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Burglary Charges Can be Dropped – Here’s How

Robert Stahle • July 13, 2020
A wooden judge 's gavel sits next to a book

A defendant who is facing burglary charges needs a strong defense to get out of the charges. Alternatively, burglary charges, as well as other criminal charges, can be dropped for a variety of different reasons. Not every defendant who is facing charges will proceed to a trial or plea bargain. A large number of burglary cases end up being dismissed for reasons as varied as new evidence or testimony that arises, violation of constitutional rights, and insufficient evidence.

If you have been saddled with burglary charges, it is important to contact a trusted Siouxland criminal defense attorney. Here at Fitch & Stahle Law Office , our attorneys are committed to investing the time in resources required to represent your legal needs. Here are some reasons that burglary charges can be dropped.

Insufficient Evidence

If a burglary suspect is arrested and charges are brought against them, the prosecutor must be able to present sufficient evidence to the court. The evidence must show an objective, factual basis for believing that the burglary defendant actually committed the crime. If the grand jury or the judge does not find the evidence to sufficient, the charges can be dropped.

New Evidence or Testimony

Sometimes new evidence will arise that contradicts the original arrest information. This is where hiring an experienced criminal defense lawyer comes in handy. They can help you discover evidence or circumstances that will contradict the original information, and in the best case, this evidence will help get the charges dropped entirely.

Also, new witnesses can appear, and these witnesses can provide testimony that proves the defendant was not involved with the crime. Again, a defense lawyer is heavily involved in the procedures involved with finding witnesses that can help your case.

Violation of Constitutional Rights

According to the United States Constitution, a law enforcement officer can stop a vehicle or a person on the street under only certain circumstances, such as if they suspect that a crime is being committed. Police can only perform searches of a person, a car, or a house if they have a search warrant, or without a warrant under certain circumstances. In the case of a suspected burglary, police can only enter a house without a warrant if they suspect an emergency is occurring.

If the police conduct a search without a warranty and no special circumstances permitted the search, there is a chance that the charges can be dropped. Another common burglary defense has to do with entrapment. If a criminal defense attorney can prove that someone entrapped the defendant by convincing them to commit the crime, the charges can be dropped.

Siouxland Criminal Defense Lawyer

Licensed in both Iowa and Nebraska, Fitch & Stahle Law Office helps clients in cases such as burglary, drug possession or sale, and personal injury. We believe that you are innocent until proven guilty and that the burden of proof is on those who are accusing you of the crime. We will work with you side by side to help get the burglary charges dropped.

Consult our attorneys at (402) 494-3012.

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Injured in a Car Accident in Nebraska or Iowa?

By Robert Stahle • October 22, 2025
A car accident can change your life in a matter of seconds. One moment you’re commuting or running errands, and the next, you’re facing a wrecked vehicle, physical pain, and a growing stack of medical bills. It’s stressful, overwhelming, and often confusing—especially when you’re not sure what to do next. At Fitch & Stahle Law Firm , we help car accident victims in South Sioux City , Sioux City , and across Nebraska and Iowa understand their rights and recover the compensation they deserve. In this post, we’ll walk you through the critical steps to take after a crash—and how to protect your health, finances, and legal claim. Step 1: Prioritize Your Safety and Health Immediately after a crash, your safety comes first. If possible: Move your vehicle out of traffic Check yourself and others for injuries Call 911 for medical help and law enforcement Even if you don’t feel seriously hurt, get evaluated by a medical professional as soon as possible. Many injuries—like whiplash, concussions, or internal trauma—don’t show symptoms right away. A prompt medical exam not only protects your health, it also documents your injuries for your insurance claim. Step 2: Call the Police and File an Accident Report In both Nebraska and Iowa , it’s important to report any crash involving: Injury or death Property damage over $1,000 A hit-and-run or uninsured driver The responding officer will create a police report , which includes key facts like: Date, time, and location of the accident Statements from drivers and witnesses Diagrams or photos of the scene Initial assessment of fault This report becomes vital evidence in your personal injury claim. Be honest and factual—but avoid admitting fault or guessing what happened. Step 3: Gather Evidence at the Scene (If You Can) If you are physically able and it’s safe to do so, collect the following: Photos of vehicle damage, injuries, skid marks, and surroundings Driver’s license, insurance, and contact info of all involved Contact info for witnesses Notes about the weather, road conditions, and what you recall If you’re unable to collect this yourself, Fitch & Stahle Law Firm may be able to retrieve surveillance footage, witness statements, or crash data later—but the more you gather early, the better. Step 4: Notify Your Insurance Company Most policies require you to notify your insurer after a crash. However, you do not need to give a recorded statement , especially before speaking to a lawyer. Stick to the basics: Where and when the crash happened Who was involved That you’re seeking medical treatment Avoid discussing fault, injuries, or potential settlement values. Insurance companies often use early statements to downplay your claim later. Step 5: Call a Car Accident Lawyer—Before You Talk to the Other Driver’s Insurance The at-fault driver’s insurance company may reach out soon after the crash. They might offer a quick settlement or ask for a recorded interview. Don’t be fooled— their goal is to protect their bottom line, not your recovery . When you call Fitch & Stahle Law Firm , we: Handle all communication with insurance companies Protect you from saying something that hurts your case Calculate the real value of your damages Make sure you aren’t pressured into a lowball settlement We offer free consultations and don’t charge legal fees unless we win your case. Step 6: Keep Track of Everything Start a folder or digital log for your car accident claim. Include: Medical bills and records Receipts for prescriptions or medical equipment Notes from doctor visits Pay stubs showing missed work A journal of your pain levels, emotional struggles, or daily challenges This documentation helps prove pain and suffering , lost income , and the long-term impact of your injury. What Compensation Can You Recover? Depending on the circumstances, you may be entitled to compensation for: Emergency room care and medical treatment Physical therapy and future healthcare needs Vehicle repairs or total loss Lost wages or reduced earning capacity Pain and suffering Emotional distress Permanent disability or disfigurement If the at-fault driver was reckless—such as driving drunk or texting behind the wheel—you may also qualify for punitive damages . At Fitch & Stahle , we fight for the maximum compensation available under Nebraska or Iowa law. How Long Do I Have to File a Claim? The legal deadline to file a car accident lawsuit (called the statute of limitations ) is: 4 years in Nebraska 2 years in Iowa However, it’s best to act early. Delays in filing can lead to lost evidence, unclear medical records, and a weaker case overall. Why Choose Fitch & Stahle Law Firm? We’ve spent years helping injured drivers in the Siouxland region get justice after devastating car accidents. Here’s why clients trust us: ✅ Local Experience : Based in South Sioux City , we know the roads, courts, and insurers in both Nebraska and Iowa. ✅ Full-Service Representation : From crash investigation to courtroom litigation, we handle every step. ✅ Licensed in NE & IA : Whether your accident happened on I-29, Highway 77, or in town, we’ve got you covered. ✅ No Upfront Fees : You pay nothing unless we win your case. Don’t Go Through This Alone—We’re Here to Help If you were injured in a car accident in South Sioux City , Sioux City , or anywhere in Northeast Nebraska or Northwest Iowa , don’t wait to protect your rights. The sooner you act, the stronger your claim. 📞 Call us now at 402-494-3012 🌐 Schedule your free consultation at fitch-stahlelaw.com 📍 Visit us at our South Sioux City office At Fitch & Stahle Law Firm , we fight for car accident victims every day—and we’re ready to fight for you.