Background
In 2016, T.H., a licensed professional, was charged with making harassing phone calls after a personal friendship went sour. The situation escalated when the other party threatened to contact T.H.’s spouse, prompting T.H. to leave several harassing voicemails. T.H. later admitted to these actions when questioned by law enforcement. As a professional in a regulated field (doctor, lawyer, accountant, etc.), T.H. faced serious risks to their career, as any harassment conviction could jeopardize their professional license.
Challenge
The evidence against T.H. was strong, given the recorded voicemails and T.H.’s admission to law enforcement. The prosecution initially offered a plea deal without jail time, and later a stay of adjudication, but both options would have still impacted T.H.’s record, potentially endangering their professional license. The challenge for defense attorney Ryan Pacyga was to find a solution that would protect T.H.’s career and avoid any lasting mark on their record.
Defense Strategy
Ryan Pacyga’s defense strategy focused on securing an outcome that would prevent a criminal conviction from appearing on T.H.’s record. Understanding the severe implications of even a minor conviction for a licensed professional, Ryan rejected both the initial plea offer and the stay of adjudication. Instead, he pursued a more creative resolution that would preserve T.H.’s professional future.
Through strategic negotiations with the prosecution, Ryan advocated for a “continuance for dismissal” agreement. This resolution allowed the charges to remain on hold for a specified period, during which T.H. would comply with certain conditions. Once the conditions were met, the charges would be dismissed, ensuring that T.H.’s record remained clear.
Outcome
Ryan successfully secured a continuance for dismissal for T.H., which meant that as long as T.H. adhered to the terms of the agreement, the charges would not appear on their record. This creative solution protected T.H.’s professional license and avoided the long-term consequences of a criminal conviction, despite the strong evidence against them.
Conclusion
In State v. T.H., Ryan Pacyga’s strategic approach and focus on protecting his client’s career led to a favorable outcome. The continuance for dismissal allowed T.H. to avoid a criminal record, safeguarding their professional license and future opportunities. This case highlights the importance of creative legal solutions, particularly when the stakes involve a client’s livelihood and professional reputation.