Case Results

In a Washington County matter, Dan Adkins successfully sought and received a probationary sentence for a young person who nearly killed a friend in an alcohol-fueled event. Had this matter been charged as attempted homicide, a sentence in the hundreds of months would have been the starting point, for either negotiations or a result after a guilty verdict. As it is, aggressive work by the legal team and a tremendous commitment on the part of the client to address mental health and drug/alcohol dependency issues in residential treatment brought about a remarkable result. After a relatively short spell on probationary conditions, this person can move forward positively and thoughtfully, having never visited the inside of a Minnesota Correctional Facility. Truly incredible result.

Complex negotiations with police officials at the University of Minnesota resulted in a decision to nolle prosequi, or declination to prosecute, for a worried young man wrestling with extreme anxiety and some unwise decisions. Relief at the outcome for the client was palpable.

No formal charges. The client contacted North Star within hours of the alleged incident happening. Immediately, our team got on the phone to contact the prosecutor. In doing so, we bought time to provide additional information for the prosecutor's consideration when making a decision whether to charge our client or not. Based upon the information provided, the prosecutor gave our client the opportunity to earn the chance to never be charged with the domestic assault. Our client eagerly completed the requested proactive steps, leading to the prosecutor to formally acknowledge that she will never be charged. This was an absolutely critical outcome for a person in the nursing field, where even a charge of domestic assault can lead to the possibility of losing her career. What makes this outcome that much more impressive is that the prosecutor commented that he had never, in his several decades as a city prosecutor, done anything like this before. Needless to say, the client was thrilled that she immediately got the North Star team on her side.

Plea to an amended charge of 4th Degree DWI - Misdemeanor. This was a first-time offense, with an elevated reading of .20. The City's policy of departing to a misdemeanor DWI on these types of cases is .18 - meaning, we had no business getting this agreement, per "policy". But, the team at North Star understands policy can be overcome with the proper approach. Client was thrilled at the opportunity to get this misdemeanor result.

Plea to Failing to Drive with Due Care. This is a prime example of how Mr. Gempeler is undeterred in seeking extraordinary results on routine cases. Client's alcohol reading was .08. Immediately and predictably, the city's offer was a careless driving, with an opportunity to fight the license revocation. Most attorneys grab this at the first hearing, sell their clients on this incredible outcome, and make a lot of money quickly and easily. We try harder, though. Utilizing what leverage existed from some legal issues, Mr. Gempeler artfully negotiated the failing to drive with due care plea. It pays to ensure you get the right team that will fight for the best possible outcome.

Plea to a Misdemeanor 4th Degree DWI. Client was charged with a 3rd Degree DWI because of a prior offense. Still, Mr. Gempeler was not deterred in fighting for and ultimately obtaining a plea agreement to a 4th Degree misdemeanor DWI. Such an outcome is almost unheard of. But it was earned after the correct counseling of a thoughtful client and a deft touch during negotiations. For a veteran, this was an absolutely critical outcome for his future.

Stay of Imposition to 3rd Degree DWI, meaning this will be a misdemeanor upon completion of probation. Client blew almost three-times the legal limit and was charged with assaulting the officer. Still, due in part to the client's proactive measures to seek help, Mr. Gempeler was able to not only negotiate this incredible criminal result, but also negotiated the buy-back of the vehicle - a critical result for the client.

Continuance for dismissal. The City Attorney took a firm stance on the offer being a stay of adjudication - a great result that the client would have been pleased with. But, Mr. Gempeler knew a better outcome was obtainable with the proper approach. After counseling the client about ways to be proactive in a manner that could lead to a better result, Mr. Gempeler aggressively negotiated the better result for the client - a continuance for a dismissal. For a client that must disclose her criminal record for her job, the distinction is significant in that she no longer has to state she pled guilty to the offense. The client is relieved that her mistake won't impact her future due to the aggressive approach by Mr. Gempeler.