Case Results

Plea to an amended misdemeanor count of 4th degree DWI with no jail to serve and only a minimal fine. The client had two aggravating factors bringing the charges of 2nd Degree DWI: a high reading and a prior within 10 years. Usually when this happens, obtaining a non-GM DWI is almost always out of the question. The North Star team was diligent in its review of the facts and raised a critical legal issue that led to the State's agreement to our assessment, resulting in the DWI test being tossed out as evidence. There was plenty of evidence left to convict the client, so entering a plea was necessary. Still, the North Star team strategically negotiated with a stronger position and obtained this incredible result of a misdemeanor, no-jail outcome for the client. He was thrilled to get this offer and be able to move forward successfully after his mistake.

Stay of Imposition, no jail to serve, minimum fine, which results in a misdemeanor conviction upon the client's successful completion of probation. The client was struggling through alcoholism and mental health issues after a breakup with a long-term girlfriend. He sent private videos of them to third-parties, including her family. Needless to say, a terrible decision and one that impacted her beyond just the embarrassment. Realizing the depths he was sinking due to his alcoholism and mental health issues, he started on a path toward recovery. And by the time sentencing arrived, he was sober, heavily involved in the AA community, including being in leadership positions, was accountable and demonstrably remorseful of his actions, and truly just a changed man. Because of these positive and noticeable actions, the North Star team was able to convince a tough, strict judge into imposing a non-jail sentence and the stay of imposition outcome. The client never imagined getting this good of outcome and driven to reward those who are trusting him with such a sentence.

Stay of adjudication to an amended count of disorderly conduct. The client was in an abusive relationship, which culminated in a disagreement gone wrong. And, unfortunately, evidence existed, including an eyewitness in the house, to support the charges against our client. Undeterred, the North Star team set about to explain the overall relationship to provide critical context to the prosecutor. Once the severity of the situation was properly understood by the State, an outcome that avoids a devastating conviction and includes minimal terms of probation to ensure success. The end game is a dismissal of these serious charges and the ability for the client to move forward without having this case further impact her. She was overjoyed when she received the final offer and what it meant for her future.

Plea to an amended count of 3rd Degree DWI and the criminal vehicular operation charges are dismissed. In addition to causing an accident that resulted in exacerbating pre-existing injuries to the victim, the client fled the scene, too. Needless to say, doubling down on wrongdoing never helps the case. There were no legal defenses as the case was airtight. Still, the North Star team understood the importance of avoiding a criminal vehicular operation record on this young man's future and developed a strategy that ultimately succeeded in getting the outcome the client was after - a non-CVO record and no jail to serve. The client is thrilled that he had Mr. Gempeler fighting for him during this difficult case.

Stay of adjudication to the speeding charge alone and the reckless driving charge is dismissed entirely. The client was caught going damn near 100 mph and changing lanes during moderate traffic. Video caught the entirety of the situation, leaving no meaningful defenses. Despite that, Mr. Gempeler was able to negotiate this fantastic result that leads to no conviction for a client that was remorseful for his actions.

Stay of adjudication for six months and minimal obligations while on probation. The client had an Agriculture license that permitted him to drive before turning 16, but he had a bit of a lead foot. And he was caught going 100+ mph not just on the day of the offense, but, according to the officer, he had done so a few times prior. Mr. Gempeler was still able to negotiate an outcome to keep his juvenile record conviction free - which is always a great outcome, especially for such a young man.

Continuance for dismissal. Client caused a chain reaction accident and all of the evidence confirmed she was at fault - including an admission by the client. Armed with no defenses, the North Star team obtained reactive steps by the client to address some of the underlying petty offenses - such as installing car seats as required again. And with some savvy negotiations, Mr. Gempeler obtained this fantastic result for a client who was concerned about creating a criminal record from an accident and all the negative collateral consequences that come from it. Now with a continuance for dismissal, she will have no conviction or formal acknowledgment of guilt on the record.

Dismissed. The client was alleged to have not moved over for a cop on a two-lane road (which is completely false) and then is alleged to have yelled something at the cop, prompting him to give chase. Once he was pulled over, the cop immediately arrested the client and then made up an allegation of possible impairment to justify the actions to that point. But the video showed the cop was wildly unjustified in his conduct and failed to get a warrant for the breath test - which is necessary for a mere underage drinking and driving charge. Long story short, the State dismissed the entire case prior to the contested hearing. Doing so shows just how egregious the cop's conduct was and why the fight by Mr. Gempeler and the North Star team was so critical for the client.