A Minnesota Careless Driving citation is a serious traffic offense that can result in a criminal record if there is a conviction. Further, while it does not automatically result in a loss of driving privileges, it can lead to the termination of insur…

There are two certainties in life: death and taxes. Very few enjoy the process of filing tax returns and paying their taxes. But, it’s an obligation we cannot avoid. IF you do avoid it, though, you could receive the attention of the IRS or face…

Roughly a year ago, a client contacted North Star seeking an appeal of his sentence, which would require him to remain in the Minnesota State Prison system for at least four full years. He had entered a plea of guilty in Minneapolis to first degree n…

The Coronavirus sucks. Hearing the nightly news on how the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread throughout the country and fearing the impact it can have on our jobs, finances, and, most importantly, health – well, it takes a toll. Add in the…

The severity of a DWI in Minnesota depends on the number of aggravating factors, if any. If there are none, the DWI is a misdemeanor offense, with no statutory sentencing requirements. If one or more DWI aggravating factors are present, the DWI can b…

Minnesota’s sentencing laws used to be more penal than just, particularly in the everlasting ‘war on drugs.’ Sentencing reform in 2016 provided some help in stopping the law from being overly punitive toward controlled substance cri…

Family law can get downright nasty – especially when it comes to parenting rights. It is not uncommon for the parents to fight tooth and nail to maximize their parenting time to the detriment of the other parent. Multiple hearings and parenting…

Minnesota has a “zero tolerance policy” when it comes to underage consumption of alcohol. This means a minor may not consume any alcohol without facing the possibility of receiving a minor consumption ticket in Minnesota. But, you may be…