BLOG

The Most Important Changes to Iowa Criminal Law in 2017

Robert Stahle • December 11, 2017
Iowa Criminal Law Changes for 2017 - Fitch & Stahle Law Firm

Changes occur in criminal law all the time, and some of them can have a direct impact on the rights of defendants as well as on how prosecutors try cases. Let’s take a look at some of the changes in Iowa criminal law over the past year.

Legislature Passes Law That Caps Medical Malpractice Cases

The Iowa legislature passed a law that places caps on medical malpractice liability lawsuits for pain and suffering and other psychological damages to $250,000. But that figure will not apply to any medical malpractice claim that involves disfigurement, permanent disability, and the loss of life.

The law also requires that plaintiffs in medical malpractice lawsuits obtain a “certificate of merit” and meet minimum standards related to expert witnesses in these cases. Iowa is the 36th state in the U.S. to place a cap on pain and suffering damage awards in a medical malpractice claim.

New Law Includes GPS In Criminal Offense of Domestic Abuse

In July, a new law went into effect that broadens the definition of stalking to include any defendant who is arrested for using a GPS to harass another person.

The law also lowers the standard that prosecutors have to meet in order to charge someone with stalking. Under the old law, prosecutors could only bring a charge of stalking if a victim was in fear of bodily harm or of death. But under the new law, prosecutors could charge someone with stalking if the victim felt threatened or frightened by another person.

A domestic abuse rider was also added to the law, which requires any person convicted three or more times of domestic abuse assault to serve 20 percent of the maximum prison term for that crime.

Iowa Legislature Passes Sentencing Reform Bill

In July, the Iowa Legislature passed a sentencing reform bill that repeals the mandatory minimum of 20 months for Class C drug offenses. The law will be retroactive, so people who were serving time in prison for a Class C drug conviction became eligible for parole on July 1, 2017.

The new law also gives judges the discretion to shorten the sentence of people convicted of a Class C or Class D felony, and reduces the sentencing disparities between defendants arrested for possession of crack cocaine and possession of powder cocaine.

In the past, sentencing guidelines were much more severe for defendants convicted of possession of crack cocaine, but the new law brings Iowa closer into line with crack sentencing in the rest of the states and makes crack sentences much fairer.

Mounting a Strong Defense On Your Behalf

While criminal laws may change from year to year, what doesn’t change is the fact that you will need an experienced defense attorney after you are charged with a serious crime. A felony conviction can affect your future in ways you can’t image, including barring you from working in a number of different industries. Fitch & Stahle Law Office has the resources to help you mount an aggressive defense. Please call us today at (402) 494-3012 to schedule a 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.
More Posts