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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 […]

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From Crisis to Calling: How One Client Reclaimed His Life After Trauma, Shame — and Criminal Charges

Blog, General Blogs

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

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What is a Motion in Limine — and Why It Could Make Your Case

Blog, General Blogs

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

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Does Hiring a Lawyer Make You Look Guilty?

Blog, General Blogs, Media

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.

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Felony DUI in MN – What you Need to Know!

Blog, DWI

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

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Got a DWI Citation in Minnesota? Don’t Make This Mistake

Blog, DWI

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

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How We Beat a Felony Charge Under Minnesota’s New Marijuana Laws

Blog, Case Study, DWI, Marijuana

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,

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DWI Sentencing & How to Request Staggered Sentencing

Blog, BWI, DWI

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

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DWI vs. DUI in Minnesota

Blog, BWI, DWI

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,

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Can Police Test You for Driving High in Minnesota?

Blog, BWI, Drugs, DWI

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

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