ARRESTED
DOES NOT MEAN GUILTY

Victories & Cases

State v. X.X. (fatality crash, Anoka County 2022-2024)

In a case involving a head-on collision resulting in death, Minnesota criminal defense attorney Marie Pacyga helped her client ultimately win a dismissal. On scene, police found no evidence of drug or alcohol use, and no evidence of distracted driving. Police did not preserve either involved vehicle. Police did not attempt to obtain any black box data from the involved vehicles, nor did police conduct an accident reconstruction to determine the cause(s) of the accident. The government rushed in to charge Marie’s client with a crime on the theory that he caused the unexplained accident as he had crossed a median into oncoming traffic and may have been speeding. Marie used an investigator to locate and interview a key witness that law enforcement never interviewed. Marie carefully selected an expert to help conduct a fair investigation, and present a compelling accident reconstruction to the prosecution. The defense expert uncovered a mechanical failure in the client’s vehicle, offering an innocent explanation for the cause of the accident. Marie helped her client ultimately win a dismissal.

U.S. v. J.S. (Felon in Possession of a Firearm U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) 8th Cir. Court of Appeals, 2023)

Minnesota criminal defense lawyer Ryan Pacyga prevailed at the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals (this is rare!) on an issue concerning a defendant’s Sixth Amendment right to a fair and impartial jury, in particular a jury free of racial bias. Read the opinion here: https://ecf.ca8.uscourts.gov/opndir/23/01/221014P.pdf

State v. W.C. (Second Degree Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Chisago County, 2023)

Self defense attorney Ryan Pacyga defended a military veteran facing prison time for allegedly brandishing his firearm in self defense. The accusers lied and said the client pointed a gun at them. In the end, Minnesota criminal defense lawyer Ryan Pacyga believed the client’s self defense claim, uncovered the truth behind the accusers lies, and the entire case was dismissed.

State v. K.M. (Third Degree DWI Test Refusal, Goodhue County, 2023)

Minnesota DWI lawyer Marie Pacyga successfully negotiated a petty misdemeanor careless driving that was originally charged as a Third Degree DWI Test Refusal. In this case, the prosecution waited nearly the statute of limitations period before charging the client, which felt very unfair and completely unnecessary to drag him through criminal prosecution at such a delayed rate. A petty misdemeanor result means that this client walked away with no criminal record (a petty is not considered a crime in Minnesota) and had no probation obligations. An highly uncommon result on a DWI Test Refusal!

State v. A.A. (Controlled Substance DWI, Hennepin County, 2023)

Minneapolis DWI lawyer Marie Pacyga won a controlled substance DUI case for her client by convincing a prosecutor of her client’s actual innocence. Marie gathered volumes of the client’s medical records, scrutinized the government’s police video, police reports, and lab results, and then filed strategic defenses on behalf of her client. Marie presented a convincing case against the allegations and the prosecutor agreed. Case dismissed!

State v. J.W. (DWI .14 DMT Breath Test, Chisago County 2023)

Minnesota DWI attorney Marie Pacyga earned a careless driving for her client by successfully advocating the client’s necessity defense. This client found himself having to leave a party unexpectedly to take an elderly guest to the hospital. The client never intended to drink and drive, but found himself in a tough situation. Looking back, he could have handled it differently, but Marie did not give up. Marie kept going back to the prosecutor over numerous court appearances to tell the client’s story, and it worked!

State v. J.J. (Domestic Assault, Scott County, 2023) 

Minnesota criminal defense lawyer Marie Pacyga advocated for her client facing a domestic allegation where the prosecutor was alleging the client threw an outdoor lawn sculpture at her spouse, hitting him in the head, and causing him an injury. Defense attorney Marie Pacyga helped preserved her client’s record avoiding all criminal convictions, and importantly all domestic assault charges and were dropped.

State v. C.M. (DWI .08 DMT Breath Test, Hennepin County 2023)

Minneapolis DWI Attorney Marie helped her client avoid a DWI and careless driving in a case where officers believed her clients car smelled like marijuana and detained him for field sobriety testing and a DWI arrest. Marie filed critical motions, and the case resolved in a petty ticket for stop sign violation.

State of Idaho v. J.R. (Controlled Substance/Drug Trafficking, Idaho District Court, 2017).

