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.

Stay of Adjudication. Mr. Adkins convinced the State that, while it could hardly lose this negligent fire/arson case, the impact on the young lady’s life who was charged simply could not be justified. Our client will have a substantial restitution obligation, but no conviction, and can proceed with her studies and her life without this massive hurdle stuck in front of her. A massive win for the client and North Star team.

Acquittal at trial. Client was alleged to have pulled a gun on his brother-in-law, while threatening him. If convicted, he would've faced a mandatory 3-year prison commitment. From the very beginning, he was adamant the charges were false, and he wanted his day in court. Mr. Gempeler put on a masterful trial, hammering every witness the State called and even flipping the officers to lay positive foundational testimony for the closing. The jury deliberated for less than two hours - a remarkably short time, especially over a lunch hour. The County Attorney was flustered the entire trial, never able to counter the sound strategy and technique Mr. Gempeler used throughout. You know it's a good trial performance when the primary bailiff compliments the attorney, and two jurors waited in the courthouse lobby after the trial for a business card because they were so impressed and wanted the North Star team should they ever need us. Delivering justice for a deserving client is why we do this and is the best feeling in our line of work.

Plea to a drug count and dismiss the murder count. Mr. Adkins and his team convinced a judge, and eventually the State, to completely abandon a murder allegation, concerning delivery of drugs/fentanyl that resulted in an overdose death, simply based upon Mr. Adkins' assessment of the evidence and a timeline he prepared. This case, involving more than fourteen (!!) victim impact statements and a palpable political environment, was closed with no further jail, a relatively brief period of probation, and a life utterly recovered from despair and panic. This client has followed Mr. Adkins' express directives as well as any client in three decades of practice, and it mattered, right up to the moment the judge pronounced sentence and thanked Mr. Adkins for his efforts. Wins like this are why we exist.