Mr. Adkins resolved this embarrassing little vignette with a dismissal and tab charge of petty misdemeanor disorderly conduct, closing the door on a highly prejudicial conviction that this small-business owner did not need. We specialize in sensitive matters handled with exquisite care and creativity.

A person dealing with a motivated and irate former lover, fearing false allegations and the related collateral explosions, hired North Star to manage his communications and seek to forestall any litigation or other challenges, and found success immediately and in short order. Roughly 25% of the work North Star provides to its clients takes place BEFORE charges are laid, or a lawsuit is filed--it is never too early to seek our advice, or our intervention. Call immediately when confronting an accuser, or taking a step on a significant life adventure where an aggressive and talented lawyer can help.

Client avoids the requirement that he register for a decade or longer as a sex offender, avoids a nasty series of onerous probationary requirements, and returns to his family with a Stay of Imposition of Sentence. Legal arguments including the impact of the First Amendment motivated the State to reach a satisfactory plea deal for this exceptional client, who used the event to soul-search and commit to a far more cautious outlook.

Case dismissed. A team approach helped build and prep a strong defense in the lead-up to trial. Shortly before trial was set to begin, the State dismissed the charges. North Star knows when not to be Minnesota Nice. In doing so, it earned the correct result for an innocent client.

Stay of imposition, with a misdemeanor conviction the result. Client - who faced gross misdemeanor charges and possibly an additional felony count if the case was pushed to trial - pursued a proactive, accountable strategy that resulted in the Judge commending him and stating, on the record, that he knows the client is a "stand-up guy". Due to the smart, personalized legal strategy implemented, the client faces no jail, a $100 fine, and minimal conditions during his probation. Upon his satisfaction of probation, the conviction will be deemed a misdemeanor. This is the exact result the client wished for.

Zero charges levied against client due to incredible work by Mr. Adkins in a pre-charge capacity. After more than two months of investigation, negotiation and evidence-characterization, a metro prosecutor declined to file charges that carry near-automatic prison implications, and lifelong registration-as-sex-offender consequences. And the matter is now closed. Client can continue to pursue a bright future, with a new and healthy respect for how close he came to ruination. A banner day for the firm, and a far better day for the client and family. ‪

Found not guilty on both counts at a jury trial. Midway through the case, the State amended the complaint to change the second count to one that was - to its hope - more likely to stick. Mr. Adkins fought like a bulldog, displaying incredible cross-examination skills that ultimately proved instrumental to the just result. The jury deliberated for a very short amount of time, further proving just how damn good Mr. Adkins was a lead trial attorney. A just result for a client facing registration requirements and being labeled a felon for something he did not do.

Expungement granted, in full. Client obtained a stay of adjudication to a gross misdemeanor 5th Degree criminal sexual contact charge in 2008. The county attorney, Department of Human Services ("DHS"), and Board of Nursing all opposed the expungement in writing and at oral arguments. Mr. Gempeler successfully explained the nuance of the appropriate burden of proof shifting to the state and the data practices concerns raised by the DHS and Board of Nursing. The Board of Nursing even commented that it's never been done before in asking that its records be sealed. The Court granted the expungement in full, ordering all agencies records to be sealed. And the Court ordered that the client be restored to the position he held before the incident - meaning, he does not need to acknowledge this charge and record for any reason, at any time. The most important result is that the client no longer has a record that can be utilized by the DHS as a permanent disqualification in getting his appropriate professional license. This is the ultimate second chance for the client.