Resolution:

Continuance for Dismissal. Client was alleged to have physically assaulted his significant other on a public street after a night out. Cops were called to the scene, took statements, and photos of the alleged injuries. The client was also struck by the significant other, though, and had no prior record. With a career aspiration in a field that cannot afford a record, it was imperative to avoid a conviction. Mr. Gempeler and the North Star team achieved exactly that with the best possible plea deal - one that involves no admission to wrongdoing or a conviction. It's a dismissal after a year of good behavior. A rare outcome on domestic assault cases, but one that isn't as rare for the North Star team.

Resolution:

Continuance for Dismissal. This matter, involving an employee dipping deep into the company cash register, could have resulted in not only a conviction and the related (turpitude, meaning lying/cheating/stealing) massive collateral consequences, is now continued for dismissal, with no sanctions whatsoever, and the client can return to a quiet life while chasing full status in our wonderful nation. Some folks have so much more to lose than others, even from a misdemeanor—but not with Dan or James or Sean on the case. We get results, because we don’t take the first ’No’ to mean anything, and our devotion and creativity are permanent features of every case we handle. This client is overjoyed, with cause.

Resolution:

Plea to an amended count of careless driving. On top of that fantastic outcome, the client is merely placed on unsupervised probation for one-year with no additional obligations going forward. What makes this particular outcome so remarkable is that the client blew a .13 - well above the typical range where a prosecutor would typically offer a non-DWI outcome. Additionally, the State's initial offer included conditions of no use, no entering bars or restaurants, and testing to confirm the no use. Despite the elevated reading and an initial offer that was heavy-handed, Mr. Gempeler leaned on the proactive steps and positive background of the client to negotiate a non-DWI and unsupervised probation - an outcome we truly didn't expect. But the unexpected happens here more than anywhere else because of our diligence, strategic approach, and know-how when working these cases.

Resolution: Dismissal. The client is alleged to have brandished a firearm during a road rage incident. He was arrested and kept in custody for several days on the possibility of facing felony charges. Ultimately, the County did not pursue them and the city pursued the assault charge. Even though it was a misdemeanor, it was a very serious one, considering the involvement of a firearm. The client is a veteran and retired law enforcement officer. Through this service, he developed PTSD that he had not addressed prior to the incident and was a major factor in it. Post-incident, he achieved sobriety and finally addressed his PTSD through therapy and EMDR (a wonderful therapeutic service that can work wonders). Through his hard-work and therapy, he finally started to get clarity in his life that had been missing. Mr. Gempeler and the North Star team then pushed for the incredible outcome of a dismissal - not via plea negotiations, such as a stay of adjudication - but an outright dismissal to ensure this incident would not hinder him moving forward. Thankfully, the local prosecutor was receptive to hearing about our client, his struggles, and then his proactive efforts. And, rightfully, he agreed with what we were after - a clean dismissal. Such a fantastic outcome was earned and just, considering the overall circumstances. This is why we do what we do - to get justice and help our clients get their lives back on track.

Resolution:

Dismissal and acquittal. The reckless driving charge was dismissed during pre-trial litigation after Mr. Gempeler correctly argued that the facts were insufficient to support such a baseless claim. And then, after not receiving any plea negotiation offers other than plead as charged, Mr. Gempeler won a court trial on the 117 mph speeding ticket. That's two trial wins in a row for this exact type of charge - which is nearly unheard of, considering how easy it truly is for a prosecutor to prove a speeding case. Undeterred, Mr. Gempeler is diligent in his approach, knowing the nuances and statutory requirements, and then how to effectively incorporate them into a successful cross examination and closing argument. Such a win not only prevented a criminal record, it also avoided a six-month loss of license that would otherwise come from a conviction for driving in excess of 100 mph.

Resolution: Plea to an amended count of careless driving. Client had no legal defenses, but wanted desperately to avoid a DWI conviction and the stigma associated with it. Mr. Gempeler had a pre-existing relationship with the prosecutor that paid off in achieving a non-DWI conviction and only one-year of probation. The North Star team achieved exactly what it set out to do, again.

Resolution:

Continuance for Dismissal. Two clients were charged with School Bus Stop Arm Violations each. After carefully reviewing the discovery materials, there were no defenses to either charge, as the crime was caught on squad video and the violation was clear as day. Mr. Gempeler was undeterred and strategically negotiated with the State by humanizing his clients and providing important context about the violations. The State relented and agreed to resolve both cases with Continuances for Dismissal. As long as the clients remain law-abiding for one year and pay the applicable fines, the charges will be dismissed. This resolution prevents criminal convictions and negative driving records, representing a significant victory for the clients.

Resolution:

Continuance for Dismissal. At first, there was no offer on the table to resolve this case. But, with Mr. Hoppe's persistence, he secured the best outcome for the client under the circumstances. As long as the client stays law-abiding for a year and pays the applicable fine, the case will be dismissed. To avoid a criminal record, let along a traffic record, is fantastic for the client and yet another example of the talent this young man has under our watch.