Believe it or not, K-9 dogs cannot do whatever they want to justify the search of a vehicle. Controlled substance defense attorney Ryan Pacyga represented a client in Idaho state court where he argued that a police dog (K-9) illegally searched his clients vehicle in a drug case, and the drugs the police dog helped officers find later should be thrown out. Through Ryan’s litigation on the drug trafficking charges at the district court level, Ryan Pacyga preserved the clients rights on appeal and ultimately the clients case went all the way up to the Idaho Supreme Court. The Idaho Supreme Court agreed with Ryan and reversed the case for the client and dismissed the charges. You can read a summary of the opinion here: https://isc.idaho.gov/opinions/48692summ.pdf

State v. A.B. (Domestic Assault, Anoka County, 2023)

Minnesota criminal defense lawyer Marie Pacyga earned a dismissal on all counts in a domestic assault case against her client. The client was firm that the allegations were entirely made up and that he was the real victim of domestic violence. By collecting key evidence and presenting a compelling defense story to the prosecution, the prosecutor agreed and dismissed the case outright the morning of trial.

State v. D.I. (Criminal Sexual Conduct Hennepin County, 2020)

Marie prevailed in a CSC case after jury acquitted her client of sexual assault. Marie also obtained an agreement from the prosecutor to expunge the clients record.

State v. J.P. (2d Degree Assault, Deadly Weapon, Dakota County 2014) 

Minnesota defense attorney Ryan Pacyga defended a client who was was on trial for Second Degree Assault with a Deadly Weapon and Terroristic Threats. While we knew she was guilty of terroristic threats, Trial Attorney Ryan Pacyga knew that she was not guilty and had to go to trial on the Second Degree Assault charge. The jury found her NOT GUILTY of Second Degree Assault, and the judge GRANTED our motion for a downward dispositional departure on the terroristic threats…Read more

State v. J.D. (1St Degree Controlled Substance-Sale, Ramsey Co 2015)

Controlled Substance defense attorney Ryan Pacyga represented J.D., who was charged with First Degree Controlled Substance Sale (methamphetamine) after he sold a large amount of meth to an informant. The entire transaction was captured on video and audio recordings. Minnesota defense attorney Ryan Pacyga defended the case on entrapment and also requested the police file on the informant. The City of St. Paul’s legal department fought our request for the informant file,…Read more

State v. Anonymous (Engage In Prostitution, Ramsey Co 2014)

Minnesota defense lawyer Ryan Pacyga defended a client who was caught up in a St. Paul police reverse sting for prostitution to get a fair result. Police had a female officer act as an undercover prostitute, and created a fake ad on the internet for an illicit massage. Our client responded to the ad. Law enforcement recorded his responses over the phone and text messages. Law enforcement had hidden…Read more

State v. M.G. (Malicious Punishment Of Child, Wright Co. 2014)

The State charged M.G. with Malicious Punishment of a Child under Minnesota Statute 609.377. We defended the case based on a false report against our client, who was the mother’s new boyfriend. Among other things, we successfully brought a Paradee motion which convinced the court to look at child protective services records, medical records, and psychological records for the child.…Read more

State v. T.H. (Dakota County 2016)

T.H. was charged with harassing phone calls to a person after their friendship had gone sour. The person threatened to continue contacting T.H.’s spouse, so T.H. left a number of harassing voicemails and later admitted that to law enforcement. T.H. is a licensed professional (doctors, dentists, lawyers, chiropractors, accountants, nurses, etc.) who cannot have any sort of harassment on record,…Read more

State V. D.D. (Pine County 2016)

D.D. was charged with domestic assault and disorderly conduct. A military member with security clearance, his career was at stake due to the allegations. The first task was to get the judge to lift the requirement that D.D. could not possess any firearms while his case was ongoing. The judge agreed with our motion. This was important due to our…Read more

Axelberg V. Comm’R Of Public Safety (Minn. Supreme Court)

A husband and wife were camping in a remote area. They walked .8 miles to a tavern, drank, and walked back. Once they arrived at their camp sight, they began arguing. The husband pushed the wife and then punched her. The husband had the wife’s cell phone, and she could not run away from him because there were not any…Read more

State V. R.H. (Hennepin County 2016)

R.H. was charged with Third Degree Controlled Substance sale under Minnesota Statute 152.023. The family called 911 while a relative was having a medical emergency. Law enforcement arrived with paramedics. The family member died at the scene. There was no sign of foul play and the death was not suspicious. Without asking for consent or seeking a search warrant, law…Read more

State V. S.P.

