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What is Identity Theft & What are the Potential Consequences?

Robert Stahle • April 11, 2018
Identity Theft Charges - Fitch and Stahle Law Firm

We live in a highly digitalized world, and most of the time that’s a great thing. Thanks to technology, we enjoy many conveniences today that weren’t available just a few years ago. Unfortunately, advanced technology comes with some downsides, one of them being that it has become much easier to become a victim to identity theft.

What Is Identity Theft?

Identity theft and identity fraud are two terms used to describe crimes in which someone has wrongfully obtained and used another person’s personal information in a way that involves deceptive actions or fraud. In most cases, identity theft occurs with the goal of financial gain.

Identity theft generally falls into one of three categories.


  • Unauthorized use, or attempted use, of an already existing account
  • Unauthorized use, or attempted use, of the personal information of another person to open a new account
  • Misuse of any personal information with a fraudulent intent

While identity theft and fraud can be difficult to prove, the Federal Trade Commission estimates that as many as 9 million Americans have their identity stolen or compromised each year.

Identity Theft Can Turn Your Life Upside Down

Identity theft can infiltrate every aspect of your life, from your ability to secure a car loan to being able to obtain health coverage. Many people tend to think about identity theft in terms of someone getting a credit card in their name, but in fact, it goes much deeper.

Identity theft can impact your career. More employers are checking credit histories before making a hiring decision. If an identity thief has left a black mark on your record, it could interfere with landing a great job.

Your insurance rates will rise. From automobile, to home and health coverage, your credit score will impact the rate you’ll pay. Low credit scores because of identity theft will bump up your monthly premiums.

Identity theft can affect your retirement. If an identity thief has somehow managed to alter or affect your record of lifetime earnings, it can impact the amount of social security you receive upon retirement.

You can get arrested. Yes, a victim can get arrested from identity theft. If the person who stole your identity used it to commit unlawful acts or gave your name and personal information at the time of arrest and then failed to follow up on court appointments, you could potentially be arrested for crimes you didn’t commit. The burden of proof would then fall on you.

Do You Need a Lawyer if You’re a Victim of Identity Theft?

There isn’t an easy answer to this question. As a victim of identity theft, you don’t need an attorney, but having one by your side can make the process of regaining your identity much easier.

For example, a lawyer can easily get businesses to release records that are pertinent to your case, plus an attorney doesn’t need to take the customer service route to resolving complaints. They can bypass the customer service call center and head straight to the legal department where they’ll get results.

If you’re the victim of identity theft, we’re here to answer your questions. Contact the Fitch & Stahle Law Office today and let’s take the first step to getting your life back on track.

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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