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3 Steps to Keep Your Home Safe While Enjoying Your Vacation

Robert Stahle • August 9, 2018

home security tips - burglary criminal defense attorneys - iowa and nebraska

Summer is the season of travel. Whether it’s a weekend getaway to the beach or a week-long road trip, summer is filled with opportunities to set the obligations aside and just get away from it all for a little while. A vacation is great for the mind and spirit, so if you have the chance to get away there’s no reason you shouldn’t.

Unfortunately, summer is also prime season for unsavory individuals looking to take advantage of empty homes. Nothing can ruin the rejuvenating effects of a relaxing vacation faster than returning home to find that you’ve been the victim of theft, vandalism or burglary. This summer, before you head out on your vacation, take these simple steps to keep your home safe and your peace of mind fully intact.

Save Social Media for When You Return

You’re excited about your upcoming vacation, so of course you want to tell everyone about it. But, there’s reason to pause before you take to social media to share your excitement. Take a good look at your friends list. How many of those people are just casual acquaintances or classmates that you haven’t seen in a decade or more? How well do you really know these people? Broadcasting your upcoming vacation plans on social media makes you a prime target for someone looking for the right opportunity.

What if you’re confident of the integrity of your social media contacts? That’s great, but you still don’t know who has access to their accounts, so it’s best to keep your vacation plans off social media until you return. They’ll be plenty of opportunity to make everyone jealous with your amazing photos when you get back.

Ask Someone to Keep a Watchful Eye

It’s great if you have someone that can house sit for you while you’re away, but if that isn’t an option, ask a close friend or trusted neighbor to keep an eye on things for you. The reason that a trusted neighbor is a good choice is because they can keep an eye on your property without signaling that anything is different. For example, a neighbor casually walking over to grab the mail and water the plants are less noticeable to a would-be criminal than a strange car in the driveway between 4-6pm every evening.

An Ounce of Prevention

Criminals like an easy in and out. This means that they’re looking for clues that a home is vacant or that valuables are within easy reach should they gain entrance into the home. One of the best ways to secure your home while you’re away is just taking a few preventative measures to deter criminal efforts.

For example, putting your mail and newspaper subscriptions on hold so that they don’t accumulate or installing a timer for your lights and lawn sprinkler. Additionally, it’s smart to remove high theft items from the line of sight from windows and lock up any valuables. Before you leave, double check to make sure all the windows, doors, garage doors and fences are securely locked. It’s often the littlest forgotten details that criminals can take advantage of.

Protecting your home while away on vacation is all about making your property less desirable to criminals. A few simple steps can make them think twice before turning your home into a target. If you’re on the other side of this situation and are facing burglary charges , we’re the criminal defense team that can help. Contact Fitch & Stahle Law Offices for a free consultation today.

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How Drunk Driving Accident Victims Can Maximize Compensation With Legal Help

