Case Results

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.

Case dismissed. Client was alleged to have refused the official breath test at the station. But, critically, he was not read the breath test advisory, which advises him of his legal rights (most importantly, his right to consult with a lawyer), prior to making a decision to take the breath test. Because of the officer's failure to advise him of his rights (which is required by law), the refusal could not be upheld. And without the refusal charge, the DWI investigation lacked sufficient facts to justify the fourth-degree under the influence charge. The North Star team set out to aggressively litigate these issues. But, short of the motion hearing, the State called in advance to talk over the case and quickly realized that it had to dismiss the case. After earning this dismissal, the North Star team set out to rescind the license revocation that stemmed from this unlawful criminal charge. And despite an AG attorney that would not dismiss it, we litigated the matter and successfully argued to the Court that the refusal was not lawful and the license revocation was, in fact, rescinded. A win all the way through. Another terrific result for the North Star team and proving, once again, that it's strategic and strong approach gets results!

Stay of adjudication to one case and the other dismissed. There was no defense to the charges based on the allegations, video, and statement made by the client. Yet, the North Star team was able to work through a challenging prosecutor and judge to achieve this incredible result. Now, after successfully completing minimal terms of probation, BOTH cases will be dismissed and he will be able to expunge both cases in short order. Even the judge - who is notoriously difficult - commented how this was the BEST possible outcome our client could have obtained due to the skills and work of the North Star team.