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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.

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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