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Getting Burglary Charges Dropped

Robert Stahle • September 4, 2020

If you are facing burglary charges, you need a strong legal defense to get them dropped. Fortunately, there are many avenues at your disposal if you are trying to counter a burglary accusation. Some defendants who are facing charges will not even proceed to the trial or plea bargain stage, as their burglary charges can be dropped for a variety of reasons. These reasons are as varied and diverse as violation of constitutional rights, insufficient evidence, and new testimony arising.

People who are facing burglary charges, have it in their best interests to take advantage of the services of a criminal defense law firm such as Fitch & Stahle Law Office. Our team of experienced attorneys will look carefully at your case to determine if there are any ways in which the burglary charges can be dropped. Here are some of the most common ways in which burglary charges get dropped.

Actual Innocence

The most simple burglary defense and way for your burglary charges to get dropped is a claim of actual innocence. In other words, the defense team will convince the court that the defendant did not actually commit the crime in question, convincing the prosecution to drop the charges.

In order to move forward with a criminal case, the prosecution has the responsibility of proving the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Thus, the defendant and their defense team must create plausible doubt in the minds of the jury as to whether the prosecution's case demonstrates that the crime was committed.

Insufficient Evidence

One of the main responsibilities of the prosecutor in a burglary case is to present evidence that demonstrates the crime was committed. The evidence must show a factual, objective basis for believing that the burglary defendant actually committed the crime. If the judge does not find this evidence to be convincing, the charges can be dropped.

New Testimony Arises

Sometimes new testimony or new evidence will surface that contradicts the original arrest information. A Sioux City criminal defense lawyer can help you discover evidence that contradicts the original information, and sometimes this newly uncovered evidence can help get the charges dropped.

Violation of Constitutional Rights

The United States Constitution states that a law enforcement officer can stop a vehicle or a person on the street under only certain circumstances, such as if they suspect a crime is being committed. In the case of a burglary, police can only enter a house if without a warrant if they suspect a crime is occurring or if there is an emergency.

Another common violation of constitutional rights that law enforcement commits is entrapment. If a criminal defense lawyer can prove that law enforcement entrapped the defendant into committing burglary, the charges can be dropped.

Sioux City Defense Attorney

If you are facing burglary charges, it is important to hire a criminal defense attorney who can help you get them dropped. At Fitch & Stahle, our team of experienced criminal lawyers can help you obtain the best possible outcome for your case. We will keep your interests protected and examine the case from all angles to determine if the charges can be dropped.

Contact our team at (402) 494-3012 today.

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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