When life takes an unexpected and bewildering turn, finding the right support can make all the difference. For Justin and Katy, what began as a terrifying episode with unforeseen legal consequences became a journey of healing and hope—thanks to the guidance, professionalism, and empathy of Marie Pacyga and her team.
A Crisis Like No Other
Justin’s ordeal started with confusion and fear—an episode no one saw coming. “I was in mental psychosis for about two weeks,” Justin recalls. In that disoriented state, he purchased a new truck and soon after, had a serious accident involving a golf cart and ended up in a lake. What seemed like reckless behavior was actually the result of a mental health crisis, though law enforcement, seeing a sober but bewildered Justin, didn’t recognize it in the moment.
The aftermath was a blur: police, felony charges, hospital visits, and finally, a devastating diagnosis—bipolar one and ADHD. For Katy, Justin’s fiancée, it was a frightening, helpless time. “He couldn’t feel fear or worry. He wasn’t able to understand the gravity of what was happening. I was on the outside thinking, ‘What do I do?’ It was terrifying.”
Reaching for Help
From the beginning, Justin had one directive for Katy: If anything serious ever happened, call Ryan and Marie Pacyga. What felt like fate intervened—Katy realized she’d gone to high school with Marie. When the worst happened, she reached out to Marie right away.
The relief was tangible from the first phone call. “When I called, Tom answered—he was always so friendly and confident. Every time I talked with Marie, I just felt like I could hand some of my worry over to her. That trust made all the difference,” Katy shares.
As their case wound through the legal system, Justin and Katy experienced firsthand what it means to have dedicated advocates on your side. “People kept telling me, ‘You have great lawyers!’ The community’s respect for Marie and Ryan was clear everywhere I turned.”
Not Just Legal Help—True Allies
Marie wasn’t just a legal representative; she was a guide through the most anxious and overwhelming days of their lives. “She was easy to work with, cared about everything, and always made sure Katy was supported when I couldn’t be there,” Justin says. Katy adds, “There was never a moment I doubted her commitment. The outcome was the best we could have hoped for, but the process itself was just as important—she took on our fears as her own.”
With Marie’s counsel and expertise, the charges were ultimately dismissed—not guilty by reason of mental illness at the time of the incidents. The relief was immense. “Without Marie, I think we would be carrying scars and burdens for years,” says Katy.
Advice for Others in Crisis
Justin’s advice for others navigating mental health or legal crises is simple but hard-won: “Don’t give up. You can’t always see the end, but having someone you trust makes the journey possible. I always knew in my gut that Marie was the right person to call. It made all the difference.”
For loved ones witnessing a crisis, Katy’s wisdom rings true: “Trust your instincts, and don’t be afraid to seek help—even when you aren’t sure if it’s ‘that bad.’ Sometimes, what looks like happiness or calm on the outside is irrational, and it’s okay to ask for help and let things go into the hands of professionals.”
The Next Chapter
With the legal storm finally behind them, Justin and Katy are focused on Justin’s ongoing mental health journey—a challenge, but now one faced without the weight of unresolved legal fears. “We’re healing, and we have resources and support,” Katy shares. “I know in my heart that calling Marie was the best decision we made.”
For Marie and her team, stories like Justin and Katy’s are more than cases—they’re reminders of why compassionate advocacy matters. And for anyone facing the darkest days, their story is a light: you don’t have to go through it alone.
If you know someone who could benefit from the care and expertise of Marie Pacyga and her team, don’t hesitate to reach out.