Stay of adjudication. Despite facing 12 separate felony counts (which, if convicted of all 12, he was facing mandatory prison time), the North Star worked out this incredible outcome where he is never convicted of any crime, let alone a felony. To get to this point, the North Star had to dive into extensive discovery produced by the State and then follow-up, demanding additional discovery that proved critical to the negotiations. For instance, getting the communications log demonstrated that the Dept. of Revenue communications were actually sent to a business partner and the client could not have been the wrongdoer in that instance. Leveraging that information - among other favorable facts - led to an outcome where there is never a conviction, no fine, and no community service. A rare, fantastic outcome thanks to the North Star team.

Stay of adjudication. Client was charged for physically disciplining his young children. Because of the age, it was a felony count and the State obviously took the allegations very seriously. Despite that, the allegations left room for interpretation - after all, a parent has a right to physically discipline their child under the corporal punishment statute. Leveraging that and the client's non-existent record, Mr. Gempeler worked hard to push for this incredible outcome. The client is able to earn the non-conviction and move forward with his life without a damaging criminal record.

Plea to a gross misdemeanor DWI-Refusal and the felony count is dismissed. Additionally, the sentence called for no jail, a minimal fine, and merely staying on track with treatment and programming already engaged in. Considering he was facing a felony fleeing charge, avoiding a felony and any custody is remarkable. This outcome also ensured he would have the high-priced vehicle returned to him and not lose his license (and not able to use ignition interlock) because of the fleeing charge. Overall, a truly fantastic result for a client that was thrilled to have Mr. Gempeler and the North Star fighting for him.

Drug Court diversion. Mr. Adkins was able to overcome massive opposition and months of obstacles, and the client was admitted into Drug Court with a chance to avoid any jail, and a long sentencing guidelines stay (necessitated from multiple prior convictions) of 88 months or longer… With a year of sobriety, success in a carefully-curated set of drug treatment programs, and graduation into a long term relapse prevention protocol, this still-young man can escape not only a nasty stretch in state prison, but also local jail concerns go by the board. A life literally salvaged, and a path back to full civilian success and fatherhood and full employment and... well, you get the point.

Stay of Adjudication. Mr. Adkins is becoming a bit of a wizard in the Greater Minnesota counties; nowhere did this benefit a client as much as in this case, with a man facing a possible long jail or even prison sanction for heinous threats against his neighbor (a former police officer). However, with great patience and a highly precise approach to treatment and restorative justice, the client exits with a Stay of Adjudication, no conviction, light terms on probation, and a path to full expungement of this matter in less than two years. Ridiculously wonderful results.

Departure to probation. Every now and again, the North Star team will return to the office with an outcome that doesn’t make a ton of sense, like in the First Degree Assault case described below, the Ramsey County hammer-attack that was nearly a murder, with the client avoiding prison entirely, and achieving a probationary outcome, notwithstanding EVERYONE in opposition to that result, including probation and the State and the victim, etc. Here, Mr. Adkins achieved a no jail, no prison, no challenging terms of probation result for a client facing a mandatory five years in prison, with five or more criminal history points, who was already on probation for a felony drug offense when Mr. Adkins was retained. Probation? Just two years. No fine… simply a stunning turn of events, due to the creative and relentless approach North Star presents in every case we take. This is a life saved, a family protected, and a staggeringly good result.

Diversion. Client admitted to smashing in a neighbor's window after letting her emotions get the best of her. There were no defenses and in a county that seeks to protect its people and property aggressively. The North Star team, nonetheless, pushed back, humanized our client, and eventually succeeded in getting such an incredible outcome - one that involves no admission of wrongdoing on the court record and will ultimately be a complete dismissal of the case. What's more, we pushed back on the initial restitution claim, saving our client more than a thousand dollars in the process.

Veterans Court Entry. In one of the signature victories this year, Mr. Adkins was able to convince the Veteran’s Court team to override a rule preventing these sorts of charges from participation. Client, who faced the loss of his home, his employment, and his veteran benefits, will exit that program with NO conviction, a clean record, sustained residence (back with his family, due to his exceptional commitment to treatment and sobriety), a promotion at work, and other massive benefits. No firm works harder for our veterans or active duty military, simply none. And none have the record of success we’ve obtained, and will continue to obtain. This is why we work.