Case Results

Client pled to a 4th Degree DWI as a misdemeanor. The case involved an accident, which usually leads prosecutors to take an aggressive approach in plea negotiations. The State started out that way. But, through a careful and thoughtful approach, Mr. Gempeler was able to get the State to see that our client deserved and earned a lenient outcome. What started as a plea to a gross misdemeanor, resulted with a plea to a misdemeanor, with no time to serve in jail, probation to the court (which saves the client hundreds of dollars in probation services fees), and a minimal fine of only $100. Truly, this is a remarkable outcome for a deserving client.

Plea to a misdemeanor 4th Degree DWI. Client was facing the statutory minimum sentence of 48 hours in custody and 28 days on house arrest. Instead, the plea agreement called for her to do no additional time in custody or on house arrest. She was placed on one-year probation and only required to complete the Hennepin County 1-day DWI program and pay a fine of $500. This is an incredible result for a deserving client.

After ensuring her children were returned immediately after the intervention of Children Protective Services in this matter, where a child was punished arguably in a felony manner by a third party, this mom successfully navigated the State's often maze-like process to confirm custody and proper parenting, in short order and with high praise from the participants. North Star routinely handles these mixed family-court/criminal matters, and our results are unmatched. We combine early and thoughtful intervention with constant contact and a long and inclusive list of preferred therapeutic providers to achieve outstanding results. Visit with us immediately if you are in these straits--the sooner you stop the bleeding, the sooner you get to recover and move on as a family.

Mediation scheduled over opposing party's objection, and contempt citation completely avoided notwithstanding pretty aggressive conduct on the part of our client. Getting North Star involved in your child custody matter early is key, but any time is the right time to get the sort of exhaustive and comprehensive assistance that we provide, particularly when the welfare of your offspring is at issue. Fantastic result, and the subsequent mediation session was only icing on a well-created cake.

Client successfully avoided ANY jail time on his second DUI, with a reading well over .20. His status as a wounded veteran impressed the judge, and the State did not object to a virtual petty misdemeanor sentence (with probationary terms to ensure good conduct and no repeat offenses for two years) in this instance, thereby avoiding a substantial mandatory minimum jail sentence and other onerous obligations.

Client avoids the requirement that he register for a decade or longer as a sex offender, avoids a nasty series of onerous probationary requirements, and returns to his family with a Stay of Imposition of Sentence. Legal arguments including the impact of the First Amendment motivated the State to reach a satisfactory plea deal for this exceptional client, who used the event to soul-search and commit to a far more cautious outlook.

Plea to a Failing to Drive with Due Care. The DWI charges were dismissed. The typical result in such a case would have been a Careless Driving conviction. But, Mr. Gempeler and the team at North Star knew that pushing the matter, combined with a thoughtful negotiating strategy, could land our client an even better outcome; one that is rare for DWI cases. This is a fantastic result for a wonderful young man whose record remains clean.

Our team at North Star was able to swing a diversion program for our client. Additionally, a bare minimum in fees and conditions during diversion were imposed. As long as the client remains law abiding, gets to keep her record clear as a result. Another great win for the North Star team.