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5 Traits to Look for In a Defense Attorney 

Robert Stahle • June 19, 2019

If you or someone you care about is facing criminal charges, you’re in the midst of one of the most stressful and confusing times of your life. There are many challenges on the road ahead of you, and one of the most important steps you can take to protect your future is choosing the best defense attorney for your case.

While you might be aware that an experienced attorney is an essential ally, choosing a defense lawyer can be an overwhelming process. There’s a lot to consider and each detail can affect your future. Most people who seek legal help have no previous experience in hiring an attorney, so they approach the task with questions and uncertainties, not knowing where to even begin.

Not all defense attorneys are created equal, and not everyone will be well suited for your individual case. Here are 5 things to look for in an attorney that will fight to win your case.


Experience

When you need a defense attorney, you can’t risk working with one that doesn’t have dedicated experience in the area of law that pertains to the charges you’re facing. Many lawyers have specializations, meaning specific areas of law that they’ve dedicated their careers to excelling in. Look for an attorney who has years of experience and a wide breadth of knowledge in criminal defense law.


Personal Touch

Communication between you and your defense attorney is a must. You need to feel comfortable talking to your attorney and taking their advice. Most attorneys offer a free consultation, which is the perfect opportunity for you to meet face to face and get a feel for their communication style, and whether you personally feel comfortable with them representing your case.


Confidence

No lawyer that lacks confidence when they walk into a courtroom ever wins a case. You want your defense attorney to be confident and sure of their abilities to fight hard for your freedom. They should exude confidence in their area of law and provide straightforward, knowledgeable answers to your questions.


Honesty

Confidence is important but so is honesty. An attorney that seems confident but promises success without question isn’t being completely honest with you, especially if they’re overexaggerating their abilities on your first meeting. The truth is that no attorney can predict the outcome early on in the case, but they can give you an honest opinion of how likely it is that odds will sway in your favor.


Track Record

Finally, don’t fail to consider the attorney’s track record. How many cases like yours have they defended, and what was their success rate? Do they go after plea agreements or are they known for pushing for a trial? Is this an attorney that’s known for taking on any case and encouraging a full trial for the sake of padding their pockets or do they seek cases that they feel confident they can win?


We’re Experienced Criminal Defense Attorneys Who Are Prepared to Fight Your Case

At Fitch & Stahle Law Office, we specialize in criminal defense law and we’re prepared to fight for your future. If you’re in need of a criminal defense attorney in the Siouxland area, we’d like to invite you to contact Fitch & Stahle Law Office to discuss your case.

Holding Drunk Drivers Accountable in Civil Court: What Victims Should Know

By Robert Stahle • June 18, 2025
When someone is injured by a drunk driver, the first question is often: “Will they go to jail?” Criminal charges such as DUI or OWI (Operating While Intoxicated) are often filed against the driver, especially if injuries or fatalities are involved. While this may result in fines, license suspension, or even jail time, the reality is this: a criminal case won’t pay your bills. To recover financial compensation for your injuries, you need to file a civil claim —a personal injury lawsuit. This is where true accountability happens for victims. At Fitch & Stahle Law Firm , we help people across Iowa and Nebraska navigate the civil justice system and pursue the compensation they need after a drunk driving accident. Here’s what you should know. Civil Cases Are Separate from Criminal Trials Many victims assume that if the driver is arrested and convicted of DUI, they’ll automatically be compensated. But criminal proceedings are about the state punishing the offender—not helping the victim recover. In fact, you can file a civil lawsuit even if the driver isn’t charged or convicted. While a conviction helps prove liability in civil court, it’s not required. Your personal injury attorney will build a case based on evidence of negligence and damages—whether or not the state takes action. What Damages Can You Recover in a Civil Claim? Civil cases allow victims to recover a broad range of compensatory damages , including: Emergency medical bills Ongoing treatment and rehabilitation Lost wages and future income Pain and suffering Mental anguish Vehicle and property damage Loss of enjoyment of life In many drunk driving cases, you may also be entitled to punitive damages . These are awarded to punish gross negligence—like driving with a high blood alcohol content or with prior DUI convictions. Punitive damages can dramatically increase your total compensation and serve as a warning to others. The Role of an Attorney in Building Your Case Civil lawsuits require a thorough investigation, documentation, and expert testimony. At Fitch & Stahle, we begin by collecting all the evidence: police reports, toxicology results, dashcam footage, witness statements, and medical records. If needed, we consult with accident reconstruction experts to establish what happened and why. We then calculate both economic damages (like medical bills) and non-economic damages (like emotional trauma), making sure no part of your suffering is overlooked. We also handle all communication with insurance companies and opposing counsel. Our team is skilled in negotiation and litigation, and we’re fully prepared to take your case to court if a fair settlement isn’t offered. When Third-Party Liability May Apply In some situations, additional parties may be held responsible. For example: Bars or restaurants that overserved the driver may be liable under dram shop laws Employers who allowed a known impaired driver to operate a company vehicle could also face liability We explore all angles to make sure you’re fully compensated. If you’ve been injured by a drunk driver in Sioux City or surrounding areas, the criminal justice system alone won’t protect your future. Let Fitch & Stahle Law Firm help you file a civil claim, recover full compensation, and hold the drunk driver—and any responsible parties—accountable. Contact us today for a free case review.

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.
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