Case Results

Conviction on Receipt of Stolen Property. The client in this case, with a lengthy and troubling criminal history, faced a sentence of effective life in prison, had Hernandizing and other components been left to a judge to compile. Rather, Mr. Adkins worked with a thoughtful prosecutor to reduce the client's exposure to the sixty months he'd necessarily face as a felon handling a gun (in this case, shooting up a party where he'd been assaulted only moments before), with a count of offense being one that keeps the client eligible for Boot Camp--and a potential return home only six months out, rather than a DECADE. If you have an unfortunate prior record, for felonies, for violence, or merely for traffic violations, and your new case means trouble, call Dan Adkins and North Star NOW. There is no time to waste, and there is no time that MUST be served, if you and Dan can coordinate your defense.

Plea to an amended count of 4th Degree DWI as a misdemeanor(!!!). Not only that, the client entered a Norgaard plea based upon the fact that she could not recall the incident. Still, with a .29 reading and a history of prior offenses outside of 10 years, Mr. Gempeler utilized the proper approach when negotiating with the prosecutor to obtain this truly unthinkable outcome. The client's proactive approach - meaning, inpatient, outpatient, and after care to address both chemical dependency and mental health issues - affording our team the ability to negotiate this result. It goes to show that even with the deck stacked against you, North Star can achieve incredible results.

Plea to an amended count of Reckless Driving. This is a remarkable result considering the client blew a .12 and was involved in a serious single-car accident that left the car resting on its side. Mr. Gempeler leveraged two legal issues relating to the legality of the PBT and probable cause for the arrest into this terrific result. The sentence did not include any jail or community work service, and the fine was minimal. Another great result even though bad facts made it seem unlikely to achieve such a result.

No Jail, waiver of mandatory prison term. As in so many situations in Minnesota, a conviction for the offense of failing to register can implicate a mandatory minimum prison sentence, but aggressive and creative lawyering can avoid this punishing outcome. This client worked his ass off to correct the mistake he'd made in neglecting to stay in contact with local law enforcement, and was credited for the time he'd already spent in custody--2 nights--rather than head off to Minnesota Correctional Facility--St. Cloud for eight months or longer. If you face a mando sentence, as they are called, contact North Star without delay. You need seasoned professionals, and the sooner you retain them, the better your outlook will be and will STAY.

Drug Diversion. This client had been advised he did not qualify for a sentence pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 152.18 due to the sale components in his narcotics arrest; within three months, with hard work and dutiful attendance to Mr. Adkins' advice, diversion was achieved, and the matter is in line to be fully expunged upon successful completion of an eminently achievable program. Client was overjoyed.

Sentence as a Gross Misdemeanor, no jail. To say this client is pleased with his outcome is to say giraffes are tall. Client sought to play a prank on his former employer, and faced a nasty turpitude (lying/cheating/stealing) felony with permanent record consequences for his trouble. After lengthy and creative negotiations with a talented prosecutor, the matter was submitted to a judge with a motion for a downward (durational) departure. These are difficult to obtain, requiring particularized circumstances argued carefully and well, and Mr. Adkins prevailed upon the Court to protect his client's record and minimize his exposure. This result also meant the State could no longer seek to forfeit the client's valuable work vehicle, meaning a win, all around. Remarkable results.

Stay of adjudication. The City initially wanted a plea to the sole count of false info to police. This is common for this type of charge. But, the attorneys at North Star leveraged their strong relationship with the prosecuting attorneys and a sound negotiation strategy to land this needful result for a teacher. As a result of this outcome, the client will maintain a clear record.

Stay of Adjudication to the Disorderly Conduct charge and the Indecent Exposure charge was dismissed. For a client employed in the financial world that requires state licensures, avoiding any plea or record relating to the indecent exposure was critical. The State's initial offer was a plea. Heeding Mr. Gempeler's suggestion, the client prepared two letters of apology that proved crucial in negotiating such a terrific outcome for a deserving client. It is this type of creativity in negotiations that allows the North Star team to consistently get the right results for our clients.