In Minnesota, third-degree criminal sexual conduct cases are often complex, especially when they involve claims of mental incapacitation due to alcohol or drugs. One of the most common charges seen in these cases is third-degree criminal sexual conduct, which can involve situations where the alleged victim was mentally incapacitated at ...

Winter is fast approaching, and for many Minnesotans, that means embracing the season’s chill and snow to the fullest. Whether it's ice fishing, cross-country skiing, or zipping across a snow-covered landscape on a snowmobile, Minnesotans know how to make the most of winter weather. But when this excitement mixes with ...

First-degree murder is considered one of the most serious crimes in Minnesota. The state defines it as the intentional and premeditated killing of another person with premeditation and deliberation. This means that the perpetrator not only intended to kill the victim but also planned the act. Defining first-degree The state ...

Background In 2023, Ryan Pacyga, an experienced Minnesota criminal defense attorney, took on the case of W.C., a military veteran charged with second-degree assault with a deadly weapon. The client faced severe consequences, including potential prison time, after being accused of brandishing a firearm during an alleged confrontation. The accusers ...

Understanding DWI with Unique Circumstances In this pivotal case, a wife found herself in a dangerous situation after an argument with her husband turned violent while they were camping in a remote area. After walking back from a nearby tavern, the husband assaulted her, taking her phone and leaving her ...

Understanding DWI Test Refusal in Minnesota" (assuming you're focusing on Minnesota law) In 2023, Marie Pacyga, a skilled Minnesota DWI defense attorney, represented K.M., who was initially charged with third-degree DWI test refusal. The case was further complicated by the fact that the prosecution waited nearly the entire statute of ...

Understanding Strangulation and its Impact in Assault Cases S.P. was charged with strangulation and assault in Dakota County. Although the charges of strangulation and assault were serious, defense attorney Ryan Pacyga successfully negotiated the dismissal of all charges related to the alleged victim. Despite the dismissal, the State filed a ...

Background In 2014, M.G. was charged with Malicious Punishment of a Child under Minnesota Statute 609.377, following allegations that surfaced after he became the mother’s new boyfriend. The accusations placed M.G. in a difficult position, as child abuse charges carry severe legal and personal consequences. M.G. maintained his innocence, asserting ...

Prostitution Sting Operation: Case Background In 2014, the St. Paul Police Department conducted a reverse sting operation targeting individuals seeking illicit services. As part of the sting, a female undercover officer posed as a prostitute, placing a fake ad on the internet for an illicit massage. The client, who responded ...

Probation Violations in DWI and Drug Cases J.A. faced a probation violation in Dakota County after being charged with a new DWI and 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 ...

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. ...

Felon Firearm Possession: Sixth Amendment Violation Leads to Appeal In 2023, Ryan Pacyga, a Minnesota criminal defense attorney, successfully argued a pivotal case before the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals. His client, J.S., had been convicted of being a felon firearm possession under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1). However, Ryan identified ...

Background In 2022, a head-on collision in Anoka County tragically resulted in a fatal crash, and the client of Minnesota criminal defense attorney Marie Pacyga was charged with causing the accident. The client was accused of crossing the median into oncoming traffic, with the government speculating that the crash occurred ...

Background In 2023, C.M. faced DWI charges in Hennepin County after officers claimed his vehicle smelled like marijuana, leading to a field sobriety test, DWI breath test and a subsequent DWI arrest. The client registered a .08 on the DWI breath test, placing him at the legal limit for intoxication ...

Background In 2017, J.R. faced serious drug trafficking charges in Idaho after police, with the help of a K-9 unit, discovered controlled substances in his vehicle. The case hinged on the actions of the K-9 dog, which had alerted officers to the presence of drugs, leading to the search and ...

Background In 2023, A.B. was charged with domestic assault in Anoka County after being accused of violent behavior by a partner. A.B. maintained his innocence from the start, asserting that the allegations were fabricated and that he was, in fact, the true victim of domestic violence in the relationship. With ...

Background In 2023, J.J. was charged with domestic assault in Scott County after an incident in which it was alleged that she threw an outdoor lawn sculpture at her spouse, striking him in the head and causing injury. The stakes were high, as a domestic assault conviction could not only ...

Background In 2016, D.D., a military member with security clearance, was charged with domestic assault and disorderly conduct. The stakes were incredibly high, as a conviction could have jeopardized his military career, security clearance, and future. In addition, a no-firearms condition was imposed while the case was pending, further complicating ...

Background In 2020, D.I. faced serious charges of criminal sexual conduct (CSC) in Hennepin County, which carried severe legal and personal consequences, including a ruined criminal record and lifetime damage to his personal and professional reputation. Given the gravity of the charges, D.I. sought the representation of experienced criminal defense ...

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 ...

Background In 2023, Marie Pacyga, a Minneapolis DWI defense attorney, represented A.A., who faced charges for Controlled Substance DWI. A conviction in such cases can lead to severe consequences, including license suspension, fines, and even jail time. However, A.A. maintained their innocence, asserting that they were not under the influence ...

Background In 2014, J.P. faced serious charges of second-degree assault with a deadly weapon and terroristic threats in Dakota County. While it was clear that J.P. was guilty of the terroristic threats charge, defense attorney Ryan Pacyga was convinced that J.P. was not guilty of the more serious charge of ...

Third-Degree Controlled Substance Charge: Case Background and Unlawful Search R.H. was charged with third-degree controlled substance sale under Minnesota Statute 152.023 after a tragic medical emergency led to law enforcement conducting an unauthorized search of his home. R.H.’s family called 911 to seek help for a relative who was experiencing ...

When charged with any degree of criminal sexual assault, your life can change in an instant. The mere accusation can cast a shadow over your reputation, relationships, and future opportunities. In Minnesota, where the legal system takes such charges very seriously, the stakes couldn't be higher. This is why having ...