Case Results

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Stay of Adjudication. This case, handled initially by a well-respected dean of the criminal defense bar for more than 18 months and with no offer better than a lifetime felony (and cancellation of commercial license opportunities permanently), vs. a nearly impossible trial to win, presented Mr. Adkins with some sizable challenges. After five months of careful negotiations, Mr. Adkins and the North Star team secured a Stay of Adjudication, with absolutely no jail to serve, no work service, no fine, probation to the court, and as little as one year to dismissal and the start of an expungement campaign. Client is ecstatic, and can focus exclusively on building his growing business and caring for his extended family, without the fear or impact a felony record would necessarily bring. A massive win.