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NOT ALWAYS MINNESOTA NICE

Aggressive and Respected Criminal Defense Attorneys

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PROVEN SUCCESS THROUGH over 45 years OF COMBINED EXPERIENCE.

WE GET RESULTS.

Personalized Legal Strategy

A client is a person, not another file. North Star Criminal Defense takes a hands-on approach with every client to fully understand their entire case so that a truly personalized legal strategy is developed. Then we work with you in strategically developing ways to improve your case. For instance, we may advise you to seek character letters from individuals. But, we don’t stop there; we also advise you on who you should seek the letters from, what they say, and how they best work into your case. By taking the time to build and improve your case, North Star Criminal Defense develops and implements a personalized legal strategy that will serve you best.

Expertise in Expungements

Most defense firms handle expungements irregularly. North Star Criminal Defense is different. We specialize in this field because we care about helping people get the second chances they need and deserve. To that end, we are well-known and respected in our field for this work. We have spoken at numerous continuing legal education seminars on this topic and even been published by a magazine distributed to attorneys and judges statewide. This expertise serves our clients well when making persuasive arguments at court on their behalf. And this usually leads to our clients getting the expungement they need.

Unmatched Client Care

North Star Criminal Defense prides itself on its client service. We know that your criminal record is damaging your life and that an expungement is critical to your future. That is why our Minnesota expungement attorneys focus on giving you the respect and attention you deserve. This means that your calls and emails are answered as promptly as possible. Your questions and concerns will be addressed. And you will be informed throughout the entire process. We work tirelessly to earn your trust and to keep it.

Our Attorneys

Dan Adkins's Profile Image
Dan Adkins
Mr. Adkins has become rather ‘the man to see’ in the region, for folks facing criminal charges, based solely on his record of success since moving his practice to Minnesota in 1996. Victories include pre-charge declines, evidence suppression in d… Read More
James Gempeler's Profile Image
James Gempeler
Mr. Gempeler focuses his practice on criminal defense and expungements because he believes that a mistake or a single event should not define that person. He is diligent in his preparation, skilled in negotiating with the state and arguing in court,… Read More

Don’t Let Your Past Continue to Impact Your Life. We Work Hard to Make Sure One Mistake or Bad Decision Does Not Ultimately Define You.

WHAT OUR CLIENTS HAVE TO SAY

  • "I was extremely satisfied with Mr. Gempeler’s representation. He was always prepared and answered my questions very thoroughly. He walked me through the court appearance process and prepared me well."
    – R.E., Hennepin County. Expunged a misdemeanor domestic assault conviction.
  • "I am extremely satisfied with the services I received. Communication was great. I appreciated the pre-hearing brief we had about how it would go."
    – N.M., Sherburne County. Expunged a 5th degree assault conviction.
  • "I valued the communication from the attorneys the most. They kept me appraised of the developments and status of my case. I would certainly refer North Star Criminal Defense to others needing an expungement attorney."
    – R.K., Carlton County. Expunged a 3rd Degree DWI conviction.

Blog

18 April
Felonies
Minnesota Tax Crimes - Will the Court of Appeals Follow the Law?
The most common Minnesota Tax Crimes that we see are failing to file and failing to pay taxes, pursuant to Minn. Stat. 289A.63, subd. 1. The statute dictates that the severity level of the crime is either a gross misdemeanor or felony. The difference… Read More
29 January
Criminal Charges
Minnesota's Clean Slate Law - Of Course There's a Delay
In 2023, Minnesota became the twelfth state to enact “Clean Slate” legislation, which was supposed to offer automatic criminal expungements to over 500,000 Minnesotan residents. Many Minnesotans who were looking forward to, and depending on, the… Read More
15 January
Case Law Updates, Constitutional Rights
Does a Drug Dog Sniff Inside a Vehicle Require Probable Cause?
Traffic stops. We have all been there. You notice the flashing lights in your rearview mirror, pull over, and prepare for the usual questions. But what if the officer doesn’t ask you any questions and instead orders you out of your vehicle and call… Read More