County: Dakota (7/2011) The State sought restitution for an alleged victim of a strangulation and assault case. Ryan Pacyga represented S.P., and negotiated dismissal of the charges relating to the alleged victim. Still, the State brought a motion to recover approximately $1,000 that the alleged victim claimed she was owed due to damages incurred during the alleged assault. Ryan Pacyga…Read more

State V. A.S.

County: Anoka (2010) A.S. was represented by a criminal defense lawyer who counseled her to plead guilty to a theft by swindle charge. At sentencing, the judge awarded the victim restitution in the amount of $134,000. A.S. fired her lawyer and hired Ryan Pacyga. Ryan Pacyga challenged the restitution award, and instead of having to pay $134,000 in restitution, his …Read more

State V. Benedict

County: Itasca (2008) Charges: Theft, cash seized during warrant search Outcome: Cash seized returned …Read more

Floyd V. Forfeiture Money

County: Hennepin (2/2009) Charge: Forfeiture of Drug Money: Attempted forfeiture of Defendant’s bank account due to criminal charges of felony sale and distribution of marijuana (see State v. Floyd) Trial Type: Negotiation Outcome: Client retains/awarded ½ of bank account funds …Read more

State V. J.A.

County: Dakota (7/2011) Charge: Probation Violation for new criminal conviction while on probation Outcome: Client admitted that he violated his DWI probation by getting a new DWI and drug charge. The probation agent and the prosecutor proposed a 30-day jail sentence for the violation. Ryan Pacyga did not accept the offer, continued negotiating, and reached a result where the client …Read more

State V. Olsen

County: Wright (2/2009) Charges: Probation Violation on 4th Deg DWI – alleges alcohol consumption violating conditions of probation. Trial Type: Contested Probation Violation Hearing Outcome: Case dismissed … Read more

State V. Crist

County: Hennepin Co. (3/2009) Charges: Unlawful Assembly & Interference with Pedestrian or vehicular traffic (misdemeanor) (following Rage against the Machine concert) Trial Type: Pre-Trial Outcome: Case dismissed … Read more

State V. A.C.

County: Hennepin Co. (6/2011) Investigation of Promotion of Prostitution Outcome: No prostitution charges filed, investigation closed … Read more

State V. Kupsky

County: Wright (2007) Charges: Gross Misdemeanor failure to stop for School Bus Stop Arm Trial Type: Jury Trial Outcome: Motion for Acquittal Granted … Read more

State V. Ingvalson

County: Washington (2007-08) Charges: Violation of a School Bus Stop Arm Trial Type: Motion to Suppress Evidence, Trial Outcome: Motion granted, case dismissed …Read more

State V. W.B.

County: Hennepin (11/11) Charges: Obstruction of Legal Process and Disorderly Conduct Outcome: Obstruction of Legal Process DISMISSED. Disorderly Conduct DISMISSED. Pled to attending a noisy party, no jail, no community service … Read more

State V. S.W.

County: Hennepin (8/2011) Charges: Obstruction of Legal Process with Force; Disorderly Conduct Outcome: Obstruction charge DISMISSED; Stay of Adjudication on Disorderly Conduct, NO CONVICTION, no jail, no community service, no fine … Read more

State V. T.S.

County: Hennepin (6/2011) Charges: Theft Outcome: DISMISSED … Read more

State V. Alvardo

County: Goodhue (2007) Charges: 2nd Degree DWI Trial Type: Motion to Suppress and Dismiss Outcome: Motion granted, case dismissed …Read more

State V. Rockne

County: Hennepin (2007) Minneapolis DWI lawyer successfully defended client charged with DWI. Charges: 4th Degree DWI Trial Type: Motion to Suppress Evidence Outcome: DWI dismissed, Implied Consent also dismissed, Revocation Rescinded …Read more

J.T. V. Commissioner Of Public Safety

County: Hennepin (2007) Minneapolis DWI lawyer successfully defended client charged with DWI. Implied Consent for 3rd Degree DWI Outcome: Implied Consent revocation rescinded … Read more

