Case Results

NO PRISON, and no jail! Client with near-career criminal history, picking up first degree felony counts while the first matter is being defended... enters aggressive treatment program, verifies sobriety for a year, and avoids any serious consequences. At least one prosecutor is stunned at the result, on motion practice; perhaps the largest cumulative discount in terms of months faced/not served in Minnesota this calendar year. Mr. Adkins labored his tail off getting the client oriented, getting the motions together and tight, and convincing judges to trust his client's new maturity and commitment to a sober and crime-free life. Glorious win.

Plea to an amended count of speeding at 16 over the speed limit. This outcome ensures the client will not lose his license for six months, which would have happened with a conviction to the 100+ mph charge. What makes the outcome most noteworthy is that the client was on probation for a speeding that he picked up a year prior to this incident. So, despite a recent speeding ticket and being on probation with a deal that would result in a dismissal of that case if he were convicted of a new traffic matter, the North Star team not only avoided a 100+ speed AND prolonged the matter so that this new one did not impact his prior case and it was dismissed. Knowing how to negotiate the right outcomes and how to work the system to our clients advantage is necessary and why we routinely get such great results for our client.

Motions granted, over State's objections--in one instance, a rape conviction, in the other a violent drug offense. North Star focuses a good deal of attention on prisoner's rights, habeas appeals, and clarifications of/reductions in sentence impact, and these were no exception--great hustle by the team, clients fighting to mature and evolve decision-making, and thoughtful judges mean less than half the probation term has to be completed. Contact North Star if your trial attorney doesn't provide this service, or cannot match our record (hint? they can't.)

Complete avoidance of mandatory jail, small fine, easy programming obligations. This case, which at the outset looked horrible for the accident and high test, evolved to an utterly soft landing with careful coaching and a committed client. A lot of joy at this hearing....

Stay of adjudication to an amended count of disorderly conduct. This outcome was absolutely critical for our client, as he is in the process of applying for citizenship. Despite no meaningful defense other than disputing the allegations, the North Star team was able to negotiate an outcome that included no jail time, minimal fine, and ensured he can continue pursuing his citizenship without this hindering him. Making this more remarkable is that the initial offer was to a plea resulting in a misdemeanor conviction. We were undeterred and knew how to push for the just and needed outcome.

Continued for dismissal, after MONTHS of denial of that outcome by a predecessor prosecutor. In this matter, concerning a wonderful lady with an impressive temper, who barked up her arresting Trooper quite a bit, was looking straight at a conviction from the original prosecutor, but Mr. Adkins knew that delays and care would be productive. When a new firm took that city's contract, the CFD was in hand, and the client avoids a sticky insurance increase. Timing is everything, nowhere more so than in criminal and traffic defense. Get yourself a lawyer who knows the players, and the playing field.

Probation, absolutely no time in custody, joint and several restitution. In one of the more surprising wins from this set of cases, Mr. Adkins convinced a federal judge to set aside a mountain of possible prison time for a young man who participated in violent and destructive acts during the uprisings in May 2020. Near-continuous hustle, thoughtful negotiations, and deeply researched arguments brought about this result, for a client literally weeping with relief, and a life back on track. This is the type of result we live to create, at North Star; it's why we practice.

Continuance for Dismissal. This matter involved multiple witnesses and video proof of a pretty clear meltdown, but careful negotiation and character evidence convinced a salty prosecutor to cut their losses and set the case for a 6-month diversion, and eventual dismissal (and since-expungement). Client is geeked, and a strong relationship with a local prosecutor gets stronger still.