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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.

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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.