State v. T.B.

January, 2023
Charges: 4th Degree DWI - Misdemeanor

Plea to an amended count of Careless Driving. Another great outcome for a deserving client. But, what makes this particularly unique are two things - first, the client blew a .113/.120, which is typically too high to negotiate it down to a non-DWI conviction (for non-North Star attorneys that is), and second, the client had a prior DWI within a few years before this case that was also resolved in a manner that did not involve a DWI conviction or alcohol-related loss of license record (thanks to North Star's efforts in that case). Point being, having a prior DWI - even though it didn't result in a conviction - usually makes subsequent ones that much harder to resolve. Thankfully, the North Star team worked with the client, established immediate rapport with a prosecutor they haven't had much experience with due to him being up north in a jurisdiction we simply don't travel to frequently (though, that clearly did not hinder our efforts), and was able to negotiate this incredible outcome for the client. He is thrilled he has North Star in his back pocket should he ever need us again.

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

State v. C.R.

December, 2022
Charges: Threats of Violence - Felony

Plea to an amended count of disorderly conduct. No time to serve, minimal fine, and an easy year on probation. The case was in the midst of jury selection when the State finally came to its senses and gave us the outcome we've been seeking since the beginning. Though we were ready for trial and had an excellent trial strategy, the juror pool was admittedly less than ideal. But, with the added pressure of a trial looming and our prep on full display, the State came around and the client immediately jump at the opportunity to resolve this for a misdemeanor disorderly conduct. He avoided risking a felony trial and all that comes with it, and assured himself an outcome that can keep him on the right path moving forward. To say this is a win is an understatement. Client is thrilled with the outcome and North Star's hard work on his behalf.

State v. S.W.

December, 2022
Charges: Harassment Restraining Order Violations - misdemeanor - THREE separate cases

Plea to one case, the other two dismissed. No time to be served, minimal fine, and probation conditions that are more than manageable for a client that took to treatment, gained sobriety, and is back on the right track. What could have been a devastating situation with three separate violations, is now simply one conviction due to the fight from her North Star team. She is beyond happy she chose us to counsel her and give her back a future she can prosper in.

State v. M.Y.

December, 2022
Charges: 3rd Degree DWI - Refusal (Gross Misdemeanor); 4th Degree DWI (Misdemeanor

Plea to an amended count of careless driving. The client faced a bogus (arguably) charge of refusal, despite making multiple attempts to submit a sufficient breath test. Leveraging a legal issue relating to this, the North Star team successfully negotiated this fantastic outcome without even having to argue it to the court. Now, a gross misdemeanor offense is reduced to a non-DWI misdemeanor conviction that does not include any time to serve.

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

State v. J.H.

December, 2022
Charges: 5th Degree Drug Possession - Felony; 4th Degree DWI - Misdemeanor

Stay of adjudication on both counts. The client had no defenses to these serious charges. But, the North Star team worked with her to get the therapy and programming she needed, and then did a thorough job of humanizing her, explaining the issues she's been dealing with (namely, the trauma she's endured from being a victim of a recent sexual assault). Thankfully, the prosecutor was empathetic to these struggles and agreed to this incredible outcome. With this outcome, our wonderful client will not have a criminal conviction on her record, will stay on track with working through her trauma and programming, and can thankfully advance in her life without fear of a daunting criminal record. Typically, achieving a non-conviction record for both a felony drug and DWI case is damn near impossible - but not for the North Star team. We go above and beyond to fight for our clients that need and deserve these atypical results. We are so proud of our client for all that she's accomplished and thankful to help in her journey.

State v. V.B.

December, 2022
Charges: 4th Degree DWI - Misdemeanor

Plea to an amended count of Careless Driving. What's more is that the sentence was for less than a year to ensure the client can commission to the U.S. Army after graduating from college as part of the ROTC program. The client blew a .11, just above the normal cutoff range to get a Careless Driving offer. And when we first reached out to the prosecutor about pleading to a non-DWI - because it was essential for the client's ability to continue serving - the prosecutor only offered a DWI plea. The North Star team kept at it, pushed the right leverage points, and finally got the needed outcome for a deserving client and servicemember. THIS is why we do what we do - to make sure mistakes don't define our clients and hold them back in their life pursuits.

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

State v. E.B.

December, 2022
Charges: 2nd Degree DWI - Gross Misdemeanors

Dismissed. Client was facing second-degree DWI charges stemming from a second-time DWI and a high reading. But, she made the right decision to retain Mr. Gempeler and the North Star team to fight for her. The officer made a welfare check for the client's car parked on the side of an on-ramp. The reports don't mention the positive facts, but the video shows - despite the presence of multiple clues of possible impairment - that the Officer stated (TWICE) that he did not believe the client was impaired. So, a later DWI investigation seemed to be beyond the scope of the stop and interaction. After raising this issue, the prosecutor called Mr. Gempeler the day before the contested hearing and agreed to dismiss the case entirely. Another incredible outcome for the North Star team.

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

State v. J.W.

November, 2022
Charges: 3rd Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct; 4th Degree Criminal Sexual Contact - Felonies

Stay of imposition on the 4th degree sexual contact charge. The client was charged for statutory rape and had no defenses as DNA evidence was conclusive of the crime. Undeterred, the North Star team worked with the client to take meaningful proactive steps - even addressing minor setbacks that occurred along the way - that led to the needed leverage to negotiate this favorable outcome. More, at sentencing, Mr. Gempeler successfully argued for no jail time to be imposed, avoided random testing, and even avoided a no contact provision with the client's significant other's child - a must for him and his girlfriend. All in all, the outcome and sentencing could not have been better for the client. He is now on track to continue advancing in his life, without having this matter be an absolute holdup to his future.

Types of Charge(s): Felonies, Sex Crimes

State v. R.G.

November, 2022
Charges: Misdemeanor School Bus Stop Arm Violation

Continuance for dismissal. The client had no defense, but we were able to obtain the best possible plea deal. The State started with a worse offer, which was still good, but the North Star team pushed back and kept fighting for this even better one. Point being, even on what might be considered "simple" traffic cases, we don't roll over and take the first good offer; we continue fighting and do our damnedest to get the best possible deal for every client.

Types of Charge(s): Traffic Violations Case Results

State v. N.M.B.

November, 2022
Charges: 5th Degree Assault and Disorderly Conduct - Misdemeanors

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.

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