Case Results

Plea to an amended count of Careless Driving. While this is a common outcome for a first-time DWI, it is NOT common for cases involving a .14 BrAC, which is what this client blew at the station. Almost always, anything above a .10 or .11 (if the prosecutor is being particularly generous) leads to a plea to a misdemeanor DWI. But, the North Star team is never deterred by this unwritten rules of the practice and always willing to give it our best effort to get the atypical outcome. And, here, with our fight and strategy, we achieved this truly amazing outcome and the client is beyond thrilled, knowing the long odds in getting it.

Continuance for dismissal. The client is a young professional who was caught breaking into a refinery site with her boyfriend trying to steal expensive machinery parts, tools, etc. Despite this being a more serious trespass case and what they were likely trying to accomplish, the North Star team achieved this incredible result to keep her record clean of this offense. After complying with minimal terms of probation for one year, this entire case will result in a dismissal - without any acknowledgement from the client of wrongdoing.

Case dismissed. The client had a viable self-defense claim and the allegations were nebulous, as well. We pushed for a trial, knowing the complainant had a history of false allegations and not further pursuing them in the criminal justice system. The North Star team successfully negotiated an almost no-lose proposition with the State. IF the witness reasserts herself, they would still offer a diversionary outcome, which would still mean no conviction. As the trial approached, the North Star team corresponded with the prosecutor about the case and he ultimately realized the right decision was to dismiss the case entirely. Another fantastic result by the North Star team.

Case dismissed. The client was stopped by an officer who simply recognized him and believed him to be without a license. Unfortunately, the cop guessed right and confirmed the cancelled license before pulling him over. Armed with no defense and the client being on felony probation, the client set out to take immediate proactive steps to get valid and have the ignition interlock device installed in his vehicle. Recognizing the importance of now being valid and because he already served time after his arrest, the prosecutor was willing to outright dismiss the matter at North Star's request. Another incredible result by the North Star team.

Dismissed. The client is an older woman and had no prior record. This charge was extremely burdensome to her and she knew she made a mistake. Without any true legal defense to work with, the North Star team set out to humanize their client and presented a strong plea negotiation. Realizing this was a deserving defendant, the prosecutor - to his credit - dismissed the case, believing what we explained about our client and that she would not pose a problem going forward. Another incredible outcome for a more than deserving client.

Plea to a gross misdemeanor theft count. The client was caught on camera swapping UPC code stickers to purchase expensive items for much cheaper. Needless to say, we had no actual defense to these charges. Despite this - and a County Attorney who was none too pleased with our clients behavior and belief that his actual wrongdoing far exceeded what they could prove - the North Star team got a plea agreement to a non-felony and no jail to serve. The client could not be happier to avoid the felony outcome and not have to do any time in custody.

A young man's best friend, and frequent partner in addiction, turns up dead from an overdose, and our man has been texting him that very day about providing him with synthetic and fentanyl-laced pills--and just that type of narcotic triggered the overdose. After an initial (disastrous!) phone call with the lead homicide detective in Ramsey County, our man calls Mr. Adkins. After North Star's intervention, the investigation into our client is closed, no charges filed, no (second) life destroyed, no prison, no trial.... Never, never ever confront police alone, or without the assistance of talented aggressive PROVEN trial winners, like James or Dan. Just don't--the police are exceptional at obtaining inculpatory statements, and you have no training in this field. Mr. Adkins has successfully extracted folks from possible felony exposure since before graduating law school, back in the Stone Age. There are no tricks, no traps, no verbal judo battles he's not avoided, or removed, or prevailed in for his clients. Simply a staggering result, and deeply appreciated by the client and his loving, relieved family.

Stay of Adjudication. Client visits North Star looking at his third felony, with possible prison connotations, for more than four hundred (!!) prescription pills and a bill with a testable amount of powder cocaine on it, all within his possession. After intense negotiations and motion practice, the State alters its offer to a stay of adjudication on two drug counts at fifth degree; no jail to serve--not an hour, and no real additional consequences past a $50 fine; the matter is not a conviction, and will be dismissed in anticipation of an expungement in as little as a year. This, notwithstanding a full confession.... When you or someone you care about gets trapped in a terrible spot, which lawyer you retain to salvage what can be saved makes all the difference. All the difference....