Theft & Shoplifting Case Results

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

State v. M.H.

February, 2023
Charges: Shoplifting - Misdemeanor

Diversion. Client was caught on camera not paying full price for all of the product. Needless to say, there were no legitimate defenses. Undeterred, the North Star team leaned on its great relationship with the local prosecutor and pursued this incredible outcome - one that ensures the client will maintain her crime-free record. On top of all that, we negotiated with the diversion program and removed most of the typical conditions, including community service, to make the diversion program easier and quicker to complete. Another example of how we go above and beyond for our clients, always pushing to get the best possible outcome.

State v. B.H.

November, 2022
Charges: Theft by Swindle, Felony, nearly $20K in restitution demanded

Stay of Adjudication. This case, handled initially by a well-respected dean of the criminal defense bar for more than 18 months and with no offer better than a lifetime felony (and cancellation of commercial license opportunities permanently), vs. a nearly impossible trial to win, presented Mr. Adkins with some sizable challenges. After five months of careful negotiations, Mr. Adkins and the North Star team secured a Stay of Adjudication, with absolutely no jail to serve, no work service, no fine, probation to the court, and as little as one year to dismissal and the start of an expungement campaign. Client is ecstatic, and can focus exclusively on building his growing business and caring for his extended family, without the fear or impact a felony record would necessarily bring. A massive win.

State v. Y.V.

June, 2021
Charges: Theft by Swindle - Felony

Plea to a gross misdemeanor theft count. The client was caught on camera swapping UPC code stickers to purchase expensive items for much cheaper. Needless to say, we had no actual defense to these charges. Despite this - and a County Attorney who was none too pleased with our clients behavior and belief that his actual wrongdoing far exceeded what they could prove - the North Star team got a plea agreement to a non-felony and no jail to serve. The client could not be happier to avoid the felony outcome and not have to do any time in custody.

State v. C.F.

February, 2021
Charges: Felony Theft by Swindle

Client agreed to a diversionary outcome, meaning she is neither convicted nor even offers a plea of guilty as part of the agreement. And so long as she abides by the minimal terms of the diversionary agreement, the matter will be dismissed in one-year. This is a great result for a deserving client. Fearful of facing a felony for switching UPC codes while at Target - and no meaningful defense to it - the client is thrilled to walk away without a criminal record.

State v. M.G.

September, 2020
Charges: Multiple felony and gross misdemeanor theft charges

Gross misdemeanor pleas. Mr. Adkins secured non-felony results in an almost impossible context, with a client who simply would not quit gathering complaints and charges, most alleging acts of theft or failure to report theft or recovery of assets. No jail, no heavy probation conditions, and the right to contest future restitution... have the right lawyer by your side? Even if you can't quit the cases from coming, Messrs. Adkins and Gempeler can protect you, and optimize your options.

State v. B.S.

July, 2020
Charges: Probation Violation on Mail Theft and Drug Crimes - Felonies

Early Discharge from Probation. This probation violation was supported by reams of documentation of failures on the part of Mr. Adkins' new client, but a term of restorative work (and commitment to sobriety) by the client and artful arguments via Zoom technology meant the client is not only not headed to prison or jail, but will be released from probation early with a stern lecture.... If your family member (or you) faces allegations of failure on probation, please don't hesitate to contact North Star immediately. You'll be stunned how much aggressive representation can change the outcomes.

State v. Confidential

April, 2020
Charges: Fraudulent Insurance Representations, Theft - Multiple Felony Counts

Reduction of counts to Gross Misdemeanor or below. This case, actually a set of cases, initially exposed our client to not only a felony conviction, but the loss immediately of a lifelong avocation, for which he had expended decades of effort and countless dollars in training and equipment. After extensive negotiations and aggressive reparative efforts by Dan and the North Star team, the client will not only have the chance to seek a gross misdemeanor from his misconduct, but has written agreement from the prosecutor that the cases will be amended to that outcome--erasing the risk that a judge would disagree with Dan's request. Client is giddy--s/he gets to keep working, and keep climbing, in an incredibly competitive environment.

State v. C.E.

August, 2019
Charges: Felony Burglary charges

Stay of Imposition to a Gross Misdemeanor burglary charge, with no jail to serve. A savvy and diligent defense put the client in a position to both avoid a felony conviction and earn a misdemeanor record after completing probation. For a young man that was simply caught up with the wrong crowd, Mr. Adkins worked tirelessly to advocate for this client and get the County Attorney on board with his bright future and why this outcome was just. The client could not be happier he got North Star to fight for him.

State v. J.M.

July, 2019
Charges: Theft by Swindle - Gross Misdemeanor

Stay of Adjudication. Client was caught switching UPC stickers at Target over the course of several visits. Yet, even though the city rarely grants this type of resolution, the proactive approach by North Star and the savvy negotiating led to this incredible result, allowing the client to keep her record clean.

State v. R.W.

May, 2019
Charges: Felony Theft

Stay of Adjudication. Even though Mr. Gempeler was appearing in a county he has never been to before, he negotiated this great result for his deserving client. What's more, the conditions of probation are almost non-existent - pay restitution, letter of apology, and have no same or similar incidents. The Judge even announced he will cut his probation in half if he is tending to his obligations properly.