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Why You Need a Defense Attorney Even When You’re Innocent

Robert Stahle • September 13, 2019

Being charged with a crime isn’t the same as being found guilty in a criminal trial. Every day, someone is charged with a crime they didn’t commit and put in the position of defending their innocence. In the United States, we have something called the Presumption of Innocence. Under the Presumption of Innocence, any person who is suspected of committing a criminal act is innocent until they are proven guilty.

If you’ve been accused of a crime you didn’t commit, you might be wondering if it’s really necessary to hire a defense attorney to protect the innocence you claim. If you’re innocent, shouldn’t the lack of evidence alone be enough to keep you out of jail? The answer is not always, and an experienced defense attorney is an ally you want on your side.


The Prosecution Is Not Your Friend

For every defendant in a criminal trial, there’s a prosecuting attorney that is hard at work, looking to establish your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If you’re innocent, it logically seems like this would be impossible to do, however this often isn’t the case.


At the end of the day, it’s the prosecutor’s job to get a conviction. This means they’re going to be looking at any and all evidence that presents a compelling case for your involvement in the crime. A defense attorney can counter their arguments, prevent improper evidence from being used against you, and prepare a case that establishes your innocence. Without a defense attorney by your side, you risk being unfairly convicted for a crime you didn’t commit.


Your Defense Attorney Is Your Voice in the Criminal Court System

If you’re charged with a crime, and end up going to trial, there’s a balance of back and forth communication between the defense, prosecution, the judge, and the jury in the case. There are two distinct sides of the story to be told, with evidence and testimony being presented to support each. There is also a great deal of legal technicalities that come into play, which is why it’s often so difficult – and ineffective – to represent yourself in a trial. During the trial stage, your attorney serves as your voice, and your advocate during the entire process.


A Defense Attorney Can Stop Charges In Their Tracks

The majority of criminal charges never make it to trial. This is because defense attorneys know how to work with the prosecution to iron out a plea deal that keeps their defendant out of court and minimizes any potential sentencing. If you’re truly innocent, your defense attorney can prove just how difficult it would be for the prosecution to establish guilt. In this case, the prosecution is more likely to agree to a plea or drop the charges altogether.


Charged with a Crime? Connect with an Experience Criminal Defense Law Firm

If you’ve been charged with a crime you didn’t commit, the most important thing you can do to protect your freedom is to reach out to a criminal defense law firm to discuss your case. A consultation with a defense attorney can help you better understand the complexities of your case. Our experienced defense attorneys are here to help. Contact Fitch & Stahle Law Office for a consultation today.

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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