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Explore expert legal insights, case studies, and defense tips from Ryan Pacyga Criminal Defense. Stay informed on Minnesota criminal law updates.
You’re driving home. Lights flash behind you. An officer walks up, leans in, and says the words that make your heart drop: “Mind if I take a look in your car?” In that moment, what you say and do can shape everything that comes next – for you, or for someone you love. This article […]
You’re standing where Jeffrey once stood (name changed to protect our client’s privacy): facing a DWI charge, worried that a test result over .08 means your life is basically over. It doesn’t. This is the story of how a Dakota County jury cleared a man whose urine test came back at 0.10—and why that matters
A 0.10 Urine Test… And a Not Guilty DWI Verdict Read More »
If you or someone you love has just been stopped at a big-box store, walked to a back room, and handed a citation or told you’re being charged with theft, it can feel like your entire future is suddenly on the line. You might be replaying the moment over and over: “I didn’t mean to
When someone you love is facing a serious criminal charge, you see the court dates. You hear about hearings. You might even sit in the courtroom and watch your lawyer and the prosecutor talk to the judge for a few minutes. What you don’t see is often what matters most. Behind every good
Why Legal Research and Writing Can Change the Outcome of Your Criminal Case Read More »
Alex* spent nearly two years listening for footsteps in the hallway, wondering if this was the moment everything would come crashing down. He hadn’t been charged with a crime. But a criminal sexual conduct investigation hung over his head, triggered by accusations from his ex-wife in the middle of a contentious custody battle. How It
When life takes an unexpected and bewildering turn, finding the right support can make all the difference. For Justin and Katy, what began as a terrifying episode with unforeseen legal consequences became a journey of healing and hope—thanks to the guidance, professionalism, and empathy of Marie Pacyga and her team. A Crisis Like No Other
Mental Health, the Legal System, and the Power of the Right Advocate Read More »
If you or a loved one are facing a tough legal situation—whether it’s a criminal case, personal injury, or any other type of litigation—sometimes it feels like you’re carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders. I know, because every week, I see what my clients go through, and I do everything I can
Finding Support and Hope During Legal Challenges: Lessons From a Saturday Jail Visit Read More »
When people think about criminal charges, most imagine only the person who directly commits a crime facing legal consequences. However, Minnesota law, and the laws in many other states, also hold others responsible if they play a role in helping bring about that crime. This is called “aiding and abetting,” and it can lead to
When people think of federal court, they often imagine the worst-case scenario — long prison sentences, harsh guidelines, and little room for mercy. And to be fair, that reputation isn’t far off. Federal sentencing guidelines are notoriously tough, with mandatory minimums that can run 10, 15, 20 years — or even life. But not every
How to Get a Lower Sentence in Federal Court Read More »
When people hear “criminal sexual conduct,” most think guilt first and facts later. That snap judgment makes these cases some of the hardest in criminal defense. It is also exactly why we do them. Below is a candid look at why many lawyers steer clear of these cases, and how our team approaches them differently.
Why Some Attorneys Avoid Criminal Sexual Conduct Cases — and Why We Don’t Read More »