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5 Common Legal Terms You Need to Know Explained

Robert Stahle • August 15, 2019

If there’s one thing there’s no shortage of in the law industry, it’s technical jargon. To the average person, lawyers seem to have a language all their own. Legal terminology can cause a great deal of confusion for the average person. This is in large part due to how legal terms are used inaccurately on television and in everyday life.

If you’re in need of legal assistance , you’ll want to meet with your attorney armed with an understanding of some of the most common legal terms. Your attorney will be happy to explain any terms you don’t understand but going in with this knowledge will allow you to focus on discussing your case, rather than defining legal terms. Here are five of the most common law terms you should familiarize yourself with.


Hearsay

The word “hearsay” is one that’s spoken quite often in the world outside of the legal arena. While it has a similar meaning in both contexts, the legal definition is slightly more specific. In casual conversation, hearsay might be used to describe a rumor or unverified information. In the legal world, hearsay is a statement that is unable to be confirmed or followed up on, and therefore is inadmissible in court.


Due Diligence

Before entering any legal contract, you or your lawyer should practice due diligence before signing on the dotted line. Due diligence is legal terminology that refers to conducting thorough research before signing any contract or entering into a legally binding agreement.


Assault Vs. Battery

Assault and battery are often used interchangeably; however they mean two very different things. The difference between these two terms involves intent and action. Assault is a term that’s used when there is a threat of physical harm, for instance if you threaten to hit someone. The intent is there, but actual physical harm hasn’t occurred. Battery is the legal term used to describe actual physical harm caused by another person.


Burden of Proof

A person who is accused of a crime is considered innocent until proven guilty. Burden of proof is a term used to describe the duty of either party to prove or disprove allegations in a case. In a criminal trial, the prosecution holds the responsibility of the burden of proof in establishing that the defendant is guilty beyond all reasonable doubt.


Burglary Vs Robbery

Again, these are two terms that are often used interchangeably. In law, they are used to describe two different degrees of criminal acts. Burglary is used to define theft that occurs without the victim being present. For example, if someone broke into your home while you were gone or stole your car from a parking lot while you were at work.

Robbery is theft that occurs in your presence. For instance, someone that is held at gunpoint and demanded to hand over their purse is the victim of robbery.


Communication Is Key When Working with a Defense Attorney

When you meet with a defense attorney for the first time, one of the most important traits you should look for is the ability for them to effectively communicate with you. This includes answering your questions and explaining legal terms as necessary. At Fitch & Stahle Law Office, we’re here to provide the Siouxland area with experience criminal defense. If you’re in need of a criminal lawyer, contact Fitch & Stahle Law Office for a consultation today.

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.
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