Background
In 2015, J.D. was charged with first-degree controlled substance sale after selling a large quantity of methamphetamine to an informant in St. Paul. The entire transaction was recorded on both video and audio, providing the prosecution with strong evidence against J.D. Given the severity of the charges, J.D. faced substantial legal penalties, including a lengthy prison sentence.
Challenge
The prosecution’s case against J.D. was bolstered by direct evidence of the drug sale, making it a difficult case to defend. However, defense attorney Ryan Pacyga identified potential issues with how law enforcement used the informant in this case and pursued an entrapment defense. To strengthen the defense, Ryan also requested access to the police file on the informant, believing that the file could contain crucial information to support the entrapment argument.
Defense Strategy
Ryan Pacyga built his defense around the theory of entrapment, arguing that J.D. had been unfairly induced to commit the crime by law enforcement through the informant. To support this defense, Ryan filed a motion to obtain the police records related to the informant. The City of St. Paul’s legal department fought against this request, but Ryan persisted.
Ultimately, the judge ruled in favor of Ryan’s motion, ordering the police department to turn over the informant file for the judge’s review. The judge would then determine if any information in the file could support the entrapment defense.
Outcome
Once the judge ruled in favor of the defense, allowing for the inspection of the informant file, the prosecution decided to dismiss the entire case. This decision spared J.D. from a conviction and the significant penalties associated with a first-degree controlled substance sale charge.
Conclusion
In State v. J.D., Ryan Pacyga’s strategic use of an entrapment defense and his persistence in seeking critical informant records led to the complete dismissal of the case. This outcome demonstrates the importance of challenging law enforcement tactics and the use of informants in controlled substance cases. Ryan’s defense not only cleared his client of the charges but also showcased the power of thorough legal strategy in high-stakes criminal defense.