Case Results

Dismissed. This matter concerned a felony count of Threats of Violence, and allegations of gunpoint menacing during a road rage incident (which could have led to an amended complaint including a Second Degree Assault count, with potential prison implications). Mr. Adkins got the case dismissed on the morning trial was set to begin, after extensive wrangling and legal arguments/motions. The client, whose record contains a number of previously felony convictions, saw his position get markedly improved when the North Star Criminal Defense motion practice placed the admissibility of those convictions into the atmosphere. Needless to say, the client is extremely pleased.

Pled guilty, but limited criminal consequences dramatically. Client was charged with a 3rd degree on a first-time DWI due to an alcohol reading of .22 - nearly three times the legal limit. Typically, such a reading would require jail and/or community work service, plus a steep fine. Following our advice to complete a chemical dependency assessment and provide proof of exceptional performance in school, the client was sentenced to no jail, no community work service, a minimal fine, and is on probation to the court, rather than supervised probation, which saves the client an additional $200-300. These efforts may seem minor, but they are incredibly valuable and appreciated by our clients.

Stay of adjudication for $500. This is truly a remarkable outcome given the sheer quantity of charges and severity of them - one gross misdemeanor and four misdemeanors. Additionally, the criminal behavior involved a level of deceit relating to deliberate efforts to use tabs that were registered to other vehicles. With the threat of losing his license with certain convictions, the client is thrilled to maintain a clean criminal record and to not risk losing his license.

Plea to Careless Driving. The client was sentenced to no jail or community service and instead ordered to complete a chemical assessment - which he already did - and complete a MADD panel. The fine was minimal and the client preserved the right to fight the implied consent revocation. This is a rare result. For an active military service member, this result was critical to get him reinstated.

Charges were never filed against our client. The client was diligent in retaining North Star on the day of the alleged incident. Because of this, it afforded an opportunity for Mr. Gempeler to contact the local prosecutor prior to charges being filed (in fact, he caught the prosecutor at the time he was drafting the Complaint). Credit to the prosecutor in allowing us time to provide some critical information that he promised to consider prior to filing charges. Based upon this and thoughtful and assertive negotiations, an agreement is in place for the client to never be charged with the domestic assault. This is an incredible and necessary result for a client that needs licensing through the Dept. of Human Services. Even the charge of domestic assault would likely lead to disqualification, regardless of how the criminal case would be resolved. This outcome had never been done before with the local prosecutor. Yet, Mr. Gempeler employed the proper approach and was persistent with negotiations to secure this outcome. A great start to the new year!

Dismissal. In this matter, wherein a person of significant local fame faced a matter that would have proven quite embarrassing had it reached the papers or the local news, Mr. Adkins secured a dismissal before the first court date. Outright dismissal, no fees, no term of conditions.

Continuance for Dismissal. This matter was resolved by a continuance for dismissal, that in early negotiations was termed "impossible" to achieve. Hard work by Mr. Adkins, and careful avoidance of additional silly decision-making by a wise and creative client, meant the impossible became par for the course. This matter also exemplifies the importance of a client participating meaningfully in the process; his videotape evidence was essential in moving a prosecutor from leery to sympathetic.

In two separate investigations, our clients received notices (but not quite a formal target letter) indicating they might be subject to an indictment if they were unwilling to come forward and proffer (formally answer questions about possible crimes, of their own or other people). In light of Mr. Adkins' more than two decades of experience in these matters, North Star is uniquely positioned to assist in these matters, including isolating issues with the investigators before a meeting, ample and aggressive meeting preparation for the client in advance of the proffer, artful postures throughout the meeting (which can be confrontational and unpleasant), and careful follow-up post-meeting. In both of these matters, the clients were quickly and comprehensively excluded from any prosecution, and their involvement going forward (as, say, trial witnesses) may well be eliminated. This work is detailed, and takes a light hand. Never ever handle these sorts of meetings without a talented and aggressive team of attorneys.