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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, […]
Can Police Test You for Driving High in Minnesota?
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 to detect THC impairment. But […]
DWI in Minnesota? Defense Strategies to Get You Off the Hook
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 conviction. A skilled DWI attorney […]
Overcoming Federal Conspiracy Charges with Strategy
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, the use of social media […]
10 Weird Minnesota Laws You Won’t Believe Exist
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 of their original intent or […]
Unique Ways Your Attorney Can Help Your Case
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 asking. Some attorneys go beyond […]
Reasonable Suspicion vs. Probable Cause: What You Need to Know Under Minnesota Law
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 be at stake. What is […]