Continuance for Dismissal. The client was charged with stealing merchandise from local Target stores that totaled $550.95. Our young law clerk, Mr. Hoppe, with just a little oversight from the veteran attorneys on the team, was able to achieve an incredible outcome that resulted in the client essentially receiving a second chance - fine, no entry at place of theft, and no same or similar incidents. Assuming the client stays law-abiding for a year under unsupervised probation, the case will be completely dismissed and will stay off their record. Besides an outright dismissal, this is the best possible result a client can achieve in their case. A pretty damn great result achieved by our clerk, who managed this while balancing a full school schedule. He has bright future, to say the least.

North Star successfully secured a stay of adjudication for our client, who faced two challenging charges of theft within her family. This outcome was achieved after she demonstrated remarkable dedication by fully pre-paying the required restitution prior to the court proceedings. This case illustrates the importance of perseverance, innovative strategies, and a strong sense of accountability, especially when confronting daunting circumstances. Despite the adverse facts, Dan was able to navigate the situation effectively, delivering results that surpass those achieved by many other national firms handling similar cases. Dan's commitment and creativity in difficult situations truly set us him apart in the legal field.

Despite strong opposition from the State, Dan secured a Stay of Imposition for a client facing multiple charges, an expanding list of alleged victims, and serious exposure to incarceration and restitution demands. The prosecution pushed aggressively for a Stay of Execution with significant penalties, but through strategic advocacy and the client’s genuine remorse, the court granted a more lenient resolution—one that avoided the most damaging consequences.

This outcome allowed the client to keep his business running, begin repaying damages, and continue supporting his family—a critical win that balanced accountability with stability. In a tough jurisdiction known for harsh prosecution, this case shows how thoughtful legal representation and a client’s commitment to change can lead to impactful, practical results.

Stay of Adjudication with no restitution! State initially demanded a conviction and restitution of nearly $40K, and one of the State’s most conservative judges on the bench would not have likely permitted any resolution short of an all-but-unwinnable jury trial. However, Mr. Adkins employed creativity in extremis, and with a client committed to recovering and repairing the damage (the victims were in her family), the result is no conviction, restitution of less than $400, a path to expunging the entire matter—and a result that forced Probation Agents and the Judge to repeatedly ask if this was in fact the plan—it is that lenient, that much in favor of our ecstatic and wonderful client. Justice booming.

Stay of Adjudication. State initially demanded a conviction and substantial jail term, but Defendant’s hustle and Mr. Adkins’ artful arguments (commercial theft cases can often involve substantial witness and documentation challenges, creating a point of leverage for a gifted defender) resulted in a 6-month stay with no conviction and no collateral consequences. Client would have been immediately fired, and thereafter un-employable, with a conviction. Client is overjoyed.

Stay of Adjudication. Client was charged with stealing merchandise from a local Target several times over the course of a couple of weeks. And the State had surveillance video showing the theft acts from beginning to end - i.e. there were no defenses to the charge. Still, Mr. Gempeler emphasized the client's overall good record, remorse, accountability, and need to avoid creating a record that will hold him back going forward. The State understood and agreed to the second chance afforded by this fantastic result.

Stay of adjudication - no conviction upon successful completion of probation. The client was accused of misappropriating prescription drugs from a nursing home she worked at. Thankfully, she responded the right way by understanding and addressing her addiction that led to this case. By doing so, the North Star team was able to obtain this fantastic outcome - one that is common for a first-time felony drug case, but can be elusive when the allegations include stealing of prescription medications from a workplace. The North Star team emphasized the client's proactive steps and leveraged our good relationships with the prosecutors to secure this needed and deserving outcome.

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.