Colin C. Murphy

Colin C. Murphy is an attorney at Gourley, Rehkemper & Lindholm PLC in West Des Moines, Iowa. He focuses on criminal defense, particularly charges involving marijuana and other drugs. His practice also covers alcohol- and drug-impaired offenses, including OWI and vehicular homicide. He represents people seeking the return of property through civil forfeiture proceedings and handles appellate issues involving constitutional and statutory rights.

Colin earned a B.A. in General Science-Biology from Grinnell College in 1991. He received a J.D. with Honors from Drake Law School in 1996. During law school, he served as a research editor and member of the Drake Law Review, participated in Blackstone Inn of Court, and interned with the Federal Public Defender for the Southern District of Iowa. His science background relates to forensic evidence in impaired-driving cases.

Colin’s appellate work includes State v. Wright, involving police searches of garbage and a 2021 Iowa Supreme Court decision. He also served as trial counsel in State v. Pals, concerning a detained driver’s consent to a vehicle search. His practice involves challenges to traffic stops, searches, and drug-detection evidence. He examines scientific issues arising in breath, blood, and urine testing as part of his defense work.

Colin C. Murphy co-authored Iowa OWI Defense: The Law and Practice and wrote on forensic investigation in vehicular homicide defense. He also counsels Iowa growers and businesses on hemp and CBD regulation, planning, and compliance. His professional involvement includes service as Executive Director of Iowa NORML and participation in cannabis law organizations. His work combines criminal advocacy, scientific evidence analysis, and guidance on related regulatory concerns.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, Gourley, Rehkemper & Lindholm PLC
• Member, Iowa State Bar Association
• Board of Governors, Iowa Association for Justice (2009 – 2010)
• Member, NORML Legal Committee (2011 – Present)
• Member, National Cannabis Bar Association (2018 – Present)
• Member, Iowa State Court Administration, District 2A Judicial Nominating Commission (2014)
• Executive Committee, Iowa State Bar Association, Criminal Law Section (2005-2008)
• Executive Director, Iowa NORML
• Member, National College of DUI Defense (2008 – 2014)

Licensed State

• Iowa

Education

• Drake Law School
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Grinnell College
  Bachelor of Arts (BA) in General Science-Biology

Awards & Badges