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 the internet in search of a criminal defense attorney. He remembered hearing Ryan Pacyga on the radio and decided to reach out. What he found was more than legal help—he found a lawyer who led with empathy and expertise.
A People-Centered Approach
In their earliest conversations, Ryan didn’t just talk strategy—he shared his belief in being a healer. “That really struck a chord with me,” David says. “My background is in social work and nonprofit work, so hearing a defense attorney lead with that kind of heart was really meaningful.”
Ryan’s people-first approach made a difference from day one. He gave David his personal cell phone number, answered every question, and never once made David feel like just a case file.
No Judgment. Just Support with Ryan Pacyga.
“One of the things I appreciated most was his lack of judgment,” David says. “I was dealing with an icky situation—something that brings out judgment in a lot of people. But not Ryan. He was calm, respectful, and never made me feel less than.”
That respect extended to their personal conversations. When David mentioned his Christian faith, Ryan shared books and reflections that had been meaningful to him. “It was a personal connection, not something every lawyer would take the time for.”
Ryan Pacyga – Confidence in the Courtroom
David’s case lasted a year and a half. Throughout that time, he and Ryan touched base regularly. “There were times I’d call or email, and Ryan would get back to me within 24 hours. And if he couldn’t, Tom King on his team would. The communication was always strong.”
Eventually, the case was dismissed. While weak evidence played a role, David believes Ryan’s presence in the courtroom made a significant difference.
“He just commands the room,” David says. “Everyone knew him. Other attorneys were asking him for advice. It was clear he knew the system and was respected. If I were a prosecutor and saw Ryan on the other side, I’d be thinking twice.”
Moving Forward with Hope
Today, David is working to have the charge expunged so he can return to coaching youth sports. Though the charge was dismissed, it still shows up on background checks.
Even so, he feels lighter. “It’s like a huge weight was lifted,” he says.
When asked what he’d say to someone facing similar charges, David doesn’t hesitate: “Get an attorney. And if you can, get Ryan. He knows what he’s doing, and he actually cares.”
A Word of Thanks
To Ryan, David offers a heartfelt thank you: “Your demeanor, your presence—it matters. You’re dealing with people at their lowest, and you treat them with dignity. That makes all the difference.”