How One Man Found His Strength with Ryan Pacyga by His Side Right before Christmas, Christian* showed up to his government job as usual. Within hours, he was placed on administrative leave, had his personal possessions confiscated. He had no warning, no explanation, and no idea that his life was ...

When you’re facing criminal charges, choosing the right attorney is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. At Ryan Pacyga Criminal Defense, we believe that fit matters. That’s why we’ve built an intentional process to determine whether we’re the right legal team to take on your case. Here’s how ...

Wire fraud is one of the most commonly charged federal crimes in today’s digital world. As more transactions move online, more people are unknowingly exposed to legal risk. Understanding what wire fraud is, and how it differs from mail fraud, can help protect you or your business from federal charges. ...

Mail fraud might sound like something from a movie script, but it is a serious federal crime that can result in steep penalties, including prison time. Whether you are a business owner, employee, or just someone receiving a letter in the mail, it is important to understand what mail fraud ...

When David first learned he was being charged with a crime, he was overwhelmed. So, like many others, he turned to Ryan Pacyga. “I was in a panic,” he recalls. “I’d never been through anything like this. It felt like my world was spinning.” Like many people, David turned to ...

When most people hear “first-degree murder,” they know it’s serious—but what exactly does it mean, especially in Minnesota? Hi, I’m Ryan Pacyga, criminal defense attorney, and I recently represented a client facing not one, but two counts of first-degree murder. It was the most serious case I’ve ever tried, and ...

When Jeff (name changed for privacy) met criminal defense attorney Ryan Pacyga, he wasn’t just facing criminal charges. He was facing the end of his life as he knew it — and nearly, his life altogether. Jeff's story is a stark reminder that behind every criminal case is a human ...

When preparing for a trial, most people imagine the courtroom drama unfolding in front of a jury. But what happens before the trial begins can be just as—if not more—important. One of the most critical steps in pretrial preparation is filing what’s called a motion in limine. As a criminal ...

Does Hiring a Lawyer Make You Look Guilty? By Ryan Pacyga, Criminal Defense Attorney One of the most common questions we get is this: “If I’m accused of a crime, will it make me look guilty if I hire a lawyer?” It's a natural concern. Maybe the police have called ...

Getting pulled over for driving under the influence is scary enough. But when the words “Felony DUI in MN” come into play, the stakes rise dramatically. In Minnesota, a felony DUI charge means you’re facing serious consequences—prison time, long-term license loss, and a criminal record that can follow you for ...

Let’s walk through a scenario that’s more common than you might think: You’re driving home after a couple of glasses of wine. You get pulled over. You’re arrested for suspected DWI and brought to the station. You take a breath test—and it comes back at exactly 0.08 blood alcohol concentration. ...

In 2023, Minnesota legalized recreational marijuana, joining a growing number of states reforming cannabis-related laws. But while legalization has opened the door to personal use and limited home cultivation, new regulations around marijuana possession, growth, and distribution are still being tested in real time—and so are the people navigating them. ...

When someone is convicted of a serious DWI offense—especially a felony DWI in Minnesota—the biggest fear is often the same in DWI Sentencing: jail or prison time. But did you know that under certain circumstances, a judge may allow for staggered sentencing?This alternative structure can not only reduce the immediate ...

If you've recently been charged with impaired driving—or you're just curious—you’ve probably noticed different terms floating around: DWI, DUI, OUI, OWI. What do they all mean and, specifically - what's the difference between DWI vs. DUI? And more importantly, what matters if you’re facing a charge in Minnesota? Let’s break ...

Can police test you for driving high in Minnesota? With the legalization of marijuana in Minnesota, law enforcement agencies are adapting their approach to handling suspected impaired driving cases. A recent NPR article, "Driving High: The Challenges of THC DUI Testing", highlights new roadside drug tests that police are piloting ...

If you've been charged with a DWI in Minnesota, you might feel like your fate is sealed. After all, the police have breathalyzer results, field sobriety tests, and their own testimony stacked against you. But here’s what most people don’t realize—a DWI charge is not the same as a DWI ...

Background A young man found himself in the midst of a federal conspiracy case, facing charges that carried a mandatory 10-year prison sentence. He was indicted in U.S. District Court for conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, including LSD, methamphetamine, and marijuana. The federal investigation uncovered evidence of large-scale drug transactions, ...

Minnesota is known for its breathtaking lakes, cold winters, and the ever-friendly "Minnesota Nice." But tucked within its legal code are some quirky, surprising, and downright peculiar laws that make you do a double-take. While most laws exist for good reason—public safety, fairness, and order—some seem to have aged out ...

When facing criminal charges, choosing the right attorney can make all the difference. You need a great defense lawyer that doesn’t just react to the prosecution’s case. The following unique ways your attorney can help and get the best possible outcome will give you insight into questions you should be ...

In criminal law, two terms often come up when discussing police stops, searches, and arrests: Reasonable Suspicion vs. Probable Cause. These concepts define what law enforcement can and cannot do when interacting with citizens. Understanding them is essential, especially if you find yourself in a situation where your rights may ...

Domestic assault is a serious criminal charge in Minnesota that can have life-changing consequences. Whether you are seeking to understand the law, protect your rights, or navigate a legal situation, knowing what constitutes domestic assault under Minnesota law is essential. In this article, we’ll break down the definition of domestic ...

In a significant ruling, the Minnesota Supreme Court recently clarified how domestic assault cases are differentiated from non-domestic assault cases, shedding light on the factors that define a "domestic relationship." This distinction is crucial, as domestic assault convictions carry more severe consequences than regular assault charges, such as lifetime bans ...

Navigating a legal issue is daunting, especially when faced with the challenge of finding the right lawyer. Ryan Pacyga, an experienced criminal defense attorney, offers a comprehensive guide to help you make an informed decision. From avoiding red flags to understanding key qualities to seek, here’s what you need to ...

It’s a scenario no one expects but can quickly become a life-altering experience: You’ve had what you believed was a consensual sexual encounter, and days, weeks, or even months later, a police officer or detective contacts you. What should you do? Criminal defense attorney Ryan Pacyga, who specializes in criminal ...