State V. Luskey / Luskey V. Commissioner Of Public

County: Dakota (2008) Charges: DWI Defense attorney Ryan Pacyga defended client’s DWI case. 4th Degree DWI Trial Type: Jury Trial/Implied Consent Hearing Outcome: Jury found Mr. Luskey NOT GUILTY / Implied Consent case dismissed, all driving rights restored, DWI erased from record … Read more

State V. Spencer / Spencer V. Commissioner Of Public Safety

County: Hennepin (2008) Minneapolis DWI lawyer successfully defended client charged with DWI. 4th Degree DWI Trial Type: Plea Agreement/Implied Consent Hearing Outcome: Amended Plea to Illegal Change of Course / Implied Consent case dismissed, Revocation Rescinded …Read more

State V. Gleason / Gleason V. Commissioner Of Public

County: Anoka (2008) Minnesota DWI lawyer successfully defended client charged with DWI. 4th Degree DWI Trial Type: Plea Agreement/Implied Consent Hearing Outcome: Plea amended to Careless Driving – non-alcohol related / Implied Consent case dismissed, Revocation Rescinded …Read more

Schindler V. Commissioner Of Public Safety

County: Chaska (2008) Minnesota DWI lawyer successfully defended client charged with DWI. 2nd Degree DWI Test Refusal – Revocation of 1 yr. Trial Type: Implied Consent Hearing Outcome: Implied Consent case dismissed, DWI erased from driving record, all driving rights fully restored …Read more

Kampa V. Commissioner Of Public Safety

County: Dakota (2008) Minnesota DWI attorney successfully defended client charged with DWI. 2nd Degree DWI Test Refusal – Revocation of 1 yr. Trial Type: Implied Consent Hearing Outcome: Implied Consent case dismissed, DWI erased from driving record, driving privileges restored to normal …Read more

Jiroutek V. Commissioner Of Public Safety

County: Hennepin (2008) Charges: 4th Degree DWI Trial Type: Implied Consent Hearing Outcome: Implied Consent case dismissed, DWI taken off of driving record …Read more

State V. Michaels / Michaels V. Commissioner Of Public Safety

County: Dakota (2009) Charges: 4th Degree DWI Hearing Type: Rasmussen Hearing/Implied Consent Hearing Outcome: Criminal charge amended to petty misdemeanor traffic violation, DWI DISMISSED / Implied Consent case DISMISSED, DWI erased from record …Read more

State V. Dolalie

County: Hennepin (1/2009) Charges: 4th Degree BWI (boating while intoxicated) Outcome: Ryan Pacyga challenged whether the officer had a legal basis to stop his client’s boat. The judge agreed with Mr. Pacyga’s arguments and DISMISSED the case …Read more

State V. Jacques

County: Washington Co. (10/2009) Charges: 4th Degree DWI Trial Type: Jury Trial Outcome: Client had a .12 test, told officer she “drank too much,” and allegedly failed the field sobriety tests. Ryan Pacyga represented her at trial and jury found her NOT GUILTY …Read more

State V. Hamilton

County: Hennepin Co. (12/2009) Charges: 3rd Degree DWI (gross misdemeanor) Trial Type: Rasmussen Outcome: Stay of Adjudication on 3rd Degree DWI (not found guilty), guilty of Careless driving only …Read more

State V. L.S.

County: Washington Co. (1/2010) Charges: Felony DWI (4th in 10 years) Outcome: Facing prison or minimum of 180 days, sentence of only 40 days …Read more

State V. Harnicar

County: Hennepin Co. (1/2010) Charges: 4th Degree DWI Outcome: Inattentive Driving, DWI dismissed …Read more

State V. M.H.

County: Hennepin (1/2010) Charges: 4th Deg. DWI with urine test .17 and driving while impaired Outcome: Both charges dismissed during jury selection …Read more

State V. Dawson

County: Sherburne Co. (1/2010) Charges: 4th Degree DWI Outcome: DWI dismissed, plead to no tail lights (petty misdemeanor), no criminal record …Read more

Florida V. M.S.

