Felonies

To see just how successful our approach is, here are some representative results:

State v. A.A.

June, 2025
Charges: Four Felony Narcotics, Two First Degree Associated Probation Matters

Outright dismissal! After facing a daunting case with a potential seven-year prison sentence and years of probation, the client’s charges were completely dropped with prejudice following a groundbreaking investigation that exposed serious misconduct by the lead law enforcement officer. This total dismissal means the charges can never be refiled, allowing the client to return home to his children. The joy and relief stemming from these results are profound—a testament to the power of justice when integrity is restored.

Types of Charge(s): Drug Crime Case Results, Felonies

United States v. G.B.

June, 2025
Charges: Drug Conspiracy / Federal Crimes

Another significant trial victory for Dan Adkins, who has impressively maintained an unblemished record in contested bench and jury trials since 2013.

In this particular case, Mr. Adkins was able to secure outstanding results for his client. Key among these accomplishments was the outright acquittal of the Drug Conspiracy charge against the client, despite the prosecution presenting a substantial amount of evidence that seemed to strongly implicate the client in this serious crime. The skillful defense tactics employed by Mr. Adkins not only dismantled the prosecution's evidence but also highlighted significant weaknesses in their case.

While the jury ultimately convicted the client on the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) count, they notably declined to allocate any drug weights to this conviction. This was a critical factor, as it significantly mitigated the potential repercussions for the client during sentencing. The prosecution's last offer to resolve the case involved a dramatically harsh sentence of life in prison. However, due to the efforts of Mr. Adkins and his team, there is now a possibility for the defense to argue for a considerably shorter sentence, estimated to be closer to 188 months, although it may still extend beyond that.

It's important to note that actual sentencing will not occur for several months, during which time Mr. Adkins and his team will continue to devote their efforts to preparing for this next phase of the legal battle. Despite the complexities that lie ahead, the client expressed immense gratitude and relief at the outcomes achieved so far, feeling justifiably thrilled by the progress made in such a challenging case.

The meticulous work done by Mr. Adkins and his understanding of the nuances in federal law have opened up new avenues for the client's future, proving once again the value of having a skilled attorney by one's side during tumultuous legal battles.

Types of Charge(s): Drug Crime Case Results, Felonies

State v. S.L.

April, 2025
Charges: Expungement - 4th Degree Criminal Sexual Contact

Expungement granted on a stay of imposition record to a 4th degree criminal sexual contact record. What makes this outcome so remarkable is that it is truly a first of its kind. The expungement statute has a prohibition for expunging records that required the defendant to register as a sex offender. The client here did so for the duration required by law without incident and he completed probation without incident - even getting discharged early. Using a creative and nuanced argument, Mr. Gempeler successfully argued that the prohibition only prohibits expungements of records that currently require registration. The Court agreed with the careful analysis and granted the expungement in full. The client is overjoyed with receiving the second chance he had long wanted and deserved, all because he hired the right team to raise creative and strong arguments on his behalf.

Types of Charge(s): Expungements, Felonies

State v. L.M.

March, 2025
Charges: Obstruction of Legal Process / Assault on a Police Officer

Stay of Adjudication, an inconceivable result, after the complaint was drafted... this gentleman, who was on an epic (and likely life-ending) bender, was confronted by his teenage son, and then five police officers--and he did not react well. The entire event is videotaped, including our man stealing a taser and attempting to further harm an officer. He narrowly avoided a felony complaint, but the city was not happy to receive him... until Dan and the client proved his sobriety, and his commitment to his family, and his career as an E.R. nurse. The result? Staggering success, no jail, no loss of employment, a couple of utterly heartfelt apology letters to the officers (and his son) involved, and another amazing win for North Star.

Types of Charge(s): Assault Case Results, Felonies

State v. B.K.

March, 2025
Charges: Theft/Swindle

North Star successfully secured a stay of adjudication for our client, who faced two challenging charges of theft within her family. This outcome was achieved after she demonstrated remarkable dedication by fully pre-paying the required restitution prior to the court proceedings. This case illustrates the importance of perseverance, innovative strategies, and a strong sense of accountability, especially when confronting daunting circumstances. Despite the adverse facts, Dan was able to navigate the situation effectively, delivering results that surpass those achieved by many other national firms handling similar cases. Dan's commitment and creativity in difficult situations truly set us him apart in the legal field.

State v. L.S.

February, 2025
Charges: Felony tax crimes - multiple counts

Plea to two amended counts of gross misdemeanor tax crimes with no time to serve and minimal terms of probation. The client had no real defense to a lengthy history of failing to file tax returns. After years of negotiations, legal arguments, and wearing down of the prosecutor, Mr. Gempeler was finally able to get a non-felony outcome - which the client so desperately wanted to avoid. The tactic that paid off was being on top of case law developments. There is a new case heading to the Court of Appeals that centered on an issue that was highly relevant to this case. Understanding this, new leverage for negotiations led to such an incredible outcome for the client.

Types of Charge(s): Felonies, Tax

State v. M.S.

February, 2025
Charges: Fraud/Theft by Swindle

Despite strong opposition from the State, Dan secured a Stay of Imposition for a client facing multiple charges, an expanding list of alleged victims, and serious exposure to incarceration and restitution demands. The prosecution pushed aggressively for a Stay of Execution with significant penalties, but through strategic advocacy and the client’s genuine remorse, the court granted a more lenient resolution—one that avoided the most damaging consequences.

This outcome allowed the client to keep his business running, begin repaying damages, and continue supporting his family—a critical win that balanced accountability with stability. In a tough jurisdiction known for harsh prosecution, this case shows how thoughtful legal representation and a client’s commitment to change can lead to impactful, practical results.

State v. K.R.

January, 2025

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.

State v. P.V.

January, 2025
Charges: 9 counts of felony failing to file and failing to pay tax returns

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.

Types of Charge(s): Felonies, Tax

State v. Non-Public

December, 2024
Charges: Identity Theft and Fraudulent Transactions - Felony Counts

Stay of Adjudication with no restitution! State initially demanded a conviction and restitution of nearly $40K, and one of the State’s most conservative judges on the bench would not have likely permitted any resolution short of an all-but-unwinnable jury trial. However, Mr. Adkins employed creativity in extremis, and with a client committed to recovering and repairing the damage (the victims were in her family), the result is no conviction, restitution of less than $400, a path to expunging the entire matter—and a result that forced Probation Agents and the Judge to repeatedly ask if this was in fact the plan—it is that lenient, that much in favor of our ecstatic and wonderful client. Justice booming.