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 and a half in jail awaiting trial, terrified that he would never see his four-year-old child again.
“I thought I was normal,” Hank recalls. “I thought people were following me, trying to kill me. Looking back, I realize I had completely lost touch with reality. It was terrifying.”
A Marine buddy connected Hank with criminal defense attorney Ryan Pacyga. From their very first meeting, Ryan’s approach was different.
“He doesn’t talk to you like a lawyer. He talks to you like a friend,” Hank said. “He broke everything down so I could understand what was happening and what we needed to do.”
Ryan dug into Hank’s military and VA records, brought in expert forensic psychologists, interviewed witnesses, and built the case for an insanity defense rooted in Hank’s PTSD. At trial, Ryan’s preparation and persistence paid off. Hank was found not guilty by reason of insanity and released under supervision. Instead of a prison sentence of at least 20 years, Hank is now home, getting treatment, taking his medication, and raising his child.
“Ryan saved my life,” Hank said. “A public defender couldn’t have done what he did. He never skipped a beat, and even after the case was over, he still checked in on me. His whole team was outstanding.”
For Hank, the result meant more than freedom. It meant a chance to heal, to be present as a father, and to move forward with hope.
His advice for anyone facing criminal charges?
“Get yourself a damn good lawyer. And if you can, get Ryan. He’s worth every penny.”