Healthcare Fraud

Healthcare Fraud Reduced: Texas Doctor Case Study

A complex healthcare fraud scheme involving millions of dollars put a Texas-based doctor under federal investigation.
dwi breath test

DWI Case Study: Officer Error and Dismissal

As a criminal defense attorney, I often encounter cases where the evidence appears strong on the surface, only to reveal hidden issues upon closer scrutiny.
First-degree assault with a deadly weapon

Second-Degree Assault with a Deadly Weapon Case Study

In 2023, Ryan Pacyga, an experienced Minnesota criminal defense attorney, took on the case of W.C., a military veteran charged with second-degree assault with a deadly weapon.
DWI with unique circumstances & defense

DWI with Unique Circumstances: Defense in Minnesota

Understanding DWI with Unique Circumstances In this pivotal case, a wife found herself in a dangerous situation after an argument with her husband turned violent while they were camping in a remote area. After walking back from a nearby tavern, the husband assaulted her, taking her phone and leaving her with no means of communication […]
DWI Test Refusal

DWI Test Refusal Case Study: Charge Reduction

Understanding DWI Test Refusal in Minnesota” (assuming you’re focusing on Minnesota law) In 2023, Marie Pacyga, a skilled Minnesota DWI defense attorney, represented K.M., who was initially charged with third-degree DWI test refusal. The case was further complicated by the fact that the prosecution waited nearly the entire statute of limitations period before filing charges, […]
strangulation and assault

Strangulation and Assault Case Study: Denial of Restitution

Understanding Strangulation and its Impact in Assault Cases S.P. was charged with strangulation and assault in Dakota County. Although the charges of strangulation and assault were serious, defense attorney Ryan Pacyga successfully negotiated the dismissal of all charges related to the alleged victim. Despite the dismissal, the State filed a motion seeking restitution of approximately […]
malicious punishment of a child

Malicious Punishment of a Child Case Study: Dismissal

Background In 2014, M.G. was charged with Malicious Punishment of a Child under Minnesota Statute 609.377, following allegations that surfaced after he became the mother’s new boyfriend. The accusations placed M.G. in a difficult position, as child abuse charges carry severe legal and personal consequences. M.G. maintained his innocence, asserting that the allegations were false […]
Prostitution

Prostitution Charges Acquitted: A Case Study

In 2014, the St. Paul Police Department conducted a reverse sting operation targeting individuals seeking illicit services. As part of the sting, a female undercover officer posed as a prostitute, placing a fake ad on the internet for an illicit massage.
DWI and drug probation violation

Probation Violation Dismissed: DWI & Drug Case Study

J.A. faced a probation violation in Dakota County after being charged with a new DWI and drug offense while on probation for a prior DWI conviction. Admitting to the violation, J.A. was at risk of significant penalties, including a 30-day jail sentence proposed by both the probation agent and the prosecutor.
harassing phone calls

Harassing Phone Calls Case Study: Creative Resolution

In 2016, T.H., a licensed professional, was charged with making harassing phone calls after a personal friendship went sour. The situation escalated when the other party threatened to contact T.H.’s spouse, prompting T.H. to leave several harassing voicemails.
felon in possession of a firearm

Felon Firearm Possession Case Overturned in 8th Circuit

In 2023, Ryan Pacyga, a Minnesota criminal defense attorney, successfully argued a pivotal case before the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals. His client, J.S., had been convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1). However, Ryan identified a critical issue in the case that warranted a challenge at the appellate level.
Fatal Crash

Fatal Crash Case Study: Dismissal of Charges

In 2022, a head-on collision in Anoka County tragically resulted in a fatal crash, and the client of Minnesota criminal defense attorney Marie Pacyga was charged with causing the accident.
DWI Breath Test

DWI Breath Test Case Study: Reduction to Traffic Violation

In 2023, C.M. faced DWI charges in Hennepin County after officers claimed his vehicle smelled like marijuana, leading to a field sobriety test and a subsequent DWI arrest.
Drug Trafficking

