Case Study

See real case outcomes from Ryan Pacyga Criminal Defense. Learn how strategic legal defense has helped clients facing serious criminal charges in Minnesota.

Case Study - First-Degree Murder

Not Guilty: A Closer Look at Premeditation and a Double First-Degree Murder Acquittal

Blog, Case Study, Murder

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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Marijuana Cultivation

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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federal conspiracy

Overcoming Federal Conspiracy Charges with Strategy

Blog, Case Study, Conspiracy

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

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DWI Test Refusal

DWI Test Refusal Case Study: Charge Reduction

Case Study, DWI

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,

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strangulation and assault

Strangulation and Assault Case Study: Denial of Restitution

Assault, Case Study

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

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malicious punishment of a child

Malicious Punishment of a Child Case Study: Dismissal

Case Study

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

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