Case Results

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.

Stay of adjudication. Client had no defense. Evidence was rather clear that he passed a school bus in violation of the stop arm laws. Yet, the North Star team knew how to approach the prosecutor to negotiate a plea deal that avoids creating a criminal conviction for a traffic violation and ensures he is not in danger of losing his license. This is exactly the outcome the client was hoping for when retaining the North Star team.

Norgaard plea, received a stay of adjudication on the threats of violence charge, stay of imposition to an added count of interfering with an emergency call (gross misdemeanor), and a stay of imposition to the misdemeanor domestic assault charge. This negotiated outcome results in no felony conviction on his record and, instead, just misdemeanor convictions. For an individual facing three serious felony charges, including the second degree assault with a dangerous weapon that would've required a year in prison if convicted, this is a fantastic result. The top priorities for the client were avoiding a felony record and prison time. The North Star team engaged in extensive and creative negotiations over lengthy litigation, ultimately culminating in this deal on the doorstep to trial. Considering the allegations, a motivated victim, and challenging evidence to overcome, accomplishing the client's objectives seemed unlikely to begin, but eventually came to fruition with the strategy implemented.

Diversion - meaning no plea or conviction, and a dismissal of the entire case upon the client's successful completion of minimal terms of the diversion agreement. What makes this result even more incredible is that the State possessed security camera footage of the assault. And the video is not good, to say the least. Yet, despite the ugly footage and no defenses as a result, the North Star team leveraged the client's remorse, good overall record, and its own good relationships with the prosecutor to get them to trust our client and that he's a perfect candidate for diversion. Another fantastic result in the face of daunting circumstances.

Plea to the misdemeanor domestic assault, dismissal of the remaining counts, and no jail time to serve. The client was staring at a presumptive commitment to prison on the felony burglary count. And while the client took some proactive steps toward sobriety - because alcohol was an underlying issue in the case - full sobriety was not achieved. The North Star team raised legal defenses to possibly challenge with the Court, but also successfully leveraged in plea negotiations. The result is this incredible result where the client avoids prison, local jail time, and a long-term felony conviction record. This accomplished everything the client was hoping for, even though he didn't even believe it was possible. Another great result by the North Star team.

Stay of imposition, reducing the conviction to a misdemeanor upon his successful completion of probation. Client was denied service at a liquor store and drove home mightily impaired. After arrest, he blew a .31. Clearly, he was suffering from alcoholism. But, thankfully, he used this negative and turned it into a positive. He completed lengthy inpatient, intensive outpatient, and then outpatient treatment. Achieved sobriety and even became a speaker at the treatment center. The North Star team leveraged all of these proactive steps and a strong legal argument surrounding the stop to negotiate what will ultimately be a misdemeanor level conviction. The client is thrilled he had the North Star team fighting for him at every opportunity to get him this incredible result.