Minnesota Assault Case Results

To see just how successful our approach is, here are some representative assault case results:

State v. D.V.

Probationary sentence. Mr. Adkins was retained with less than two months to counsel and advise the client on how to position himself best for a life-altering sentencing hearing. Through this counseling, the client became proactive in obtaining services while in custody and wrote a thoughtful letter, demonstrating his remorse and acceptance of responsibility for his actions. The judge told the courtroom that he took the bench prepared to send the client to prison, pursuant to a presumptive commitment of 4+ years. After Mr. Adkins' savvy and persuasive sentencing argument, the judge reversed course and placed the client on probation and sentenced him to serve no prison time. This is truly a remarkable outcome. And it goes to show that it is critical to be sure you are prepared to fight for your future at all times throughout the case. Even at sentencing when it seems like the deck is stacked against you, the right approach and sentencing attorney can lead to incredible results.

State v. S.M.

Plea to the 4th Degree Assault, sentenced as a misdemeanor, and the disorderly conduct case was dismissed in its entirety. On top of this great outcome, the client was ordered to do no further time in custody or community service - despite probation recommending an additional 120 hours of community service. The fine was the bare minimum that could be imposed, too. The client is battling alcoholism, which led to these charges. She was also on probation at the time of the incident for a felony 4th degree assault of a police officer and picked up a DWI, too. Despite all of that, the North Star team successfully negotiated this a misdemeanor outcome. Proactive steps by the client are instrumental. And this client did everything she could to earn this outcome.

State v. N.M.B.

Dismissal. This case, concerning an assault allegation that could easily have been amended to a Domestic count (with the attendant significant collateral consequences, including gun-right loss), looked close to insoluble at first, but the team at North Star coordinated closely with the client and his wonderful family, convinced the State that the allegations were infirm, and before even the second trip to the courthouse, the State filed a Rule 30.01 notice, permanently dismissing the case. Family is most pleased, with cause.

State v. (Confidential)

In a Washington County matter, Dan Adkins successfully sought and received a probationary sentence for a young person who nearly killed a friend in an alcohol-fueled event. Had this matter been charged as attempted homicide, a sentence in the hundreds of months would have been the starting point, for either negotiations or a result after a guilty verdict. As it is, aggressive work by the legal team and a tremendous commitment on the part of the client to address mental health and drug/alcohol dependency issues in residential treatment brought about a remarkable result. After a relatively short spell on probationary conditions, this person can move forward positively and thoughtfully, having never visited the inside of a Minnesota Correctional Facility. Truly incredible result.

State v. T.E.

Continuance for Dismissal. Client had no defense. She allegedly assaulted a fellow wedding-goer for no reason, except for a possible mental health breakdown. The client took immediate proactive steps following the incident, specifically directed at figuring out what caused the incident. After completing the same and demonstrating that this truly was a one-night, random incident that will not happen again, the client earned this fantastic result, which preserved her clean record. She is thrilled that she got the North Star team to properly advocate for her - and use our great relationships with the prosecutors, who knew they could trust us and, therefore, our client.

State v. A.P.

Stay of adjudication to one count of assault. Making this outcome even more remarkable is the fact that we avoided the requirement for domestic abuse programming that was recommended by probation in the pre-sentence investigation is usually imposed for any domestic assault case. The proactive steps - advised to be taken by the North Star team - proved to be the difference in both the negotiations and "sentencing." Now the client can keep his record conviction free thanks to this incredible result.

State v. L.B.

Gross Misdemeanor sentence to assault plea. The client had a rough night in which she bit off part of the victim's ear. Both parties were intoxicated. Our client had no criminal record and it was critical to avoid a felony record in order to keep her career. Based upon our counseling to be proactive in addressing chemical dependency and mental health issues, combined with our experienced negotiating, the client obtained an agreed-upon gross misdemeanor sentence to the charge. Ultimately, the client was ordered to serve no additional jail, pay a $100 fine, and complete an anger management assessment. Considering the circumstances, this is a fantastic and necessary result for our client.

State v. J.B.

Continuance for dismissal. Client was facing serious assault charges stemming from an incident involving his opposition to political protesters in his neighborhood. Admittedly, his response was far from ideal. But, he took proactive steps following it to address his anger and show that he was not a public safety risk. Despite the possibly underlying political statement issues associated with the case, the North Star team achieved this needed result, thereby affording the client to continue searching for new employment without the stain of an assault and/or disorderly conduct conviction on his record. The client is thrilled to have chosen the North Star team to fight on his behalf through this case and challenging time in his life.

State v. B.G.

Acquittal at trial on ALL nine counts. A vigorous case led to a trial that spilled in to a second week. The North Star team fought tooth and nail the entire case and prepared a strong self-defense and defense of others defense. While the video evidence supported these affirmative defenses, ultimately defending 13 bullets and two innocent minor bystanders getting hit is no easy task. But, Mr. Adkins and Mr. Gempeler were up to the task. After the case was submitted, the jury deliberated for only 3 hours (including the lunch hour) before returning Not Guilty verdicts on all nine counts. The client and his family got the justice he so rightfully deserved and they are thrilled they had the North Star team fighting for them when they needed it the most.

State v. D.B.

Conviction on Receipt of Stolen Property. The client in this case, with a lengthy and troubling criminal history, faced a sentence of effective life in prison, had Hernandizing and other components been left to a judge to compile. Rather, Mr. Adkins worked with a thoughtful prosecutor to reduce the client's exposure to the sixty months he'd necessarily face as a felon handling a gun (in this case, shooting up a party where he'd been assaulted only moments before), with a count of offense being one that keeps the client eligible for Boot Camp--and a potential return home only six months out, rather than a DECADE. If you have an unfortunate prior record, for felonies, for violence, or merely for traffic violations, and your new case means trouble, call Dan Adkins and North Star NOW. There is no time to waste, and there is no time that MUST be served, if you and Dan can coordinate your defense.