Minnesota's Preeminent
Criminal Defense Lawyers

not always

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Unmatched Client Care

personalized legal strategy

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Years of Top-Rated Criminal Defense Experience
25 +

Start Today with a Free Consultation

Have You or Someone You Love Been Arrested?

Being arrested, facing criminal charges, or learning that someone you love is in custody can be frightening and overwhelming. You may have questions about what happens next, what you should do, and who you can trust to help.

At North Star Criminal Defense, we’re here to provide answers, reassurance, and a clear path forward.

Whether you’re under investigation, have already been charged with a crime, or are trying to help a loved one who has been arrested, we’re ready to listen, explain your options, and begin protecting your rights from the moment we speak.

You don’t have to figure everything out before contacting us. Explore our website, learn about your situation, or give us a call whenever you’re ready. We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, because legal trouble doesn’t wait for business hours.

When you're ready to talk,
we're ready to help.

NOT ALWAYS MINNESOTA NICE

Aggressive and Respected Criminal Defense Attorneys

unmatched client care from The Preeminent Criminal Defense Firm in Minnesota

North Star Criminal Defense prides itself on its client service. We know that your criminal record is damaging your life and that an expungement is critical to your future. That is why our Minnesota expungement attorneys focus on giving you the respect and attention you deserve. This means that your calls and emails are answered as promptly as possible. Your questions and concerns will be addressed. And you will be informed throughout the entire process. We work tirelessly to earn your trust and to keep it.

dwi charges

domestic assault

sex offenses

drug crimes

violent crimes

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Recent Case Results

State v. M.M.

August, 2026
Threats of Violence and Criminal Damage to Property – 1st Degree – both felonies; Domestic Assault – gross misdemeanor
Plea to the gross misdemeanor domestic assault and the two felony counts were dismissed. On top of that fantastic outcome, the client’s sentence included no jail time to serve, a minimal fine, and merely requirements to continue with his therapy and programming. Avoiding a felony was the first and top priority. Anything better than that was icing on the cake. And that’s exactly what Mr. Gempeler a

State v. R.T.

August, 2026
School Bus Stop Arm Violation – Gross Misdemeanor
Stay of adjudication. Though this is a traffic incident, when a child is present outside the school bus, cities tend to take this charge very seriously and make negotiations challenging. Armed with a proactive step and a remorseful client, Mr. Gempeler successfully obtained a non-conviction, which is a fantastic and rare outcome for these gross misdemeanor charges. For a client that was facing a s

State v. D.M.

July, 2026
4th Degree DWI – Misdemeanors
Dismissed. Once Mr. Gempeler sought to schedule a contested hearing to challenge the legality of the felony stop executed on our client, the State immediately dismissed the case, knowing full well that the argument was strong and Mr. Gempeler would win. Additionally, the State knew additional discovery sought on the officer in question would reveal damaging information that would only further bols

The Twin Cities' Leader in DWI Defense

DWI charges are among the most common criminal offenses in Minnesota, but they are also among the most complicated to defend. At North Star Criminal Defense, DWI defense is a significant part of what we do. We understand that a DWI arrest can threaten your driver’s license, your livelihood, your reputation, and your freedom. We also understand that an arrest does not automatically mean a conviction. Our attorneys know how to examine traffic stops, challenge questionable evidence, identify problems with chemical testing, and pursue every available defense. From first-time offenses to felony DWI charges, we use our extensive knowledge of Minnesota DWI law to help clients understand their options and fight for the best possible outcome. Our goal is not simply to resolve a criminal charge, but to minimize the disruption it causes to your life and your future.

Don’t Let Your Past Continue to Impact Your Life.

We Work Hard to Make Sure One Mistake or Bad Decision Does Not Ultimately Define You.

Personalized Legal Strategy

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. Then we work with you in strategically developing ways to improve your case. For instance, we may advise you to seek character letters from individuals. But, we don’t stop there; we also advise you on who you should seek the letters from, what they say, and how they best work into your case. By taking the time to build and improve your case, North Star Criminal Defense develops and implements a personalized legal strategy that will serve you best.

Expertise in Expungements

Most defense firms handle expungements irregularly. North Star Criminal Defense is different. We specialize in this field because we care about helping people get the second chances they need and deserve. To that end, we are well-known and respected in our field for this work. We have spoken at numerous continuing legal education seminars on this topic and even been published by a magazine distributed to attorneys and judges statewide. This expertise serves our clients well when making persuasive arguments at court on their behalf. And this usually leads to our clients getting the expungement they need.