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Should You Ever Represent Yourself in a Criminal Trial?

Robert Stahle • May 9, 2019
judge gavel

If you’ve found yourself in a situation where you’re required to appear in court, the idea of self-representation may have crossed your mind. Maybe you’ve heard that self-representation is an option, however you’re not sure how to go about doing it, or even if it’s the best option.

People choose to represent themselves in court for a variety of reasons. While self-representation is allowed, it’s important to understand the challenges, and the advantages of working with a defense attorney before making your decision.


Representing Yourself in Court

Of the reasons that a person might choose to represent themselves in court without the assistance of a defense attorney, the most common are cost and convenience. For instance, in minor cases that don’t move beyond small claims court, retaining a lawyer can seem like an incredibly expensive inconvenience.

The truth is, in smaller cases, you might be able to successfully represent yourself in court. These types of cases are often cut and dry, and don’t require an in-depth knowledge of legal topics. There’s also the fact that any amount you do end up paying as part of the judgement might not compare to the amount you would invest in legal counsel. From this perspective, self-representation might make sense.

A riskier venture is attempting to represent yourself when the stakes are higher. If you’re involved in a case where incarceration or hefty fines are potential penalties, you really have too much at stake to take chances with self-representation.


Why You Should Work with Defense Attorney During Your Trial

It is always inadvisable to represent yourself as a defendant in a criminal trial . Therefore, you’re legally entitled to an attorney and will be provided with one if you have limited financial means. The United States Constitution provides you with the right to a fair trial, and having effective legal representation is an important part of this process.

It’s also important for people to understand that a licensed attorney is the only alternative to self-representation in the court of law. It doesn’t matter how much experience and knowledge a friend or relative may claim to have, a judge will not allow them to represent you if they are not a licensed attorney.

The main reason that you should stop and reconsider before attempting to represent yourself in court is that criminal law is complicated. Attorneys spend years and many sleepless nights learning just the basics of law, then they spend even longer gaining the practical experience they need to successfully defend their clients in court. There is no amount of book-smarts that can compare with what a qualified defense attorney brings to the table.

Individuals who choose to represent themselves also have a greater risk of self-incrimination and becoming overly emotional in their testimony. Trust that judges and court officials will not give you any passes simply because you chose to represent yourself.


Reach Out and Get the Help You Need Today

If you’re facing a criminal trial, it’s important that you have the most experienced and qualified legal team on your side. When you need legal representation in the Siouxland area, Fitch & Stahle Law Office is here to defend your freedom. With experienced, licensed defense attorneys in Iowa and Nebraska, we’re prepared to handle your case. Contact Fitch & Stahle Law Office 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.
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