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

Robert Stahle • September 13, 2019
A man in a suit and tie is sitting at a desk talking to a woman.

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.

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.