Case Results

Plea to one charge of indecent exposure, the other two cases were dismissed, including the case which had six total charges. This young man was facing a gauntlet of trouble due to exhibition-type behavior. The North Star team had a challenge ahead of itself, but we properly balanced an aggressive and thoughtful approach to get this incredible outcome. Diligently researching some perhaps skeptical charges, the North Star team litigated one case and then leveraged it against the other two cases to put together a global resolution that at first seemed improbable. But, the improbable often becomes reality with the North Star team. With the global deal finalized, the client now only has one conviction and a sentence that is more than manageable for him to get back on his feet and moving forward. When both the judge and prosecutor acknowledge - on the record - how great of an outcome this was for the client, you know it's damn good.

Continuance for dismissal. Video existed showing the incident and it was clear as day that the client rolled through the stop sign without stopping when there were kids just outside the bus. About as easy of a case to prove as you get. The North Star team was still able to negotiate this best possible plea deal, one that includes no admission of facts, no adjudication, and no conviction. The client will maintain her perfect record, which exactly what she sought when retaining this firm.

Dismissal. Client was facing multiple serious charges relating to guns and drugs. Bad combo, to say the least. Client was alleged to have been one of multiple juveniles in a car that drove around, pointed a gun at other kids, and had drugs in their possession at the time of their arrest. A client who had no prior record was caught up with the wrong crowd. The North Star team was diligent in its review of the evidence and research. And, we were persistent in pressing the State to get us all of the discovery after initial disclosures were incomplete. Eventually, it led to the discovery that the evidence pointed to our client being innocent. We filed a motion to dismiss the case. And in the weeks leading up to the hearing, the State came to realize - North Star was right. It dismissed the case prior to the hearing, knowing we were right. The family is thrilled that we brought the fight and got the just result.

Departure to a gross misdemeanor sentence, with no time to serve, over the State's objection. Client was charged with intentionally firing multiple rounds over a house in a neighborhood one morning. Multiple people were inside the residence at the time. Needless to say, very serious allegations with multiple "victims" - both inside the residence and neighborhood. Our client, though, was in the midst of a mental health breakdown and suffering from significant chemical dependency. Through North Star's guidance, he engaged in treatment, achieved sobriety, and entered counseling with his girlfriend. The last step was finding a judge who would be sympathetic to our arguments and efforts to get a non-felony outcome. After a few re-settings and finally getting the right judge, the North Star team submitted a strong argument and got the result the client wanted, in full - no felony and no jail. What seemed like a long-shot at the outset was realized thanks to North Star's team effort and smart advocacy.

Executed sentence on the underlying probation violation matter and a stay of execution with no additional time to serve on the Escape from Custody case. The client absconded from custody after not returning to jail from work release. He was on the run for a year before getting picked up on a new crime in a different county. This was also a second violation of his probation for the underlying DWI. In a county known for being unfriendly to defendants, the North Star team litigated this matter and worked hard on a strong sentencing argument in what was otherwise a lost case. The County Attorney requested an additional 90 days to be served on the Escape charge after the client was ordered to complete the full sentence of the DWI. After litigating the matter, the County Attorney then asked for a full year to be consecutive to the DWI sentence. Thankfully, Mr. Gempeler made a thoughtful and strong sentencing argument. And the Judge gave our client one final chance, ordering he receive a stay of execution (meaning NO JAIL (which was beyond even our expectations)) on the escape from custody case. The client and his wife are so happy they retained the North Star team to fight for them when they needed an advocate the most.

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.

Stay of adjudication. The client had a horrible traffic record, which even led to him being identified as a habitual violator by the State DVS. Under those circumstances, obtaining a plea that does not result in a conviction is rare. But, the North Star team pushed, advised the client on how to get valid, and was finally able to get this outcome, one that was absolutely needed for the client.

Plea to a misdemeanor 4th degree DWI and dismissal of the more serious gross misdemeanor refusal charge. On top of getting the plea to a misdemeanor, the sentence called for no jail or community service, a minimal fine, and easy to follow terms of probation. The client had zero defenses and had a high PBT reading. Still, the North Star team achieved exactly what it and the client set out to with plea negotiations and was able to convince the prosecutor to come off his initial offer to the gross misdemeanor. Another satisfied client, thankful for the hard work and diligence by North Star.