Case Results

Stay of adjudication, meaning the client will not have any conviction on his record. In a case in which there was no viable defense to the charge, the North Star team leaned on his great relationship with a local prosecutor and a smart approach about how to achieve this needed and just outcome. Now the client will not create a criminal record as a result of this traffic matter.

Stay of adjudication. Client merely needs to stay good for one year and pay minimal prosecution costs to earn a complete dismissal of this serious charge. He was accused of masturbating in a parking lot. A witness saw him and identified him as the suspect. Needless to say, there was not a lot to work with for a possible defense. Even when faced with daunting facts and accusations, we were able to negotiate an outcome that not only leads to a dismissal once he successfully completes probation, but it also leads to a presumption to get this record expunged a year later. This was a priority to the client and one that we knew how to achieve with a thoughtful approach to negotiations. Another fantastic result.

Plea to an amended count of Threats of Violence as a gross misdemeanor. This was a remarkably unique outcome that ultimately satisfied all of the client's goals - no jail, minimal fine, and preserved his gun rights upon completion of probation. The client turned down a better plea deal to a misdemeanor assault (non-domestic), but was concerned with losing his gun rights for three years, which state law mandates even on non-domestic assault convictions. So, the North Star team got creative and figured out a resolution that accomplished exactly this. Despite facing serious domestic assault strangulation felony charges and a prior allegation against him, we were able to get a non-jail, non-felony outcome and saved his gun rights from the three-year prohibition. This proves, once again, that the North Star team takes the big picture approach and tailors the strategy to each clients needs. While this is a worse outcome than an offer previously received, it's the right and perfect outcome for this client, which is what matters most.

Plea to an amended count to a misdemeanor 4th Degree DWI. This was a first-time offense with a high reading - .20. Usually when the reading is so high - .04 above the .16 threshold to make it a gross misdemeanor - obtaining a plea to a reduced misdemeanor DWI is very difficult. The North Star team capitalized on a unique issue that it raised (but would unlikely be successful as a legal challenge) to negotiate this outstanding outcome for the client. She is thrilled that her record now shows a misdemeanor outcome consistent with a true first-time DWI, which will be much more manageable for her explaining it away during background checks.

Case dismissed on the eve of trial. Typically, OFP violations are very challenging to fight because it often is straightforward to prove a violation. Contact is contact. But, in this case, the State was pushing a theory that simply did not add up to a violation based upon the use of the protected party's name in a website domain. Fighting this required a sophisticated knowledge of understanding the internet and how to create and publish websites - something the investigator and prosecutor did not possess. An expert helped solidify the defense and the North Star team applied the pressure as the trial date approached. Finally, the State realized it did not have a case and dismissed the case. Another fantastic result achieved due to North Star's fight and creativity.

Continuance for dismissal. Client was alleged to have exposed his privates while driving in a neighborhood. Despite the allegations, the North Star team developed a strong legal strategy around possible identity and then leveraged it, along with the client's good overall record, to negotiate this incredible result. As a result of our effort, the client will avoid any conviction, plea, or even acknowledgement of wrongdoing. He is thrilled with the outcome and avoiding a record that would have a long-lasting impact on his future.

Stay of adjudication. The State had clear evidence of the alleged violation and it should have been charged as a gross misdemeanor due to the presence of children outside the bus. Undeterred, the North Star team negotiated this fantastic result to ensure the client does not create a criminal record from this traffic offense. Knowing the nuances of the law, having great relationships with the prosecutor, and having a knack for crafting creative negotiation tactics pays off once again for a deserving client.

HRO's dismissed, and a mom and her daughter are reunited over strenuous objection from a belligerent father. North Star handles family matters with the same care and attention as the criminal cases, particularly where the two types collide and overlap. Messrs. Adkins and Gempeler worked mightily hard to protect this mom on all fronts, and to advocate for her artfully and well. One of the more meaningful victories, because so many people are affected and lives so strongly improved.