State v. J.D.

November, 2025
Charges: 1st Degree Drug Sales and Possession (3 counts); 3rd Degree Drug Possession (1 count); and 5th Degree Drug Possession (2 counts) - All felonies

Plea to one 1st degree drug sale charge, rest of the charges dismissed, and granted a dispositional departure - client will not go to prison. Client was facing 62 months as part of a presumptive guideline sentence. At the outset, this seemed like a foregone conclusion given that the individuals who bought from him overdosed and nearly avoided death, and our client had a massive amount of drugs and sales paraphernalia in his apartment at the time of the search. Not to mention, our client was on probation for a prior drug offense. Despite these bad facts, Mr. Gempeler worked closely with the client and his family to get him on the right track and to truly change his life. After two years of sobriety, surrounding himself with supportive family and friends, devoting himself to his faith and helping others in their sober journeys, Mr. Gempeler made a compelling and convincing argument to get a dispositional departure. Now, the client is on probation, subject to more than manageable conditions, and he has his new life in front of him. Truly, a lifesaving two years and outcome.

Types of Charge(s): Drug Crime Case Results, Felonies

State v. H.L.

October, 2025
Charges: 4th Degree DWI - Misdemeanor

Plea to an amended count of Careless Driving. This is yet another example of why it pays to get the North Star team to push for the atypical, unlikely results. Client blew a .13 and had no legal defenses. Worst of all, the client's job required travel to Canada, meaning a DWI conviction could lead to a loss of his job. Mr. Gempeler and the North Star team got to work. The client followed our advice on proactive steps to take and got the information we needed to rely upon when negotiating. Finally, on the doorstep of trial, Mr. Gempeler leaned on his prior, good relationship with the prosecutor and got the outcome needed - a careless driving. On top of that, the plea deal called for no jail, no community service, and the bare minimum of terms of probation. The client was pleasantly surprised that Mr. Gempeler managed to pull this off for him.

Types of Charge(s): DWI Case Results

State v. E.U.

October, 2025
Charges: 4th Degree DWI - Misdemeanor

Plea to an amended count of careless driving. While getting a careless driving in a first-time DWI is always a great result, this one is particularly notable because the client blew a .14. Typically, a non-DWI outcome for first-timers is unavailable when you have a reading .10 or higher. So, to get this outcome - without any real legal defense - on a .14 is almost unheard of. Unheard of except for the attorneys at North Star. We used our client's proactive steps, unique circumstances about employment impact, and our great working relationship with the prosecutor to get this fantastic result. The client was shocked we managed to pull this off and thankful he got referred to the North Star team.

Types of Charge(s): DWI Case Results

State v. D.I.

October, 2025
Charges: Reckless Driving, Fleeing, Tax Fraud/Tabs

Reduced to a petty misdemeanor driving citation, no crime, small fine, all original counts dismissed. Client, a Guardsman receiving his first deployment in the new year, hustled to get his affairs in order, completed a safe driving class at Dan's recommendation, and now preserves his utterly clean criminal and driving record, after a night of remarkably poor choices. North Star revels in the chance to assist service men and -women, and veterans of all branches; client is over the moon, rightly so. A red letter result!

Types of Charge(s): Traffic Violations Case Results

State v. S.N.

August, 2025
Charges: Fourth Degree DWI - Misdemeanor

Plea to an amended count of careless driving. What makes this outcome so remarkable is the client blew a .13 and had no legal defenses. Undeterred, Mr. Gempeler got the client into the proper negotiating position with both proactive steps and documenting why this outcome was so needed. Leveraging all of that, plus the great existing relationship with the prosecutor, we were able to get this incredible outcome, which also included unsupervised probation and only a $100 fine.

Types of Charge(s): DWI Case Results

State v. T.H.

July, 2025
Charges: Aged Case, Domestic Assault

THIS... this is the type of long-game strategy we proudly execute at North Star, where our expertise distinguishes us as the leading firm in the State for complex, multi-jurisdictional case resolutions, often referred to as Global Dealing. Our track record in handling Expungements is not only impressive but ranks among the highest in the entire nation.

Consider the case of a client who found himself in a daunting situation after leaving the State while still facing a substantial jail term and a series of probationary obligations. Instead of succumbing to the pressures of his past, he charted a remarkable new course, building a thriving career at sea. He undertook various endeavors and worked with multiple employers, including the esteemed Merchant Marine, showcasing his resilience and determination to move forward.

After years of living this productive life, he decided to contact Dan Adkins to finally address the unresolved legal complications lurking in his past. Through our meticulous and strategic approach, we navigated the complexities of his case, ultimately achieving a remarkably favorable outcome. The resolution was nothing short of extraordinary: he faced no jail time, successfully quashed the outstanding warrant, and had the case closed entirely. Not only that, but he is now well-prepared for an expungement should he choose to pursue it.

Our ability to secure such ridiculously great results for clients, even in the most challenging circumstances, is what sets us apart at North Star. We are not just a law firm; we are your advocates in creating new beginnings from the shadows of past mistakes.

Types of Charge(s): Domestic Assault Case Results

State v. G.T.

July, 2025
Charges: Theft/Swindle

In a remarkable legal outcome, Dan achieved a stay of adjudication despite the State's strong objections. This was largely due to the extensive and well-coordinated campaign led by Dan, alongside the full repayment of the disputed amount, significantly lower than what was initially indicated in the audit process. As a result, our client will not face any conviction related to this matter, which at one point had the potential to escalate into a large-scale federal prosecution. Our proactive and ongoing involvement from the very beginning of this case was critical in ensuring that our client’s life remained unchanged and uninterrupted. She can continue to thrive in her industry without the looming threat of imprisonment.

State v. H.N.

July, 2025
Charges: 4th Degree DWI - Misdemeanor

Plea to an amended count of careless driving. On top of that fantastic outcome, the client is merely placed on unsupervised probation for one-year with no additional obligations going forward. What makes this particular outcome so remarkable is that the client blew a .13 - well above the typical range where a prosecutor would typically offer a non-DWI outcome. Additionally, the State's initial offer included conditions of no use, no entering bars or restaurants, and testing to confirm the no use. Despite the elevated reading and an initial offer that was heavy-handed, Mr. Gempeler leaned on the proactive steps and positive background of the client to negotiate a non-DWI and unsupervised probation - an outcome we truly didn't expect. But the unexpected happens here more than anywhere else because of our diligence, strategic approach, and know-how when working these cases.

Types of Charge(s): DWI Case Results, Misdemeanor

State v. S.P.

June, 2025
Charges: Nine Counts Child Pornography/Possession of Contraband

Stay of Imposition, an inconceivable result, after the complaint was drafted... Client faced possible prison via an Hernandized sentence, but a prosecutor willing to listen (and worried about North Star's insane trial record!) chose lenience, and trust. Client stays in his (excellent) employment, with his incredible significant other, and on a path to eventually get these matters fully expunged from his record. No better outcome for no better client--this is work that fulfills and raises us up.

Types of Charge(s): Sex Crimes

State v. A.A.

June, 2025
Charges: Four Felony Narcotics, Two First Degree Associated Probation Matters

Outright dismissal! After facing a daunting case with a potential seven-year prison sentence and years of probation, the client’s charges were completely dropped with prejudice following a groundbreaking investigation that exposed serious misconduct by the lead law enforcement officer. This total dismissal means the charges can never be refiled, allowing the client to return home to his children. The joy and relief stemming from these results are profound—a testament to the power of justice when integrity is restored.

Types of Charge(s): Drug Crime Case Results, Felonies