North Star Criminal Defense
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North Star Criminal Defense
A client is a person, not another file. North Star Criminal Defense takes a hands-on approach with every client to fully understand their entire case so that a truly personalized legal strategy is developed. We understand that the collateral consequences are just as real, and sometimes more penal, than the criminal consequences.

By taking the time to learn these facts, North Star Criminal Defense develops and implements a personalized legal strategy that will serve you best. North Star Criminal Defense will be aggressive when needed. The key to being a great defense attorney is knowing when and how to be aggressive.
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Our clients get the respect and attention they deserve. One mistake or bad decision can lead to criminal charges. But, this doesn't mean you are a criminal. North Star Criminal Defense understands this. And this is why we work tirelessly, fighting for your rights while guiding you through the legal process.
North Star Criminal Defense has over 30 years of combined experience in representing defendants facing the full range of criminal charges in both state and federal courts. Through this experience and our Not Always Minnesota Nice approach, we routinely get favorable results for our clients - and often results that seemed out-of-reach before we were hired.
Arson charge in Minnesota involves the destruction or damaging of a building or personal property by means of fire or explosives. The severity level of the offense depends upon the type of building burned, whether it was occupied, whether an accelerant was used, and the amount of damage caused. The best evidence may come from what you say.
Charged with assault in Minnesota? An assault conviction can lead to devastating consequences for you long term, making it more difficult to find employment or housing. If you have been charged with assault, reach out to the Minnesota assault attorneys at North Star Criminal Defense to start fighting for you today.
Burglary charges are very serious and may result in devastating criminal and collateral consequences. It is usually a felony offense, resulting in a loss of your fundamental rights - such as your voting rights and likely your right to possess a firearm - and can be debilitating for any future job or housing searches.
Reviews (13)
Jack Rice
Jack Rice
Dec 12, 2021
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Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness
James is a great lawyer. He is smart, cares of about his clients and is not afraid to put in the work.
Benjamin Wagner
Benjamin Wagner
Dec 10, 2021
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Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness
I have known the attorneys at North Star Criminal Defense for years and they are of the highest quality. I trust them to provide a vigorous defense for their clients and work to hard to ensure a favorable outcome.
Kenyatta Mooers
Kenyatta Mooers
Nov 24, 2021
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Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value
North Star Criminal Defense is great. Everything was done on time, and I felt confident in their ability to get the outcome they said was possible.
Calvin Ion
Calvin Ion
Sep 23, 2021
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Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value
I hired James Gempeler because of his attitude, confidence, and experience. James and the staff at Northstar always delivered. Even with many covid delays, they never faltered despite the additional costs. Ultimately we were victorious and got the result we wanted. You don't need to look any further for a defense attorney.
Rae Clarke
Rae Clarke
Aug 02, 2021
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Mr. Gempeler and team at North Star Criminal Defense were always quick to respond to any questions that I had and were always available. I never felt I was fighting my case alone. Mr. Gempeler  explained every step and kept me well informed the whole time.
They made me feel like a human being and not just a number.
Thank you so much for everything you did for me. I trully appreciate how hard you fought for me.
Benjamin Nordquist
Benjamin Nordquist
May 29, 2021
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Positive: Professionalism, Quality
Mr. Gempler represented me and provided me with clear communication throughout the process. After a series of mistakes at the DMV, to no fault of my own, I was incredibly grateful for the outcome received which resulted in a licensing issue being dropped without having to go to trial. Ideal outcome and pleased with the process.
Brenda Nelson
Brenda Nelson
May 24, 2021
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Mr. Gempler is the epitome of an experienced criminal defense attorney. James is very thorough and reviews all details of your case with you. He knows the law exceptionally well and has excellent rapport with other attorneys and the courts. Place your trust in him and he will absolutely obtain the best result for your case. With his meticulous strategy, and knowledge of the law, my case ended favorably. I would absolutely recommend Northstar Criminal Defense to anyone who finds themselves in need of criminal defense.
Nipun Malhotra
Nipun Malhotra
Mar 21, 2021
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Never been in the system and being an immigrant with permanent residency pending for approval. I landed in problems all because of myself and caused angst, anxiety, embarrassment for all of my family here and my parents abroad.
I reached out to the best known attorney and he calmed me and my spouse that he will get us out of the trouble and avoid any hinderance in our green card processing. But I did not use to hear back from him and we were in a contract with him. After some follow ups the attorney told me that I can fire him any time, I do deserve what I did and he basically backtracked himself
K. S.
K. S.
Jan 15, 2021
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Positive: Professionalism
Professional, responsive, friendly and non-judgemental. This is the representation you hope for when facing a criminal charge and my specific outcome was better than could be expected. Highly recommend!
David Yang
David Yang
Dec 05, 2019
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I was being charged for a gross misdemeanor for a firearm charge. I went off these guys based on their reviews, i should’ve looked at their specialties. They Are probably excellent lawyers, but not for what My case was for. In the beginning, they sold themselves as they would fight and do anything they could for me, so i felt fairly confident that this charge would get dropped. After i paid them and left the office, i didn't get any communication about the case or how it was going. I would be the one who would have to reach out and ask for details. They sold me on how good they were and that
Tim Mathews
Tim Mathews
Jul 19, 2016
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Dan is a consummate professional but never loses a empathetic relationship with his client. He has a very upfront and no nonsense approach. I was very impressed with his ability to communicate with the Judge and then turn around and explain to us - in language we could understand - what had just transpired and what our course would be moving forward. Along with all of the above he is one hell of a nice guy.
Mary Margaret
Mary Margaret
Jul 19, 2016
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I always recommend the North Star attorneys to any family or friends that need a defense attorney. They are diligent, responsive to clients, and aggressive in getting the right results.
Chris Berry
Chris Berry
Sep 25, 2015
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Dan is one of the best lawyers I know he is also very good at family law cases I highly recommend.