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What to Expect If You've Been Accused of Identity Theft

Robert Stahle • December 12, 2018
owi charges - Sioux City, IA - Criminal Defense Attorneys


According to last year’s statistics, about 1 in every 15 people was the victim of identity theft . Considering that more people are using apps and the internet for everything from banking to grocery shopping, there’s an incredible amount of personal information out there that could potentially land in the wrong hands.

Identity theft is one of the most common types of cybercrimes, and it occurs when the identity or personal information of one person is used by another without their permission to commit a crime, such as an act of fraud. Nobody wants to be the victim of identity theft, and many people are proactive in protecting themselves against it. However, much isn’t said about the other side of identity theft – that being what happens when someone has been accused of an identity crime.

First Steps If You’ve Been Accused of Identity Theft


Being accused of any crime is a stressful and emotional time. It’s natural to become reactive and do everything possible to attempt to resolve the situation. However, it’s important to remember to keep calm so that you can think clearly through the process. If you’ve been accused of an identity theft crime, the first thing to do is contact a criminal defense attorney. The next step is learning about identity theft laws in your area and the potential consequences of being convicted.


Identity Theft Laws in Iowa and Nebraska

The definition of identity theft is essentially the same, regardless of which side of the state line you reside in. Any action of unlawfully obtaining, using or transferring a person’s identifying information – including credit card and banking account numbers – can be considered identity theft. However, there are some slight variances in how identity theft crimes are charged in Iowa and Nebraska.

Iowa law separates identity theft into two distinct categories, based on the monetary value associated with the crime. If the monetary loss is less than $1,000, it is considered to be an aggravated misdemeanor, punishable by up to two years in jail and a fine. If monetary loss exceeds $1,000 it is then considered a Class D felony, punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a fine.

Nebraska has a more complex system of penalties for identity theft, breaking it down into four levels of charges based on monetary value. The least of these charges is a Class II misdemeanor for a first offense with a loss value of less than $500. The highest level of an identity theft charge is a Class IIA felony, reserved for cases when monetary loss exceeds $5000. In almost all cases, restitution is ordered in addition to time served and any fines.

What Happens When You’ve Been Accused

If you’ve been accused of identity theft, you can expect there to be a criminal investigation, unless you admit guilt. If you’ve been wrongly accused, it’s important that you refrain from discussing the case with anyone but your attorney who can make sure that your innocence is defended.

Schedule a Consultation

If you’ve been accused of identity theft, you don’t have the privilege of waiting to see how it turns out. Evidence can stack up against you quickly and you need a criminal defense lawyer to defend your rights. Contact Fitch & Stahle Law today and let’s discuss your case.

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Injured in a Car Accident in Nebraska or Iowa?

By Robert Stahle • October 22, 2025
A car accident can change your life in a matter of seconds. One moment you’re commuting or running errands, and the next, you’re facing a wrecked vehicle, physical pain, and a growing stack of medical bills. It’s stressful, overwhelming, and often confusing—especially when you’re not sure what to do next. At Fitch & Stahle Law Firm , we help car accident victims in South Sioux City , Sioux City , and across Nebraska and Iowa understand their rights and recover the compensation they deserve. In this post, we’ll walk you through the critical steps to take after a crash—and how to protect your health, finances, and legal claim. Step 1: Prioritize Your Safety and Health Immediately after a crash, your safety comes first. If possible: Move your vehicle out of traffic Check yourself and others for injuries Call 911 for medical help and law enforcement Even if you don’t feel seriously hurt, get evaluated by a medical professional as soon as possible. Many injuries—like whiplash, concussions, or internal trauma—don’t show symptoms right away. A prompt medical exam not only protects your health, it also documents your injuries for your insurance claim. Step 2: Call the Police and File an Accident Report In both Nebraska and Iowa , it’s important to report any crash involving: Injury or death Property damage over $1,000 A hit-and-run or uninsured driver The responding officer will create a police report , which includes key facts like: Date, time, and location of the accident Statements from drivers and witnesses Diagrams or photos of the scene Initial assessment of fault This report becomes vital evidence in your personal injury claim. Be honest and factual—but avoid admitting fault or guessing what happened. Step 3: Gather Evidence at the Scene (If You Can) If you are physically able and it’s safe to do so, collect the following: Photos of vehicle damage, injuries, skid marks, and surroundings Driver’s license, insurance, and contact info of all involved Contact info for witnesses Notes about the weather, road conditions, and what you recall If you’re unable to collect this yourself, Fitch & Stahle Law Firm may be able to retrieve surveillance footage, witness statements, or crash data later—but the more you gather early, the better. Step 4: Notify Your Insurance Company Most policies require you to notify your insurer after a crash. However, you do not need to give a recorded statement , especially before speaking to a lawyer. Stick to the basics: Where and when the crash happened Who was involved That you’re seeking medical treatment Avoid discussing fault, injuries, or potential settlement values. Insurance companies often use early statements to downplay your claim later. Step 5: Call a Car Accident Lawyer—Before You Talk to the Other Driver’s Insurance The at-fault driver’s insurance company may reach out soon after the crash. They might offer a quick settlement or ask for a recorded interview. Don’t be fooled— their goal is to protect their bottom line, not your recovery . When you call Fitch & Stahle Law Firm , we: Handle all communication with insurance companies Protect you from saying something that hurts your case Calculate the real value of your damages Make sure you aren’t pressured into a lowball settlement We offer free consultations and don’t charge legal fees unless we win your case. Step 6: Keep Track of Everything Start a folder or digital log for your car accident claim. Include: Medical bills and records Receipts for prescriptions or medical equipment Notes from doctor visits Pay stubs showing missed work A journal of your pain levels, emotional struggles, or daily challenges This documentation helps prove pain and suffering , lost income , and the long-term impact of your injury. What Compensation Can You Recover? Depending on the circumstances, you may be entitled to compensation for: Emergency room care and medical treatment Physical therapy and future healthcare needs Vehicle repairs or total loss Lost wages or reduced earning capacity Pain and suffering Emotional distress Permanent disability or disfigurement If the at-fault driver was reckless—such as driving drunk or texting behind the wheel—you may also qualify for punitive damages . At Fitch & Stahle , we fight for the maximum compensation available under Nebraska or Iowa law. How Long Do I Have to File a Claim? The legal deadline to file a car accident lawsuit (called the statute of limitations ) is: 4 years in Nebraska 2 years in Iowa However, it’s best to act early. Delays in filing can lead to lost evidence, unclear medical records, and a weaker case overall. Why Choose Fitch & Stahle Law Firm? We’ve spent years helping injured drivers in the Siouxland region get justice after devastating car accidents. Here’s why clients trust us: ✅ Local Experience : Based in South Sioux City , we know the roads, courts, and insurers in both Nebraska and Iowa. ✅ Full-Service Representation : From crash investigation to courtroom litigation, we handle every step. ✅ Licensed in NE & IA : Whether your accident happened on I-29, Highway 77, or in town, we’ve got you covered. ✅ No Upfront Fees : You pay nothing unless we win your case. Don’t Go Through This Alone—We’re Here to Help If you were injured in a car accident in South Sioux City , Sioux City , or anywhere in Northeast Nebraska or Northwest Iowa , don’t wait to protect your rights. The sooner you act, the stronger your claim. 📞 Call us now at 402-494-3012 🌐 Schedule your free consultation at fitch-stahlelaw.com 📍 Visit us at our South Sioux City office At Fitch & Stahle Law Firm , we fight for car accident victims every day—and we’re ready to fight for you.