BLOG

What to Do if You’ve Been Wrongfully Accused of a Crime 

Robert Stahle • September 7, 2018
wrongfully accused of a crime - Fitch & Stahle Law Firm

Our justice system was put into place to protect society from those that commit crimes and cause harm to others, and for the most part it does its job. Unfortunately, no system is without failures, and occasionally an innocent person will be wrongfully accused and need to defend themselves against a crime they didn’t commit.

While statistics on the overall rate of wrongful convictions are sparse, one studyshows the false conviction rate for defendants who’ve been sentenced to capital punishment exceeds 4%. This number tells us that not only do false convictions occur, but they can also carry dire consequences for the wrongfully accused defendant. If you are innocent, yet find yourself facing criminal charges, it’s crucial to take steps to defend your freedom.

You Have the Right to Remain Silent

The Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution protects citizens from being compelled to be a witness against themselves. The Miranda Rights were put into effect to prevent law enforcement from forcing or coercing the accused into giving up this right. Step number one when wrongfully accused is to use your right to remain silent.

No matter how innocent the questioning may seem, it’s important to not say anything without a defense attorney present. Chances are that you’ll already be nervous, and emotions will be running high. One incorrect detail or inconsistency in your retelling of events can later be used to establish your involvement. Remaining silent doesn’t make you look guilty, it means you’re smart.

Hire a Defense Attorney

Not hiring a criminal defense attorney is a critical mistake that too many innocent defendants make. At first glance it might seem like the facts will come to light and everything will work out. After all, if you’re innocent, how can the prosecution possibly prove guilt?

It’s important to remember that in a criminal trial, the prosecution is required to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you committed the crime. In some cases, evidence and testimony can be presented in such a way that eliminates reasonable doubt. The fact is, you never know what you’re up against in a criminal case.

Additionally, a defense attorney will understand the prosecution’s perspective and is well equipped to guide you in how to best proceed with your case.

Discuss Your Options

Once you’ve hired a defense attorney, you’ll discuss your case and consider the best options for establishing and maintaining your innocence. You attorney’s suggestions will depend greatly on the circumstances of your case.

For example, sometimes a “wait and see” approach is best, especially if there’s limited evidence against you. In some cases, it can take the prosecution so long to gather evidence that they’ll determine that there’s insufficient evidence rather than devote time to a dead-end case.

In other cases, a defense attorney might propose a more aggressive strategy to pursue a dismissal. Then there will also be situations in which neither of these are valid options and the case goes to trial. In this case, having the most experienced defense attorney by your side is crucial.

Work with Experienced Siouxland Lawyers

If you’ve been wrongfully accused of a crime, we’re the defense team in the Siouxland area of Iowa and Nebraska that can establish and defend your innocence. Contact Fitch & Stahle Law Offices today for a free 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