Case Results

Thanks to Dan Adkins’ advocacy, a young single mother avoided jail time, preserved her stable job, and received a reduced charge—downgraded to a misdemeanor—with the opportunity for early expungement in just one year. At the outset, she faced serious consequences stemming from alcohol dependency, including damaged relationships, injuries, and the destruction of valuable family heirlooms. Rather than rushing to a guilty plea or risking a damaging trial, Dan strategically delayed the case, giving her time to pursue treatment and demonstrate real progress. With compelling documentation of her sobriety, commitment, and personal growth, he convinced both the judge and the State to support a second chance. At North Star Law Group, we don’t just fight for results in court—we fight for your future.

A young man facing a serious charge—with the complaining witness demanding a year in jail and key evidence including video footage and seemingly incriminating statements—was up against long odds. These cases are typically unwinnable at trial, but Dan Adkins approached it with strategy, tenacity, and a deep dive into the facts. By scrutinizing the evidence and highlighting inconsistencies in the witness’s account, Dan was able to shift the narrative and open the door for negotiation. In the end, he secured a stay of adjudication—a result that meant no jail time, no conviction, and only minimal fines—allowing the client to keep his job, care for his child, and move forward with his life. At North Star Law Group, we bring this same level of dedication and creative problem-solving to every case we handle.

Dan succeeded in convincing the state to grant a Downward Durational motion, despite the State's strong objections. This decision means that a recent alarming incident involving a man claiming to be affiliated with Al Qaeda—who threatened to detonate a bomb in a populated urban area—has been categorized as a misdemeanor. This case was further complicated by new criminal activity occurring while Dan was diligently guiding the client through treatment efforts.

Thanks to the strategic advocacy of attorney Dan Adkins, our client has successfully avoided what could have been a much harsher consequence: a lifelong felony charge that would have brought extensive legal challenges and stigma. Instead, the client is facing only a short stint on work release and a minimal fine, a remarkable outcome in light of the serious accusations involved.

Stay of imposition, resulting in a misdemeanor conviction after probation ends. If convicted, the client was looking at a presumptive prison sentence. This plea deal not only results in a misdemeanor when the client completes easy terms of probation, but it also avoided any time in custody. Considering the State's initial offer was for a permanent felony record and lengthy time to be served, the outcome Mr. Gempeler achieved is incredible, especially in Hennepin County, which is notoriously hard on individuals facing these charges. Due to this outcome, the client can continue in his career and move forward with his life in way he did not think possible after being charged.

Stay of adjudication. This outcome ensures the client will not be convicted of a crime following a traffic accident - an important result for the client. Additionally, this outcome should avoid a probation violation from a prior careless driving conviction. Two major wins for the client so he can move forward without a record.

Plea to an amended count of misdemeanor 4th Degree DWI with no jail or STS, and the absolute minimum fine possible of $50. The client was a high school student who got into an accident after consuming alcohol one non-school day afternoon. Major mistakes made throughout, clearly. With the help of Mr. Gempeler's advocacy, she got back on track and is pursuing post-secondary education. This outcome will position her in the best position possible, considering the mistakes made.

Plea to an amended count of failing to drive with due care. Client blew a .11 and had no legal defense. But, she was remorseful and took immediate ownership of her actions by getting an assessment and completing the recommendations. Mr. Gempeler raised a creative legal argument regarding the validity of the breath test. Combined with the client's proactive steps, he was able to achieve such a fantastic outcome. The client was very appreciative not only of Mr. Gempeler's dogged efforts, but also of his respect shown her during the case.

The outcome of the case was a significant victory, marked by a stay of adjudication that reduced the charges to a radically minimized count. Importantly, this decision comes with no obligation for sex offender registration, which can often have lifelong consequences. The proposed custody arrangement is also favorable, with a staggered 30-day term that could potentially be waived entirely if good progress is demonstrated during probation.

This remarkable result holds immense value, particularly considering the initial severity of the charges at the time of filing. The client's unwavering devotion to family and steadfast commitment to personal recovery through therapy played a crucial role in shaping this outcome. The client's commitment to recovery, coupled with Dan's relentless dedication and innovative approach, truly made the difference in communicating with both the judge and the State. His advocacy not only showcased the client's journey toward healing but also highlighted the potential for positive change.