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 ...

When faced with allegations of criminal sexual conduct, hiring the right attorney can mean the difference between clearing your name and a devastating conviction. Criminal defense attorney Ryan Pacyga outlines key factors to consider when selecting an attorney for these high-stakes cases. Specialized Experience is Non-Negotiable Sexual conduct cases require ...

If you’re facing a sexual assault charge, your actions in the immediate aftermath can profoundly impact the outcome of your case. The legal process can be unforgiving, and crucial evidence can disappear quickly. Below, we’ll explain what you should do immediately and share real-life stories to highlight why these steps ...

Fraud Charges Minnesota: What You Need to Know Federal officials recently reported a major investigation into Minnesota businesses allegedly involved in a scheme involving immigrants. Christensen Farms, a pork producer, is among those facing Fraud Charges Minnesota. The individuals targeted by federal agents are accused of money laundering and fraud. ...

Depending on the alleged crime, a person who has been arrested and sent to jail to wait for a hearing may be allowed to post bail. For this, they would need to pay a set amount  bond. Once settled, it allows a person accused of a crime a conditional release ...

Marie Pacyga recently achieved a major victory in a challenging domestic assault and domestic strangulation case. Her client, charged with felony assault by domestic strangulation, faced serious consequences if convicted, including a potential prison sentence, housing instability, and a lasting criminal record. This case presented daunting hurdles from the beginning, with ...

Marie Pacyga is a seasoned criminal defense attorney in Minnesota with Ryan Pacyga Criminal Defense Attorneys, practicing throughout Minnesota. With 14 years of experience in the field, Marie Pacyga has a well-rounded perspective, having worked as a judicial clerk before becoming a defense attorney. This early experience taught her invaluable ...