Zachary Hecht

OVERVIEW

Introduction

Zachary Hecht ("Zach") is an associate attorney at Causey & Ye Law, P.L.L.C., where he represents clients in criminal defense, immigration, family law, and civil litigation matters. He is licensed to practice law in both Iowa and Minnesota and is admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Iowa.

Before joining the firm as an associate attorney, Zach clerked at Causey & Ye Law for nearly two years, gaining extensive experience in courtroom advocacy, legal research, and case strategy under the supervision of lead counsel Jonathan Causey and managing partner Yangyidi Ye. He also clerked for Judge Susan Cox of Iowa’s Fifth Judicial District, where he drafted judicial orders and conducted legal research in juvenile law cases.

Zach earned his Juris Doctor from Drake University Law School in 2022. While in law school, he was awarded the Iowa Supreme Court Scholarship and participated in the Drake Criminal Defense Clinic, where he represented clients charged with offenses including assault, OWI, and drug possession. He completed his undergraduate studies at Iowa State University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science in 2018.

Legal Practice and Industry Focus

Zach’s practice includes:

Criminal Defense (Felony and misdemeanor offenses, Drug crimes, OWI / DUI, Weapons charges, Robbery and burglary, Probation violations, and No-contact order and harassment restraining order violations)
Crimmigration (Defense of non-citizens facing criminal charges, and Navigating the intersection of criminal and immigration law)
Immigration Law (Asylum and related hearings, Marriage-based green cards, Employment-based green cards, Change of status, Naturalization interviews, and Removal defense)
Family Law (Divorce, Custody, Termination of Parental Rights, Mediation)
Civil Litigation (Fraud, Asset Recovery, Business Disputes, Personal Injury)

Zach is known for providing diligent, client-focused representation and for taking the time to understand each client’s circumstances, goals, and concerns. He regularly represents indigent clients through his contract with the Iowa State Public Defender’s Office in Polk County, as well as private clients facing complex criminal, immigration, and civil matters.

Schedule a Consultation

Speak with Zachary Hecht about your case. We offer consultations in person, over the phone, or via video conference.

Schedule Now

Case Highlights

Criminal Defense

In July 2024, Zach successfully defended a client charged with Burglary 2nd Degree, a Class B Felony. Through extensive pretrial motion practice and depositions, secured a plea deal to a simple misdemeanor, sparing the client a potential 25-year prison sentence.

In June 2025, Zach tried a case in which his client was charged with Assault While Displaying a Dangerous Weapon, Harassment 1st Degree, and False Imprisonment, a possible five-year prison sentence. The jury returned a verdict finding the client guilty of two low-level misdemeanors, and client was ordered to probation.

In August 2025, Zach tried a case in which his client was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance–Methamphetamine. Zach successfully argued to the jury that his client did not possess the methamphetamine, and the jury acquitted his client of the charge.

Zach has extensive experience with representing clients accused of violating probation conditions, no contact orders, and harassment restraining orders.

Immigration & Crimmigration

Zach prepared and supported clients through asylum interviews, naturalization interviews, and master hearings, providing guidance and ensuring their readiness for critical proceedings.

Zach represented an immigration client in an individual hearing, arguing that the client should be granted a withholding of removal.

Zach assisted clients with marriage-based and employment-based green cards, adjustment of status, and naturalization applications.

Zach advised and defended non-citizen clients on the immigration consequences of criminal charges, navigating complex crimmigration issues.

Zach prepared clients for naturalization interviews and other USCIS proceedings.

Civil, Family & Juvenile Matters

Zach second-chaired a federal civil trial involving breach of contract against a Fortune 500 company, assisting with trial preparation, witness examination, and trial briefs.

Zach second-chaired a state civil trial for personal injuries that occurred from a faulty street design, assisting with evidence review, trial briefs, and witness examination.

Zach has represented parents whose children had been removed from their home by the State of Iowa, successfully working with the parents to get their children returned in a timely manner.

Zach has assisted clients in both Minnesota and Iowa with expungement petitions, corporate formation, and litigation involving charges such as sex trafficking and prostitution.