BLOG

Important Things to Know About Drug Laws in Sioux City

Robert Stahle • October 3, 2018
drug laws in sioux city, ia

When someone is facing drug charges, no matter how minor or severe, they’re also facing the very real possibility that the charges will negatively impact their life for years to come. In Sioux City, even a seemingly minor offense can result in jail time and a blemish on your criminal record – something that can follow you around for the rest of your life.

One of the main issues with some of the drug laws in Sioux City, IA is that they’re not easily understood by everyone. Sure, if you get busted in possession of a large quantity of heroin or meth that’s obviously a serious offense, but what about the smaller infractions? Here is a quick guide to the local drug laws to help you understand which drug related activities are illegal and what the possible repercussions are.

Medical and Recreational Marijuana

Many states in the nation are in a transitional phase regarding the legalities of medical marijuana. While in some states marijuana has been approved for both medicinal and recreational purposes, Iowa is not quite at that point. The medicinal use of marijuana is permitted in Iowa, but only under very specific circumstances and a medical need card is required to prove that the patient has been approved. To put this in perspective, off all of Iowa’s residents only a few more than 300 are in possessionof medical use cards.

The state has also approved the opening of a handful of medical dispensaries, with Sioux City being a possible location for at least one of them. The arrival of a medical dispensary will not weaken the current marijuana laws, in fact any dispensary that is approved will be barred from selling any product that can be smoked or eaten.

For residents of Sioux City, this means that if you’re caught in possession of marijuana without a medical need card, you’re going to face some pretty harsh consequences. Possession of even a small amount for personal use is considered a misdemeanor which carries the potential of six months in jail for the first offense. Subsequent offenses can eventually result in a felony drug conviction.

Trafficking and Distribution

Any drug offense that involves the possession, sale or transfer of a large amount of illegal substances is taken very seriously in Iowa – as is the case in every other state of the nation. For example, Iowa’s controlled substances laws state that being in possession of 500g of cocaine, which is just over a pound, is a class C felony. As the amount of a controlled substance increases so does the potential penalties if convicted. Being in possession of more than 5kg is a class B felony with the potential of spending up to 50 years in prison.

The Representation You Need in Sioux City

It’s important to understand the drug laws in Sioux City, especially if you’re facing charges. You need the help of a legal team that’s experienced in defending drug charges. We’re the criminal defense attorneysthat can help. Contact Fitch & Stahletoday for a free consultation to discuss your case.

Understanding Wrongful Death Claims in Nebraska and Iowa:

By Robert Stahle • October 30, 2025
A Guide for Grieving Families

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.