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What Happens If I'm Found Guilty?

Robert Stahle • August 16, 2017

What Are My Criminal Defense Options?

Guilty - Sioux City Criminal Defense Attorneys

At Fitch & Stahle Law, we are successful at obtaining many “not guilty” verdicts from judges and juries, as well as getting many cases dismissed. But there are times when it's best for a client to enter a plea of “no contest” or “guilty” when criminal or personal injury charges are brought against them. As experienced personal injury and criminal defense attorneys, we will do everything in our power to prepare you for the possibility of a “guilty” verdict and educate you on the steps that can be taken to appeal, get a fine or probation.

What Happens If I'm Found Guilty?

If a defendant is found guilty, the judge will determine the penalty or sentence. The court may choose to sentence the defendant right away or the sentencing may be scheduled for a later date. If imprisonment is a possibility, the judge may take into consideration any time already served when determining the final sentence. Additionally, a judge will often request a Pre-Sentence Investigation Report or PSI Report to gather information about the defendant. The report will then be given to the judge a few days prior to sentencing and should contain detailed information on the defendant that has been collected by a probation officer. In the majority of guilty verdicts, a PSI Report is needed to be considered for probation.

Can I Appeal a Guilty Verdict?

Yes. Either side of a criminal case can appeal the verdict if they do not agree with the judge's final decision. Depending on your case and the possible outcome of sentencing, our experienced criminal defense attorneys will advise you on your various appeal options.

Can a Cash Settlement or Payout Help My Case?

Unlike civil lawsuits, criminal cases cannot be settled with a payout. Because the plaintiff in criminal cases is the government and they are not seeking money, a settlement is not possible. However, personal injury lawsuits can be settled with a payout and may be helped by insurance coverage. In fact, even if you are found at fault in a personal injury case, you may still be entitled to receive a percentage of the payout you would normally get from your insurance company.

What Other Steps Can I Take?

By obtaining a drug and alcohol evaluation, you may increase your chances of a fine or probation. If you decide to complete an official drug and alcohol evaluation, the evaluator will ask for information about the underlying case, your history of substance abuse and any prior criminal history. Additionally, character letters can be greatly beneficial for those who are facing a guilty plea or verdict. If you have been convicted of a crime, our experienced and knowledgeable attorneys may recommend asking friends, family and mentors to write letters on your behalf that show you are a good person and the crime you have been convicted of is a deviation from how you usually conduct yourself.

Are you facing a difficult criminal or personal injury lawsuit? If you have been charged with a crime in Iowa or Nebraska, contact our qualified and experienced criminal defense attorneys online today and schedule an initial consultation.

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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