State v. S.B.

July, 2025
Charges: Tax Fraud, Identity Theft - Felonies

In a near-unheard of resolution, Mr. Adkins convinced the State to reduce this hundreds-of-thousands lost via fraud case to a misdemeanor, with an agreed-upon early termination of probation at 6 months, and an agreement in advance for expungement. This defendant will very soon have no record, notwithstanding evidence sufficient that a prior trial attorney entered a plea against the defendant’s wishes… but rather than get bogged in a years-long, hard-to-prevail appeal process, Dan simply got creative, and the result is better than could possibly have been expected. The family is intact, and thrilled, with dad back in the fold, no felony record, job intact, and pain all but gone!

Types of Charge(s): Felonies, Tax

State v. K.R.

July, 2025
Charges: Threats of Violence, Felony; Domestic Assault, Gross Misdemeanor

Stunning results are possible, if a client commits to recovery, and the lawyer on board is damned creative. Here, a drunken meltdown complete with extreme damage to property, threats to kill family members, and a completed assault involving multiple visible injuries, results in a misdemeanor sentence, for now… the State agreed to review for expungement if probation was completed without incident, and it will be, by this incredibly motivated and grateful client! Mr. Adkins utilized a long and profitable relationship with both the prosecutor and the judge to the client’s direct benefit, where promises can be believed and representation can be joyful, as opposed to strident or desperate. Find a lawyer with creativity, and drive, and who has done this for a damned long time, with outstanding results—and the outcome can be miraculous!

State v. H.N.

July, 2025
Charges: 4th Degree DWI - Misdemeanor

Plea to an amended count of careless driving. On top of that fantastic outcome, the client is merely placed on unsupervised probation for one-year with no additional obligations going forward. What makes this particular outcome so remarkable is that the client blew a .13 - well above the typical range where a prosecutor would typically offer a non-DWI outcome. Additionally, the State's initial offer included conditions of no use, no entering bars or restaurants, and testing to confirm the no use. Despite the elevated reading and an initial offer that was heavy-handed, Mr. Gempeler leaned on the proactive steps and positive background of the client to negotiate a non-DWI and unsupervised probation - an outcome we truly didn't expect. But the unexpected happens here more than anywhere else because of our diligence, strategic approach, and know-how when working these cases.

Types of Charge(s): DWI Case Results, Misdemeanor

State v. S.P.

June, 2025
Charges: Nine Counts Child Pornography/Possession of Contraband

Stay of Imposition, an inconceivable result, after the complaint was drafted... Client faced possible prison via an Hernandized sentence, but a prosecutor willing to listen (and worried about North Star's insane trial record!) chose lenience, and trust. Client stays in his (excellent) employment, with his incredible significant other, and on a path to eventually get these matters fully expunged from his record. No better outcome for no better client--this is work that fulfills and raises us up.

Types of Charge(s): Sex Crimes

State v. A.A.

June, 2025
Charges: Four Felony Narcotics, Two First Degree Associated Probation Matters

Outright dismissal! After facing a daunting case with a potential seven-year prison sentence and years of probation, the client’s charges were completely dropped with prejudice following a groundbreaking investigation that exposed serious misconduct by the lead law enforcement officer. This total dismissal means the charges can never be refiled, allowing the client to return home to his children. The joy and relief stemming from these results are profound—a testament to the power of justice when integrity is restored.

Types of Charge(s): Drug Crime Case Results, Felonies

United States v. G.B.

June, 2025
Charges: Drug Conspiracy / Federal Crimes

Another significant trial victory for Dan Adkins, who has impressively maintained an unblemished record in contested bench and jury trials since 2013.

In this particular case, Mr. Adkins was able to secure outstanding results for his client. Key among these accomplishments was the outright acquittal of the Drug Conspiracy charge against the client, despite the prosecution presenting a substantial amount of evidence that seemed to strongly implicate the client in this serious crime. The skillful defense tactics employed by Mr. Adkins not only dismantled the prosecution's evidence but also highlighted significant weaknesses in their case.

