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Criminal Defense Strategies To Keep You Out of Jail

Robert Stahle • December 11, 2017
Criminal Defense Strategies - Fitch & Stahle Law Firm

After you’ve been arrested and you are facing a trial, your criminal defense lawyer must mount a defense that will either reduce the charges against you, or earn an acquittal.

And while every case is different, there are some common criminal defense strategies that lawyers use to create enough reasonable doubt in a jury’s mind that you committed the crime.

Defendant Wasn’t Present at the Scene of the Crime

One of the easiest ways that a defense lawyer can help a client is by proving that the client was not at the scene of the crime.

This is typically done by showing that the defendant had an alibi that can be confirmed by at least one credible witness.

While it’s true that some defendants can produce credible alibis and still have been involved in a crime via a third party, presenting a strong alibi can help create reasonable doubt in the mind of a jury.

Showing an Alternate Possibility

Another potential defense to a criminal charge is for an attorney to introduce another possibility as to how the crime occurred that does not involve his or her client.

In other words, if a defense lawyer can show that another person could have committed the crime, this can create enough reasonable doubt in a jury’s mind and prevent a unanimous verdict, which is the standard necessary to convict a defendant in a criminal case.

In some instances, defense lawyers will attack the validity of the prosecution’s evidence, including the manner in which DNA was collected.

Because DNA is so crucial in criminal cases such as robbery, burglary, assault, and murder, defense lawyers will often focus their strategy on questioning whether that evidence was properly processed, or whether the evidence was tainted by faulty collection methods.

Creating reasonable doubt in a criminal case only requires a defense lawyer to convince one juror that there is a chance the defendant isn’t guilty. Because if that juror believes that the prosecution has not proven its case beyond a reasonable doubt, the defendant will not be convicted of the crime.

Self Defense

For some criminal cases, the best strategy is for a defense lawyer to admit that their clients committed the crime, but to argue that it was done in self-defense.

This strategy is often used in murder, manslaughter, and assault cases, in which defendants claim that they were defending themselves against another person’s attack.

The key standards in this defense, however, are that defendants must prove that they had a reasonable fear of physical harm, and that they used reasonable force to protect themselves from an attack.

For example, you could not argue self-defense if someone threatened to punch you, and you responded by pulling out a gun and shooting them.

Mounting a Strong Defense on Your Behalf

While a defense to a criminal charge will vary based on the circumstances, an experienced defense attorney will always strive to convince a jury that doubt exists about a client’s guilt. At Fitch & Stahle, we have the resources and expertise to mount an aggressive defense. Please contact us today at 402-494-3012 for a legal consultation.

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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