Stay of adjudication to one count of assault. Making this outcome even more remarkable is the fact that we avoided the requirement for domestic abuse programming that was recommended by probation in the pre-sentence investigation is usually imposed for any domestic assault case. The proactive steps - advised to be taken by the North Star team - proved to be the difference in both the negotiations and "sentencing." Now the client can keep his record conviction free thanks to this incredible result.

Dismissal. This case, concerning an assault allegation that could easily have been amended to a Domestic count (with the attendant significant collateral consequences, including gun-right loss), looked close to insoluble at first, but the team at North Star coordinated closely with the client and his wonderful family, convinced the State that the allegations were infirm, and before even the second trip to the courthouse, the State filed a Rule 30.01 notice, permanently dismissing the case. Family is most pleased, with cause.

Continuance for dismissal. Truly a remarkable outcome considering the allegations involved an adult client bumping into a child athlete after a sporting event. Making matters worse (from a defense perspective), is that surveillance video captured the incident. No defenses existed. The North Star team advised the client on proactive steps he could take, humanized the client and how the pending case was already impacting his career and future, and then sought this fantastic result via plea negotiations. Thankfully, everything came together as well as could possibly imagine and, frankly, better than that even.

Continuance for Dismissal. This matter involved multiple witnesses and video proof of a pretty clear meltdown, but careful negotiation and character evidence convinced a salty prosecutor to cut their losses and set the case for a 6-month diversion, and eventual dismissal (and since-expungement). Client is geeked, and a strong relationship with a local prosecutor gets stronger still.

Norgaard plea, received a stay of adjudication on the threats of violence charge, stay of imposition to an added count of interfering with an emergency call (gross misdemeanor), and a stay of imposition to the misdemeanor domestic assault charge. This negotiated outcome results in no felony conviction on his record and, instead, just misdemeanor convictions. For an individual facing three serious felony charges, including the second degree assault with a dangerous weapon that would've required a year in prison if convicted, this is a fantastic result. The top priorities for the client were avoiding a felony record and prison time. The North Star team engaged in extensive and creative negotiations over lengthy litigation, ultimately culminating in this deal on the doorstep to trial. Considering the allegations, a motivated victim, and challenging evidence to overcome, accomplishing the client's objectives seemed unlikely to begin, but eventually came to fruition with the strategy implemented.

Diversion - meaning no plea or conviction, and a dismissal of the entire case upon the client's successful completion of minimal terms of the diversion agreement. What makes this result even more incredible is that the State possessed security camera footage of the assault. And the video is not good, to say the least. Yet, despite the ugly footage and no defenses as a result, the North Star team leveraged the client's remorse, good overall record, and its own good relationships with the prosecutor to get them to trust our client and that he's a perfect candidate for diversion. Another fantastic result in the face of daunting circumstances.

Case dismissed. The client faced allegations on a classic he-said/he-said incident. But, there were very favorable facts that he was defending his dwelling against a potential burglary. The State, though, pursued these charges as if he attacked the individual, unprovoked. Unwilling to bend to always-improving offers, the North Star team ramped the case up for trial, filed pre-trial motions to litigate certain issues, and was ready to get the acquittal at trial. The State dismissed the case the week before trial. They know we mean business and were ready to get this just and right outcome, even if required facing the uncertainty of a trial. The client was thrilled, nearly shedding tears of joy and relief when we told him the news.

Stay of adjudication to the indecent exposure charge and a conviction to the disorderly conduct charge. With zero defenses available and rather awful facts, the North Star team still achieved this fantastic result, where the client avoid a criminal conviction record relating to either the sex crime charge or the assaults. A remorseful and proactive client followed our guidance and did what needed to be done to create the negotiating leverage to obtain this result. Another incredible result from a difficult set of circumstances, which is the norm for us!