Drug Trafficking Charges Case Study: Dismissal

In 2017, J.R. faced serious drug trafficking charges in Idaho after police, with the help of a K-9 unit, discovered controlled substances in his vehicle. The case hinged on the actions of the K-9 dog, which had alerted officers to the presence of drugs, leading to the search and subsequent charges.
domestic assault

Domestic Assault Charges Case Study: Dismissal

In 2023, A.B. was charged with domestic assault in Anoka County after being accused of violent behavior by a partner. A.B. maintained his innocence from the start, asserting that the allegations were fabricated and that he was, in fact, the true victim of domestic violence in the relationship.

Domestic Assault Charges Case Study: Dismissal, Scott County

In 2023, J.J. was charged with domestic assault in Scott County after an incident in which it was alleged that she threw an outdoor lawn sculpture at her spouse, striking him in the head and causing injury. The stakes were high, as a domestic assault conviction could not only result in legal penalties but also have lasting impacts on J.J.’s personal and professional life.
domestic assault and disorderly conduct

Domestic Assault and Disorderly Conduct Case Study: Dismissal

In 2016, D.D., a military member with security clearance, was charged with domestic assault and disorderly conduct. The stakes were incredibly high, as a conviction could have jeopardized his military career, security clearance, and future. In addition, a no-firearms condition was imposed while the case was pending, further complicating D.D.’s ability to fulfill his military duties.
criminal sexual conduct

Criminal Sexual Conduct Case Study: Acquittal & Expungement

In 2020, D.I. faced serious charges of criminal sexual conduct (CSC) in Hennepin County, which carried severe legal and personal consequences, including a ruined criminal record and lifetime damage to his personal and professional reputation. Given the gravity of the charges, D.I. sought the representation of experienced criminal defense attorney Marie Pacyga.
controlled substance sale

First Degree Controlled Substance Sale Case Study: Dismissal

In 2015, J.D. was charged with first-degree controlled substance sale after selling a large quantity of methamphetamine to an informant in St. Paul. The entire transaction was recorded on both video and audio, providing the prosecution with strong evidence against J.D. Given the severity of the charges, J.D. faced substantial legal penalties, including a lengthy prison sentence.
controlled substance dwi

Controlled Substance DWI Case Study: Dismissal

Background In 2023, Marie Pacyga, a Minneapolis DWI defense attorney, represented A.A., who faced charges for Controlled Substance DWI. A conviction in such cases can lead to severe consequences, including license suspension, fines, and even jail time. However, A.A. maintained their innocence, asserting that they were not under the influence at the time of the […]
second-degree assault

Second-Degree Assault Case Study: Acquittal

In 2014, J.P. faced serious charges of second-degree assault with a deadly weapon and terroristic threats in Dakota County. While it was clear that J.P. was guilty of the terroristic threats charge, defense attorney Ryan Pacyga was convinced that J.P. was not guilty of the more serious charge of second-degree assault. A conviction on this charge would carry severe penalties, including a felony record and potential jail time.
third-degree controlled substance sale

Third-Degree Controlled Substance Sale: Dismissal

Third-Degree Controlled Substance Charge: Case Background and Unlawful Search R.H. was charged with third-degree controlled substance sale under Minnesota Statute 152.023 after a tragic medical emergency led to law enforcement conducting an unauthorized search of his home. R.H.’s family called 911 to seek help for a relative who was experiencing a medical crisis. Unfortunately, the […]
third-degree criminal sexual conduct

Third-Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct Case Study: NOT GUILTY

As a criminal defense attorney, I’ve encountered cases that challenge both the legal system and the individuals caught within it. Today, I want to share a case study that underscores the complexity of defending someone accused of third-degree criminal sexual conduct. This case went to trial after nearly two years of delays, and the journey […]

Miranda Rights: Can My Case Be Dismissed?

The police didn\'t read me my rights. Will I get my case dismissed?