In another of a string of juvenile criminal matters this summer, Messrs. Adkins and Gempeler continue to secure non-conviction outcomes, even where the rights accorded to the accused are all but nonexistent, the State controls nearly every aspect of the proceedings, and the stakes can involve records of permanent impact. Far from simply securing a term of probation or stayed adjudication, North Star seeks to include expungement in the initial agreement, to ensure that no record survives the first year of supervision, worst case. We are your go-to, when your child faces obstacles.

Plea to an amended count of fifth degree assault (non-domestic in name). What's more, the sentence included no time to serve, a minimal fine, and otherwise simple terms and conditions of probation for only one year. Considering the client's child witnessed the alleged strangulation, obtaining this non-felony, non-custody outcome is incredible. The client did everything asked of Mr. Gempeler following the incident - obtaining a chemical dependency assessment, achieved provable sobriety, and complied with his alcohol monitoring. The client's wife - the victim - remained supportive and helped explain the critical impact alcohol had in the overall situation. And after everything, the client is able to move forward with his life in the best position possible following such a regrettable mistake.

Dismissal of Entire Complaint outright, reduction to misdemeanors only pending. This matter, concerning a young man with no criminal history inadvertently serving as a pawn in a murderous scheme to rob drug dealers by two other men, took lengthy, complex negotiations to achieve a remarkable result--dismissal of the entire complaint against Mr. Adkins' client, in favor of a misdemeanor trespass count and no jail or other sanctions, with a planned expungement of the entire matter after a brief period of probation. We do incredible things for thoughtful, coachable clients. Be that client.

Client avoids a permanent felony, avoids substantial jail, moves off highly restrictive gun limitations--all of which is remarkable, given not one but two arrests or new legal challenges after arrest. North Star takes a comprehensive approach with every client, even those not ready to cease poor decisions... and we never, ever give up, not on our clients or on fundamental justice.

Acquittal at trial. Client was alleged to have pulled a gun on his brother-in-law, while threatening him. If convicted, he would've faced a mandatory 3-year prison commitment. From the very beginning, he was adamant the charges were false, and he wanted his day in court. Mr. Gempeler put on a masterful trial, hammering every witness the State called and even flipping the officers to lay positive foundational testimony for the closing. The jury deliberated for less than two hours - a remarkably short time, especially over a lunch hour. The County Attorney was flustered the entire trial, never able to counter the sound strategy and technique Mr. Gempeler used throughout. You know it's a good trial performance when the primary bailiff compliments the attorney, and two jurors waited in the courthouse lobby after the trial for a business card because they were so impressed and wanted the North Star team should they ever need us. Delivering justice for a deserving client is why we do this and is the best feeling in our line of work.

DISMISSED. Client was facing charges stemming from a fight in which he was wrongfully identified as the perpetrator. Instead, he was the peacemaker in a fight involving multiple individuals. Thankfully, Mr. Gempeler and the team at North Star diligently reviewed the witness statements and discovered that the State had charged the wrong individual based on the description of the perpetrators. With a photo of the client from the night in question, Mr. Gempeler easily persuaded the State to dismiss the case without even needing to file a formal motion.

This client, who permitted her car to be driven by a murderous gangster, was looking at a felony life-changer, just as she brought her first baby into the world. Instead, she has some volunteer work to complete, no felony, and the capacity to remove the matter entirely, in less than a year's time. A thoughtful judge agreed with Mr. Adkins that the injuries received were less onerous than the average such attack, that the client could be trusted not to abuse or dismiss this win, and justice prevailed. Massive win.

Case dismissed on the day of trial. Mr. Adkins convinced the State its challenges were too great, removing the need to consider a felony plea and possible jail time. The client is overjoyed, and has already obtained a full expungement of this matter, erasing a year of utter torment and needless worry. When North Star keeps racking up these total wins, other firms are trying to find soft landings… hire the ace, right from the start, and you’ll never regret it. Dan and James rise in the practice by the hour, due to the amazing team we have here, the boundless energy we bring to this work, and (it needs to be said) the special people that get referred to us and that hire us from this website. Please keep our team and our win total growing, call us immediately, should you need a powerhouse legal team.