categories

Criminal Defense
  • Aiding, Abetting, Accessory, Conspiracy
  • Appeals
  • Capital Crimes/Capital Cases
  • Felonies
  • Grand Jury Proceedings
  • Juvenile Crimes
  • False Identification
  • Truancy
  • Misdemeanors
  • Parole
  • Probation
  • Perjury
  • Plea Negotiation
  • Search & Seizure
Abuse
  • Child Abuse
  • Domestic Violence
Automotive
  • DUI
  • Felony Auto Accidents
  • Parking Tickets & Towing
  • Traffic - Moving Violations
  • Open Container
  • Driving with a Suspended License
  • Driving without a License
  • DWI
Drugs
  • Drug Cultivation & Manufacturing
  • Drug Possession
  • Intent to Distribute Drugs
  • Intent to Sell Drugs
Firearms & Weapons
  • Constitutional Rights Defense
  • Illegal Possession or Transportation
  • Other Weapons & Devices
Fraud & Financial Crimes
  • Checks & Credit Cards
  • Embezzlement
  • Extortion
  • Forgery
  • Identity Theft
Property Crimes
  • Arson
  • Burglary
  • Embezzlement
  • Larceny
  • Shoplifting
  • Theft
  • Trespass
  • Vandalism
Sex Crimes
  • Abduction
  • Child Abuse
  • Child Pornography
  • Indecent Exposure
  • Prostitution, Solicitation, & Pandering
  • Rape
  • Sexual Assault
  • Stalking
Violent Crimes
  • Assault & Battery
  • Domestic Violence
  • Extortion
  • Kidnapping
  • Manslaughter
  • Murder
  • Robbery

Bar Admissions

IA, Aug 1988
Bar Number: AT0000692

Other Court Admissions

1988, Iowa; 1989, U.S. District Court, Southern District of Iowa; 1991, U.S. Court of Appeals, Eighth Circuit; 1992, U.S. District Court, Northern District of Iowa; 1993, U.S. District Court, Central District of Illinois and U.S. Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit.

Association Memberships

Iowa Bar Association; National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Dillion Inn of Court.

Continuing Education

I attend Conventions for the National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys and the Iowa Bar Association Continuing Legal Education Events.

Example Cases

Scott County, Iowa Criminal Cases:

• State v. Tolbert, No. 153530-01, Delivery of Crack Cocaine to an Undercover Officer
Jury Verdict: NOT Guilty;

• State v. Brown, No. FECR 192755; Homicide by Vehicle
Jury Verdict: NOT Guilty;

• State v. Malone, No. FECR 279022; Sexual Abuse in the 2nd Degree
Jury Verdict: NOT Guilty;

• State v. Simmons, No. FECR 284063; Child Endangerment with Serious Injury Jury Verdict: NOT Guilty.

Education

Degree:

Bachelor of Arts in Humanities

School:

Marycrest College

City:

Davenport

State:

IA

Year:

1986

 

Degree:

Juris Doctorate

School:

University of Iowa, Law School

City:

Iowa City

State:

IA

Year:

1988

Honors:

Graduated With Distinction.

Focus and Accomplishments:

Moot Court.

Number of Attorneys

1

State Licensed In

Iowa

Firm Focus and History

I practice primarily criminal defense work, and my firm was established in 1989.

Previous Employment Summary

I practiced with the firm of Newport Bell and Oxley from 1988 to 1994. I practiced with the firm of Bell, Leon and Ramirez from 1994 to 1988.

Activities and Awards

I have taught several criminal law classes at two separate local colleges as an adjunct professor.

What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?

I believe it is important for clients to learn and understand the legal issues in their case so they can more effectively assist their attorney in the representation of their case.

Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?

Because preparation of documents is a small part of legal representation and fully understanding the legal ramifications of documents and being able to explain the reasons and justification for those documents is so important, I would likely discourage clients from preparing their own documents. This is particularly true in criminal defense cases.

Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?

I would likely discourage clients from representing themselves in a criminal defense matter. There are so many legal pit falls and the ramifications of making mistakes can be so severe, a client should not undertake self-representation.

Why did you decide to be a lawyer?

Beginning when I was around ten years-old, I watched Perry Mason on television every week, and I always wanted to grow up to be like Perry Mason.

What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?

I started working for my parents in their mom and pop bakery at the age of eight. I learned to work hard and the value of careful attention to detail.

I spent years in sales in a variety of fields and have years of experience in public speaking. All this experience gives me insight into the body language of potential and sitting juries and allows me to make a connection with members of the jury as they listen to my client's case.

Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?

Because it is the field in which Perry Mason practiced.

What do you like best about your career?

I love nothing more that jury trials. The prosecutors in my area know that I am willing and able to go to trial on tough, complicated cases as well as simple easy ones. This knowledge makes prosecutors more willing to negotiate favorable deals for my clients. If I can't negotiate a good enough plea agreement for my client, the prosecutors know they will have to prove their case on every issue.

Tell us about your law firm:

I am a sole practitioner, however I share office space with two other attorneys. One specializes in criminal appeals and he gives me great incite into what issues need to be properly addressed. The other is a criminal defense attorney who brings great experience and knowledge to the firm.

What are your strengths and style?

My greatest strength is my ability to connect with jury members and make them understand my client's case.

Personal Interests:

I enjoy Broadway musicals and classical music. I also enjoy working hard and learning new concepts and aspects of the law.

Office Manager/Assistant

Mary

Fax

(563) 323-9309

Office Hours

Monday through Friday
8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Saturday hours by special arrangements.

Emergency After Hours

No

Fixed-Price Services and Fees

No.

Hourly Rates

$225 per hour.

Free Initial Consultation?

Yes, for up to 30 minutes.

Typical Retainer

$7,500 for typical felony criminal cases, but the retainer can be higher for more complex cases or cases where the defendant is facing a long prison sentence. Retainers on misdemeanors are negotiable.

Understanding Fees

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Attorneys have passed a licensing check. Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the applicable bar associations upon joining the directory.

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