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Finding Hope and a Way Forward: Larry’s Story
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 way forward. That’s when Marie […]
From Accused to Empowered: A Story of Legal Defense and Personal Redemption
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 about to be flipped upside […]
Is Ryan Pacyga Criminal Defense the Right Fit for You? Here’s What to Expect When You Call
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 […]
What Is Wire Fraud Under Federal Law?
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. What Is Wire Fraud? Wire […]
What Is Mail Fraud Under Federal Law?
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 is, how it works, and […]
“He Didn’t Just Defend Me. He Saw Me.” — David’s Story of Trusting Ryan Pacyga
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 […]
Not Guilty: A Closer Look at Premeditation and a Double First-Degree Murder Acquittal
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 I’m grateful to share that […]
From Crisis to Calling: How One Client Reclaimed His Life After Trauma, Shame — and Criminal Charges
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 being in pain. On the […]
What is a Motion in Limine — and Why It Could Make Your Case
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 defense attorney, I’ve seen firsthand […]
Does Hiring a Lawyer Make You Look Guilty?
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 you. They want a statement. […]
Felony DUI in MN – What you Need to Know!
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 life. But not every DUI […]
Got a DWI Citation in Minnesota? Don’t Make This Mistake
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. That’s the legal limit in […]
How We Beat a Felony Charge Under Minnesota’s New Marijuana Laws
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. At Ryan Pacyga Criminal Defense, […]
DWI Sentencing & How to Request Staggered Sentencing
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 burden of jail time but […]
DWI vs. DUI in Minnesota
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 it down simply. DWI, DUI, […]