By Robert Stahle • June 11, 2025

When you’re injured by a drunk driver, the physical trauma is often only the beginning. Medical appointments, hospital stays, and prescription medications can last for weeks, months, or even years. You may be unable to work. You may lose your vehicle. And the emotional toll—fear, anxiety, depression—can weigh heavily on you and your family. Unfortunately, many accident victims never receive the compensation they truly need to recover. Insurance companies are skilled at downplaying injuries, undervaluing claims, and pushing quick settlements. These early offers often only cover short-term costs—and leave victims with nothing for long-term consequences. That’s why it’s crucial to work with a personal injury attorney who understands how to fight for your full and fair compensation. At Fitch & Stahle Law Firm , we’ve helped countless clients throughout Iowa and Nebraska recover the financial support they deserve after being hit by drunk drivers. Here’s how having legal representation can make a difference: 1. Understanding the Full Value of Your Claim A serious injury isn’t just about your ER bill. A strong legal claim must account for: Follow-up medical care, physical therapy, and surgeries Future medical treatment or long-term care Mental health services for trauma, PTSD, or anxiety Lost wages and reduced ability to earn income Property damage and vehicle replacement Pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life Without legal help, you may never even know you’re entitled to compensation for these elements—let alone how to calculate their true cost. Our attorneys work closely with doctors, financial experts, and accident specialists to build a comprehensive case that reflects the full scope of your losses. 2. Pursuing Punitive Damages In Iowa and Nebraska, courts may award punitive damages in drunk driving cases. Unlike compensatory damages (which are designed to cover your losses), punitive damages are intended to punish the offender for particularly reckless or egregious behavior and deter others from doing the same. These damages can significantly increase the value of your claim—but you need an experienced attorney to prove that the driver’s actions warrant them. We know how to present evidence of impairment, prior offenses, and other aggravating factors that strengthen your case. 3. Exploring Additional Sources of Compensation Sometimes, the drunk driver’s insurance policy won’t cover the full cost of your damages. In those cases, we explore: Your own underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage Dram shop liability (if a bar, restaurant, or event overserved the driver) Third-party liability (in rare cases, the driver’s employer or vehicle owner may also share responsibility) Our team works to leave no stone unturned when identifying all potential sources of recovery. 4. Standing Up to the Insurance Companies Insurance adjusters are trained negotiators. Their job is to pay out as little as possible. Without a lawyer, they may take advantage of your lack of legal knowledge or pressure you into a fast settlement. With Fitch & Stahle in your corner, you don’t have to deal with their tactics. We handle all communication, submit all documentation, and push aggressively for the settlement you deserve. And if the insurance company won’t cooperate? We’re ready to take your case to court. If you or someone you love has been injured by a drunk driver in Iowa or Nebraska, don’t let the insurance company decide what your recovery is worth. Contact Fitch & Stahle Law Firm today for a free case evaluation. Let us help you move forward—with the compensation and justice you deserve.

Why You Need a Lawyer After a Drunk Driving Accident in Iowa or Nebraska

By Robert Stahle • June 6, 2025

Drunk driving accidents are among the most devastating types of crashes—and the most preventable. Every time someone chooses to drive under the influence of alcohol, they not only break the law, but they also endanger innocent lives. When you’re the victim of one of these reckless acts, the physical, emotional, and financial consequences can be overwhelming. Many accident victims assume that if the other driver was arrested for DUI, the case will resolve itself quickly and fairly. After all, if the police have proof that the driver was drunk, what else is there to fight about? The reality is far more complex. Even when intoxication is clear, recovering compensation is rarely straightforward. Insurance companies are primarily concerned with protecting their bottom line. They may admit the drunk driver was at fault but still dispute the amount of damages you’re owed. They may claim your injuries aren’t as severe as you say or argue that you had pre-existing conditions. In some cases, they may even try to shift partial blame to you. That’s why hiring an experienced drunk driving accident attorney is so critical. At Fitch & Stahle Law Firm , we represent clients throughout Iowa and Nebraska who have been harmed by drunk drivers. Our attorneys know how to build strong legal cases backed by evidence, expert testimony, and strategic negotiation. We don’t just take the word of the insurance company—we conduct our own investigations, obtain police and toxicology reports, interview witnesses, and, when necessary, work with accident reconstruction professionals to determine exactly what happened and who’s responsible. Beyond proving liability, our goal is to make sure every client receives the full amount of compensation they’re entitled to under the law. That includes not only current medical expenses and lost wages but also: Future medical care (surgeries, rehab, medications) Lost future earning capacity Pain and suffering Mental and emotional trauma Property damage Punitive damages when applicable In particularly egregious cases, we may also pursue compensation from third parties under Iowa or Nebraska’s dram shop liability laws . If a bar, restaurant, or even a private event served alcohol to someone who was visibly intoxicated or underage, that establishment could be held partially liable for the damages. Dealing with injuries, doctors, bills, and the trauma of the crash is hard enough. You shouldn’t also have to navigate legal paperwork, deadlines, and difficult insurance adjusters on your own. We provide personal, compassionate, and aggressive legal representation—so you can focus on healing while we focus on justice. Remember: The other driver’s arrest or conviction does not guarantee you fair compensation. Civil and criminal cases are separate, and only a personal injury claim will secure the financial support you need to recover and rebuild your life. If you or a loved one has been hit by a drunk driver in Sioux City or the surrounding areas of Iowa and Nebraska, don’t wait. Call Fitch & Stahle Law Firm today for a free consultation. We’ll help you hold the drunk driver—and their insurance company—fully accountable.