BLOG

Contesting Marijuana Drug Crimes

Robert Stahle • October 6, 2020

Each year, hundreds of thousands of people across the country are arrested for marijuana-related crimes. Though some states have seen an easing toward legalization, the possession and distribution of marijuana is still unlawful in both Iowa and Nebraska, and thus penalties can include jail time, fines, and community service. Hiring an experienced drug crime attorney can help you get the charges reduced or even dropped.

Here at Fitch & Stahle Law Office, our team of professional drug attorneys has been helping Sioux City residents contest marijuana drug crimes for decades. Here is how, with the help of a professional drug attorney , you can contest marijuana drug crime accusations.

Defenses for Marijuana Crimes

When you first visit our drug lawyer for a consultation, together we will review some of the most common defenses for marijuana crimes, whether it’s possession or distribution.

Unlawful Search and Seizure

According to the Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution, everybody has a right to due process of law, including lawful search and seizure procedures prior to an arrest. Issues with proper search and seizure are a common drug possession defense.

An example of improper search and seizure would be if the arresting officer used a crowbar to pry open the trunk of your vehicle, where the drugs were being held. This type of uninvited search would be a violation of your Fourth Amendment rights.

Crime Lab Analysis

Just because the drug that was seized looks like marijuana doesn’t mean that it actually is. The prosecution has to prove that the seized substance is actually the illicit drug it claims it is by sending it to a crime lab. The crime lab must then testify at trial and provide proof that the substance was indeed marijuana.

Drugs Belong to Someone Else

A common defense in drug cases is to claim that the drugs belong to someone else and that you did not know that they were in your residence or your vehicle. A skilled drug attorney will pressure the prosecutors to prove that the marijuana found in the car belonged to their client and not one of the other passengers in the car.

Drugs Were Planted

Certain police officers have been known to plant drugs in order to boost their arrest rate. In order to prove this, your attorney can file a motion that requires the police department to release the complaint file of the arresting officer.

Entrapment

Another common defense for drug possession and distribution crimes is entrapment. While law enforcement are free to set up sting operations, entrapment occurs when an officer induces a suspect to commit a crime he or she may not have otherwise committed. For example, if a police informant pressures a suspect into passing drugs to a third party, this action may be considered entrapment.

Sioux City Drug Attorney

Whether you have been charged with a misdemeanor or a felony, you will want the professional legal representation of Fitch & Stahle Law Office on your side. Our team of experienced drug lawyers will do everything they can to help you get the best possible outcome.

To learn more about our firm, contact us at (402) 494-3012 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.
More Posts