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. ...

If you or a loved one are facing a tough legal situation—whether it’s a criminal case, personal injury, or any other type of litigation—sometimes it feels like you’re carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders. I know, because every week, I see what my clients go through, and ...

When people think about criminal charges, most imagine only the person who directly commits a crime facing legal consequences. However, Minnesota law, and the laws in many other states, also hold others responsible if they play a role in helping bring about that crime. This is called “aiding and abetting,” ...

When people think of federal court, they often imagine the worst-case scenario — long prison sentences, harsh guidelines, and little room for mercy. And to be fair, that reputation isn’t far off. Federal sentencing guidelines are notoriously tough, with mandatory minimums that can run 10, 15, 20 years — or ...

When people hear “criminal sexual conduct,” most think guilt first and facts later. That snap judgment makes these cases some of the hardest in criminal defense. It is also exactly why we do them. Below is a candid look at why many lawyers steer clear of these cases, and how ...

•Names have been changed to protect privacy. When the phone call came, Pat* was on a trip out East with his son. A police officer had stopped by his home and left a message to call back. Soon after, he was served. A no-contact order. A criminal complaint - Criminal ...

“My advice? Find someone who has the life you want and stop talking—start listening.” Ian remembers the exact date his old life ended: September 29, 2023. Married with three young kids, the CEO of a successful company, a volunteer firefighter, and a church council member—he had perfected the art of ...

When news breaks about major fraud cases, people often see headlines about indictments, guilty pleas, trials or investigations — but few understand the critical legal distinctions behind those terms. Recently, Ryan Pacyga Criminal Defense represented a client who was charged in federal court for fraud connected to both the Minnesota ...

When you are facing criminal charges, you want the strongest defense possible. At Ryan Pacyga Criminal Defense, clients do not just get one attorney. They get two criminal defense attorneys. Ryan and Marie Pacyga bring their combined strengths and perspectives to every case, giving clients an edge that most law ...

Understanding a Felony case in Minnesota Regarding a felony case in Minnesota, Minnesota law divides offenses into three main levels: Misdemeanors – Up to 90 days in jail Gross Misdemeanors – Up to 1 year in jail Felonies – A year and a day up to life in prison Felonies ...

Facing a First Felony in Minnesota Being charged with a felony for the first time can feel overwhelming. The process is different from misdemeanors and carries much higher stakes, including the possibility of significant jail time and long-lasting consequences on your record. Here’s what you can expect if you’re facing ...

Carrie* remembers the exact sound of the recording. “You have a call from the county jail…” In the beat before her son’s voice came through, a thousand fears crowded in—car wrecks, a fight, the kinds of emergencies parents brace for but hope never arrive. What followed was worse than anything ...

When Hank, a Marine Corps veteran, found himself charged with crimes that could have sent him to prison for decades, his world collapsed. Struggling with PTSD, Hank had an episode that left him facing two counts of attempted murder and firing a weapon into a crowd. He spent a year ...

When Larry first met Marie Pacyga, he was facing some of the hardest seasons of his life. Addiction, health struggles, and new criminal charges left him feeling trapped in a system he had been tangled in for nearly 20 years. He was scared, overwhelmed, and unsure if there was any ...

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 ...