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 that process works from the very first phone call.
Step 1: Your First Call
When you call our office, you’ll most likely speak with Tom or Pam, the first point of contact for all potential clients. They’re friendly, professional, and experienced in asking the right questions to help us understand your situation. You can expect them to ask for:
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Your first and last name
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A phone number and email where we can reach you
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How you heard about us
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What type of case you have
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Whether it’s a state or federal matter
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Where the case is located (county, city, or federal court)
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Any details you’re comfortable sharing about what happened
They might also ask questions like:
What are the police or prosecutor saying happened?
Do you know your citation or court file number?
What are the best times for a call back?
Their job isn’t to decide whether we take your case. It’s to gather enough context for Ryan or Marie to take the next step. You’ll end the call knowing that your information is on its way to an experienced attorney who will personally review it.
Step 2: The Vetting Process
At Ryan Pacyga Criminal Defense, we don’t take every case that comes our way, and that is intentional.
Ryan and Marie personally review each inquiry and make the decision about whether to move forward. Your case is more than a file number. And we’re more than just legal representation. We’re a team that invests time, strategy, and care into every case we take on.
We ask questions like:
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What are your goals in this case?
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What’s most important to you?
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What’s your side of the story?
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What’s your life like outside this case, including the good, the hard, the proud moments, and the fears?
We also take into account whether we feel we can connect with you, communicate well, and help you realistically meet your goals. If your expectations are unclear or not achievable, we’ll have that honest conversation with you. If your case isn’t the right fit, whether it’s about resources, scope, or style, we’ll let you know. And if you don’t need a lawyer, we’ll tell you that too.
Step 3: If We’re a Match
When we say yes to your case, it means we believe in it and in you.
You’re not just hiring an attorney. You’re getting a team that includes legal assistants, private investigators, and two deeply experienced defense attorneys who collaborate, strategize, and prepare thoroughly. Your future may depend on it.
Whether your case is headed to trial or likely to result in a plea, we aim for excellent outcomes. We’ve successfully had charges dismissed and won at trial. Even when our clients want to plead guilty, we advocate fiercely to ensure the fairest outcome possible.
We don’t charge extra for the full team. That’s just how we work. We bring everything we have to every client we take on.
Ready to Talk?
If you’re facing charges and wondering what your next step should be, give us a call. You won’t be pressured or handed off to someone unfamiliar with your situation. You’ll be heard, respected, and treated like a human being with a story, not just a case.
Whether we end up working together or not, our goal is the same: to help you take the next right step forward.