James Gempeler

James 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, creative in negotiating with the state and arguing in court, and he will not hesitate to aggressively advocate for his client through litigation and taking matters to trial. These skills yield fantastic results for his client on a regular basis, including winning multiple jury trials in a row where the jury deliberated for less than two hours each time. Not only that, two jurors waited for James in the courthouse lobby after trial to get his business card because they were so impressed with his trial skills and knew they found their attorney should they ever need one.

Just as important, James is a respected attorney by his peers and judges alike. He was annually named a Rising Star, which is reserved for only 2.5% of attorneys under the age of 40. And he has now graduated to become a Super Lawyer, an honor bestowed upon the best attorneys over 40. It is his dedication to his clients - and a work ethic and drive to routinely get favorable results for them - that has led to these prestigious honors. You know you are getting one of the best and most respected Minnesota criminal defense attorneys when you hire James.

James has experience handling the gamut of criminal charges, including, but not limited to, homicide, attempted murder, all forms of felony charges, DUI, expungements, domestic assault, assault, drug charges, criminal neglect, obstructing legal process, theft, disorderly conduct... and you get the point. James has appeared on behalf of his clients throughout the State. In fact, he has appeared in more than half of the counties and has a goal in appearing in all of them.

In his free-time, James enjoys the fun and challenges associated with raising two girls - though, he is quick to point out that he's just riding the coattails of his beautiful wife and all that she does for the family. He is an avid golfer and sports fan.

Notable Results

• State v. P.W.
  • Charges: 2nd Degree Assault with a Firearm and Threats of Violence - Felonies
  • Resolution: Acquittal at trial.
• State v. B.G.
  • Charges: 3 counts each of Attempted 2nd Degree Murder; 1st Degree Assault; 2nd Degree Assault with a Dangerous Weapon
  • Resolution: Acquittal at trial on ALL nine counts.
• State v. K.B.
  • Charges: 4th Degree DUI - Marijuana - Misdemeanor
  • Resolution: Acquittal at trial.
• State v. M.V.
  • Charges: 5th Degree Assault - Misdemeanor
  • Resolution: Acquitted at a jury trial.

Awards

• 2025 Top Lawyers (Minnesota Monthly)
• 2024-25 Super Lawyers
• 2015-23 Rising Star
• 2015-16 North Star Lawyer - Awarded for over 50 hours of pro bono services in a calendar year.
• 2015 Up & Coming Attorney - Awarded to only 27 attorneys statewide with less than 10-years of experience.