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Put Yourself on Equal Footing with the Prosecution with a Strong Criminal Defense Attorney

Robert Stahle • January 4, 2021

If you have been charged with a crime and are facing potentially serious charges, the last thing you want to do is leave your fate in the hands of a court-appointed defense attorney. Whether you are innocent or guilty, hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney to represent you in court can make a world of difference in determining your future fate. Being accused of a criminal offense can be overwhelming and stressful, and having an attorney at your side who is worth their salt can go a long way in alleviating your stress.

Here at Fitch & Stahle Law Office, we are a criminal defense law firm with a strong reputation for successfully handling and resolving criminal defense cases. Working cases in both Iowa and Nebraska, we have a comprehensive understanding of the legal framework, and our experience in criminal defense law helps you fight for your rights.

The Advantages of Hiring a Criminal Defense Law Firm

When you have been charged with a criminal offense, you have a few different options: represent yourself in court, get a court-appointed defense attorney, or hire an outside defense attorney. Because dealing with the court system on your own can be stressful and difficult for those without a legal background, we do not recommend representing yourself. As for court-appointed attorneys, they are not as connected to your individual needs as the lawyers at Fitch & Stahle Law Office. Here are some additional advantages to hiring a criminal defense law firm.

Possess Knowledge of the Legal System

A good criminal defense attorney is an expert in criminal law, somebody who has studied it and practiced it for years. They will assess every in and out of your case, study all the evidence, and find legal precedent that works in your favor. At our law firm, we aim to resolve your criminal defense case in the quickest, most efficient manner possible, working alongside prosecutors and judges to achieve your best possible result.

They Know People Involved

Part of ending up with an advantageous outcome in your case is having a strong understanding of the parties involved. This includes judges and the prosecution. Our law firm is licensed in both Iowa and Nebraska, and we know the local participants in the legal system and how they operate. We often interact with judges and prosecutors and know what types of arguments work best for them.

They Have the Necessary Resources

Handling a criminal defense case properly involves having access to a variety of different resources and tools. Working on a case is not just about showing up in court and making arguments. It also involves gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and preparing a strategy to prove your innocence. A criminal defense attorney has access to all these resources and more.

Sioux City Criminal Defense Firm

The attorneys at Fitch & Stahle Law Office believe that you are innocent until proven guilty. We will fight hard for you in court, gathering evidence and witnesses, and making arguments that will provide the best possible outcome for you.

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

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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