FACING CRIMINAL CHARGES? CALL 24/7: 612-339-5844
Explore Minnesota DWI defense insights, strategies, and legal updates from Ryan Pacyga Criminal Defense. Stay informed on your rights and options.
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 »
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 »
When you’re facing criminal charges, choosing the right attorney is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. At Ryan Pacyga Criminal Defense, we believe that fit matters. That’s why we’ve built an intentional process to determine whether we’re the right legal team to take on your case. Here’s how that process works from the
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
Felony DUI in MN – What you Need to Know! Read More »
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
Got a DWI Citation in Minnesota? Don’t Make This Mistake Read More »
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,
How We Beat a Felony Charge Under Minnesota’s New Marijuana Laws Read More »
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 Sentencing & How to Request Staggered Sentencing Read More »
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,
DWI vs. DUI in Minnesota Read More »
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
Can Police Test You for Driving High in Minnesota? Read More »