While the jury ultimately convicted the client on the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) count, they notably declined to allocate any drug weights to this conviction. This was a critical factor, as it significantly mitigated the potential repercussions for the client during sentencing. The prosecution's last offer to resolve the case involved a dramatically harsh sentence of life in prison. However, due to the efforts of Mr. Adkins and his team, there is now a possibility for the defense to argue for a considerably shorter sentence, estimated to be closer to 188 months, although it may still extend beyond that.

It's important to note that actual sentencing will not occur for several months, during which time Mr. Adkins and his team will continue to devote their efforts to preparing for this next phase of the legal battle. Despite the complexities that lie ahead, the client expressed immense gratitude and relief at the outcomes achieved so far, feeling justifiably thrilled by the progress made in such a challenging case.

The meticulous work done by Mr. Adkins and his understanding of the nuances in federal law have opened up new avenues for the client's future, proving once again the value of having a skilled attorney by one's side during tumultuous legal battles.

Types of Charge(s): Drug Crime Case Results, Felonies

State v. J.K.

June, 2025
Charges: 5th Degree Assault and Disorderly Conduct - Misdemeanors
Dismissal. The client is alleged to have brandished a firearm during a road rage incident. He was arrested and kept in custody for several days on the possibility of facing felony charges. Ultimately, the County did not pursue them and the city pursued the assault charge. Even though it was a misdemeanor, it was a very serious one, considering the involvement of a firearm. The client is a veteran and retired law enforcement officer. Through this service, he developed PTSD that he had not addressed prior to the incident and was a major factor in it. Post-incident, he achieved sobriety and finally addressed his PTSD through therapy and EMDR (a wonderful therapeutic service that can work wonders). Through his hard-work and therapy, he finally started to get clarity in his life that had been missing. Mr. Gempeler and the North Star team then pushed for the incredible outcome of a dismissal - not via plea negotiations, such as a stay of adjudication - but an outright dismissal to ensure this incident would not hinder him moving forward. Thankfully, the local prosecutor was receptive to hearing about our client, his struggles, and then his proactive efforts. And, rightfully, he agreed with what we were after - a clean dismissal. Such a fantastic outcome was earned and just, considering the overall circumstances. This is why we do what we do - to get justice and help our clients get their lives back on track.
Types of Charge(s): Assault Case Results, Misdemeanor

State v. H.P.

May, 2025
Charges: Reckless Driving and Excessive Speeding (117 mph)

Dismissal and acquittal. The reckless driving charge was dismissed during pre-trial litigation after Mr. Gempeler correctly argued that the facts were insufficient to support such a baseless claim. And then, after not receiving any plea negotiation offers other than plead as charged, Mr. Gempeler won a court trial on the 117 mph speeding ticket. That's two trial wins in a row for this exact type of charge - which is nearly unheard of, considering how easy it truly is for a prosecutor to prove a speeding case. Undeterred, Mr. Gempeler is diligent in his approach, knowing the nuances and statutory requirements, and then how to effectively incorporate them into a successful cross examination and closing argument. Such a win not only prevented a criminal record, it also avoided a six-month loss of license that would otherwise come from a conviction for driving in excess of 100 mph.

State v. R.V.

May, 2025
Charges: 4th Degree DWI - Misdemeanors
Plea to an amended count of careless driving. Client had no legal defenses, but wanted desperately to avoid a DWI conviction and the stigma associated with it. Mr. Gempeler had a pre-existing relationship with the prosecutor that paid off in achieving a non-DWI conviction and only one-year of probation. The North Star team achieved exactly what it set out to do, again.
Types of Charge(s): DWI Case Results, Misdemeanor

State v. C.G.

May, 2025
Charges: DWI-Refusal - Gross Misdemeanor; Fourth Degree DWI - Misdemeanor
Plea to an amended count of careless driving. Client was facing a gross misdemeanor refusal charge that was not beatable. But, Mr. Gempeler found a legal issue worth raising and then leveraged that into persistent plea negotiations that resulted in a non-DWI outcome - a truly remarkable outcome when facing a gross misdemeanor DWI charge. It goes to show that, even when facing daunting charges, the North Star team knows how to get creative and aggressive in implementing a unique strategy that nets these fantastic outcomes.
Types of Charge(s): DWI Case Results, Gross Misdemeanor