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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.

Injured in an Accident?

By Robert Stahle • September 5, 2025
Why You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer

Know Your Rights:

By Robert Stahle • August 21, 2025
What to Do After a Drunk Driving Accident in Nebraska or Iowa Being hit by a drunk driver is traumatic, confusing, and often life-altering. In the aftermath, you may be overwhelmed by medical bills, vehicle damage, missed work, and pain that doesn’t go away. On top of all that, you’re probably wondering: What are my legal rights? At Fitch & Stahle Law Firm in South Sioux City, Nebraska , we help victims of drunk driving accidents across Nebraska and Iowa understand their rights, protect their claims, and pursue the compensation they deserve. This post explains what you’re entitled to after a DUI-related crash—and what steps you should take to protect yourself. Drunk Driving Victims Have the Right to Compensation If you were injured by someone driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you have the legal right to seek compensation through a personal injury claim . These claims are separate from any criminal charges the drunk driver may face. In a civil claim, the goal is not to punish the offender (that’s the court’s job)—it's to recover financial damages for the harm you’ve suffered , including: Emergency medical care Long-term treatment and rehabilitation Lost income and loss of earning potential Pain and suffering Mental and emotional distress Property damage Punitive damages (in extreme DUI cases) At Fitch & Stahle , our job is to make sure you get every dollar you’re entitled to—while the at-fault party is held accountable for their reckless actions. Nebraska and Iowa Laws That Protect Drunk Driving Victims Every state handles DUI-related personal injury claims differently. Because Fitch & Stahle Law Firm is licensed in both Nebraska and Iowa , we’re uniquely qualified to navigate the laws in both jurisdictions. Here are some key legal protections available in each state: Nebraska: Dram Shop Liability : If a bar, restaurant, or alcohol-serving establishment over-served the intoxicated driver, you may be able to sue that establishment under Nebraska’s dram shop law. Comparative Negligence Rule : Nebraska follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You can still recover damages if you were less than 50% at fault for the accident. Statute of Limitations : You generally have four years to file a personal injury claim in Nebraska, but acting sooner improves your chances. Iowa: Dram Shop Law : Iowa’s dram shop law also allows claims against alcohol vendors who sell to an intoxicated person that causes an accident. These claims have special notice requirements. Modified Comparative Fault : You can recover damages in Iowa as long as you are not more than 50% at fault. Statute of Limitations : In Iowa, you typically have two years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit. Understanding which laws apply—and how to use them to your advantage—requires a legal team with experience in both states. That’s why Fitch & Stahle Law Firm is the trusted choice in Siouxland . What to Do Immediately After a Drunk Driving Crash The steps you take right after a crash can make or break your case. Here's what you should do: ✅ Call 911 and get medical help Always prioritize safety. Even if you feel okay, some injuries (like brain trauma or internal bleeding) don’t show symptoms right away. ✅ Document everything Take photos of the crash scene, vehicle damage, your injuries, skid marks, and road signs. Get names and contact info of witnesses. ✅ Get the police report A police report stating the other driver was intoxicated is critical to your claim. Ask the responding officer for details about any breathalyzer or field sobriety tests. ✅ Avoid talking to insurance companies alone Insurance adjusters may seem friendly, but they are trained to protect the company—not you. Don’t give recorded statements or accept offers without legal guidance. ✅ Contact a personal injury lawyer The sooner you speak to a lawyer, the better. At Fitch & Stahle , we offer free consultations and handle every step of your claim—from gathering evidence to negotiating with insurers and going to court if needed. Common Injuries in Drunk Driving Crashes Drunk driving accidents often involve high speeds, poor judgment, and failure to brake—all of which increase the severity of injuries. We commonly represent clients suffering from: Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) Spinal cord injuries and paralysis Broken bones and fractures Internal bleeding and organ damage Facial disfigurement and scarring Emotional trauma and PTSD These aren’t just short-term problems. They can impact your career, relationships, and overall quality of life for years to come. That’s why it’s so important to have an attorney who fights for the long-term value of your claim —not just a quick settlement. Why Choose Fitch & Stahle Law Firm? Here’s what makes us different: ✅ We’re local —Based in South Sioux City and serving all of Siouxland ✅ We’re licensed in Nebraska and Iowa ✅ We’ve handled hundreds of personal injury claims ✅ You pay nothing unless we win ✅ We offer compassionate, one-on-one attention When you hire Fitch & Stahle , you're not just another case file—you’re a neighbor, and we take your recovery personally. Get the Legal Support You Deserve Today Drunk driving is a serious offense with serious consequences. If you or a loved one has been injured in a DUI crash in South Sioux City, Sioux City , or anywhere in the Tri-State area , don’t wait to assert your rights. 📍 Visit our office in South Sioux City, NE 📞 Call us at 402-494-3012 💻 Schedule your free consultation at fitch-stahlelaw.com Let us take the legal burden off your shoulders while you focus on healing. Fitch & Stahle Law Firm is here to fight for you.