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Common Drug Crime Charges

Robert Stahle • January 13, 2020
A wooden judge 's gavel is sitting on a wooden table in front of a stack of books.

Federal law, as well as both Iowa and Nebraska state law, covers a wide variety of different drug crimes. Drug law cover the possession, manufacture, and sale of certain controlled substances, including but not limited to heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine, and marijuana. No matter which drug is involved in your drug crime, the charges can carry serious consequences ranging from fines to prison time.

Here at Fitch & Stahle Law Offices , we have a team of experienced defense attorneys with extensive knowledge in drug crime charges. Here are some of the most common types of drug crime.

Possession

The most common type of drug charge is possession. It is a crime under both federal and state laws to possess any illicit controlled substance such as marijuana, cocaine, ecstasy, and heroin. For a possession conviction, the prosecuting attorney must prove that the accused knowingly and intentionally possessed a controlled substance without a valid prescription, and the quantity was sufficient for personal use or sale. A person who is found to be in possession of an illegal drug can be charged with simple possession or intent to distribute, depending on the amount of the substance that was possessed.

Paraphernalia

Drug paraphernalia can refer to equipment that is used to inject, prepare, inhale, or conceal illegal drugs. It can also refer to equipment that is used to produce or conceal drugs. It is against the law for anybody to sell, import, or export any type of drug paraphernalia, including bongs, pipes, rolling papers, and syringes.

Manufacturing and Delivery

One of the more serious drug crime charges is manufacturing and delivery. This drug crime involves any step of the production of an illegal drug. The delivery of the illegal drug is also considered to be a crime. Manufacturing or cultivation can include growing, processing, or producing naturally occurring elements to make illegal controlled substances.

Distribution and Trafficking

In terms of a drug charge, “distribution” refers to a person being accused of selling, delivering, or providing controlled substances illegally. Often, people who are charged with distribution are charged because they sell illegal substances to an undercover police officer. Drug trafficking laws are similar, but trafficking charges have less to do with whether or not the drugs crossed state lines and more to do with the amount of drugs involved.

The consequences of distribution and trafficking vary greatly and depend on the type and amount of controlled substances involved, as well as the location of the apprehension and the defendant’s criminal history.

Drug Dealing

Drug dealing a charge that is similar to distribution and trafficking but takes place on a smaller scale than both. This type of drug crime typically consists of one person selling a small amount of drugs directly to another person, and thus, the punishment is less severe than selling large amounts.

Sioux Falls, NE Drug Attorney

If you have been charged with one of these crimes, it is vital to contact a drug crime attorney immediately. Here at Fitch & Stahle Law Offices, our team of experienced defense attorneys will protect your rights and do everything in our power to get the charges reduced or dropped.

Contact us at (402) 494-3012 to learn more.

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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.