You Need An Experienced Litigator. You Need Ryan Pacyga Criminal Defense

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Maggie Samec Esq.

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Location : St. Paul, MN

Biography

I work hard to defend and protect my client's rights and take seriously my role as legal counselor to listen, educate, inform, and advise. I have a unique perspective after prosecuting adult felonies for well over a decade. I know what is needed to effectively prosecute a case and can find holes in the government's case to fight for you.

Whether it makes sense to fight to keep out evidence or dismiss charges, take a case to trial, get the best deal, advocate at sentencing, or a combination thereof, I work hard to get the best outcome for my clients.

For more than 20 years, my practice of law has been about helping people. I became a lawyer to be a voice for those who need an advocate in our legal system, starting with asylum/deportation defense as a student attorney. I moved into the practice of family law, then into child protection and civil matters, and finally found my home in criminal law. I prosecuted adult felonies for over thirteen years. Prior to joining Ryan Pacyga Criminal Defense, I was a public defender and fell in love all over again with the Constitution. Protecting your Constitutional rights is of utmost importance in seeking a more just criminal justice system.

Bar Admissions

  • Minnesota, 2001
  • U.S. District Court District of Minnesota, 2003

Education

  • University of Minnesota Law School, Minneapolis, Minnesota
    • Juris Doctor - 1999
    • Honors: Student Director, 3L, Immigration Law Clinic
  • University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, Minnesota
    • B.A., Bachelor of Arts - 1995
    • Honors: Waller Scholarship
    • Honors: Phi Beta Kappa
    • Major: Sociology

Professional Associations

  • Minnesota State Bar Association
  • Minnesota Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
  • Criminal Defense Services, Inc., Board Member, 2011 to 2022

Pro Bono Activities

  • Tamarack Nature Center, Volunteer, 2019 to Present

Past Positions

  • Minnesota Board of Public Defense, Assistant Public Defender, April 2022 – October 2022
  • Ramsey County Attorney’s Office, Assistant Ramsey County Attorney, Adult prosecution trial attorney, 2009 – March 2022
  • Ramsey County Attorney’s Office, Assistant Ramsey County Attorney, Child protection attorney and civil division litigator, 2007 – 2009
  • Ramsey County Attorney’s Office, Special Assistant Ramsey County Attorney, Child protection attorney and civil division litigator, 2003 – 2007
  • Solo Practitioner, Family Law, September 2001 – November 2006

Practice Areas

  • Criminal Defense