Background
J.A. faced a probation violation in Dakota County after being charged with a new DWI and a drug offense while on probation for a prior DWI conviction. Admitting to the violation, J.A. was at risk of significant penalties, including a 30-day jail sentence proposed by both the probation agent and the prosecutor.
Challenge
J.A. was in a difficult position, as the probation violation stemmed from a new criminal conviction, making it likely that he would face jail time. The challenge for defense attorney Ryan Pacyga was to negotiate a more favorable outcome, despite the probation violation and the severity of the new charges.
Defense Strategy
Ryan Pacyga took a strategic approach, refusing to accept the initial offer of a 30-day jail sentence. Instead, he continued negotiations with the prosecution and the probation department, advocating for a resolution that would avoid incarceration for J.A. Pacyga focused on presenting mitigating factors and alternative solutions to address the probation violation without resorting to jail time.
Outcome
Through persistent negotiation, Ryan Pacyga was able to achieve a remarkable result: J.A. received no jail time, and his probation was dismissed. This outcome not only spared J.A. from serving time in jail but also allowed him to move forward without further probationary obligations.
Conclusion
In State v. J.A., Ryan Pacyga’s negotiation skills and commitment to his client’s case led to an exceptional result, avoiding jail time and securing a dismissal of probation. This case demonstrates the importance of exploring all possible options in probation violation cases, even when the client has admitted to the violation. Pacyga’s ability to achieve a favorable resolution highlights the value of skilled legal representation in complex situations.