County: Lee Co., Florida (2010) Charges: Felony DUI Outcome: M.S. was charged with Felony DUI after he was involved in an accident with a blood alcohol level over the limit that left his passenger seriously injured. Ryan Pacyga represented him and the case was DISMISSED …Read more

P.Z. V. Commissioner Of Public Safety

County: Hennepin Co. (3/2010) Charges: 4th Degree DWI Outcome: Judge agreed with Ryan Pacyga that police unconstitutionally pulled P.Z. over, Implied Consent victory, all driving rights restored, DWI removed from driving record …Read more

State V. A.G.

County: Ramsey (5/2011) Charges: 4th Degree DWI Outcome: DWI amended to Careless Driving, client retains right to challenge Implied Consent …Read more

State V. T.K.

County: Anoka (5/2011) Charges: 3rd Degree DWI Outcome: No jail, no STS, no community service …Read more

State V. M.P.

County: Dakota (10/2011) Charges: 3rd Degree DWI Outcome: Pled to reduced charge of 4th Degree DWI, avoiding a gross misdemeanor, and NO JAIL …Read more

State V. J.R.

County: Hennepin Co. (10/2011) Charges: 4th Degree DWI (Marijuana and drugs) Outcome: DWI reduced to careless driving …Read more

State V. A.B.

County: Sherburne (4/2011) Charges: 4th Degree DWI Outcome: Ryan Pacyga brought a motion to suppress the evidence and dismiss the DWI based upon illegal expansion of the stop and illegal search. The judge agreed and threw out the DWI charges. Click here to see a copy of the Order. Findings of Fact Conclusions of Law and Order …Read more

State V. P.H.

County: Hennepin (6/2011) Charges: 3rd Degree DWI and 2nd Degree DWI Outcome: P.H. got 2 DWI’s within a month, and hired Ryan Pacyga to represent him on both of his cases. P.H. also had a prior DWI from 2006. Minnesota law requires a mandatory minimum 30 day sentence for your second DWI, and a mandatory minimum 90 day sentence for …Read more

State V. T.A.

County: Hennepin (6/2011) Charges: 4th Degree DWI and Implied Consent Outcome: Even though the client’s test was a .16, Ryan Pacyga had the charge reduced to careless driving, all DWI charges DISMISSED. Ryan Pacyga then challenged the State’s revocation of his client’s driving privileges and the DWI on his driving record. The Judge RESCINDED the revocation, restored the driving privileges …Read more

State V. A.M.

County: Washington (8/2011) Charges: 2nd Degree DWI Outcome: A.M. drove drunk with her 4 year-old son in the vehicle and crashed. Her blood alcohol level was .43 and she had a prior DWI from 2003. The State asked for a 60-day jail sentence. Ryan Pacyga argued against anything over the mandatory minimum 48 hours. The Judge granted Ryan Pacyga’s request …Read more

State V. B.L.

County: Anoka (1/2012) Charges: 3rd Degree DWI (.17 with a prior 7 years ago) Outcome: The State charged B.L. with a 3rd Degree DWI because he had a prior DWI in 2004 and he tested at .137on the new DWI. B.L. also had several other convictions, including a felony. Despite this, Ryan Pacyga argued for home monitoring rather than jail … Read more

State V. C.H.

County: McLeod (6/2011) Charges: 4th Degree DWI (Marijuana) Outcome: The State charged C.H. with driving under the influence of Marijuana. All DWI charges DISMISSED …Read more

State V. J.P.

County: Carver (7/2011) Charges: 4th Degree DWI (.08 Blood) Outcome: The State charged J.P. with driving under the influence of alcohol and having a test result over .08 within 2 hours. Ryan Pacyga challenged the admissibility of the test result, and the judge threw the test out. All DWI charges DISMISSED …Read more

State V. D.H.

County: Washington (8/2011) Charges: 2nd Degree DWI (.33 Blood) Outcome: This was D.H’s fifth DWI in his lifetime, and fourth within 10 years. He crashed his vehicle into a ditch and he had a .33 blood alcohol level. Ryan Pacyga immediately put D.H. on a plan to try to lessen any consequences that may be coming in the event the …Read more

State V. E.R.

County: Dakota (9/2011) Charges: 3rd Degree DWI (.13 with a prior 4 years ago) Outcome: The State charged E.R. with a 3rd Degree DWI because he had a prior DWI in 2006 and he tested at .13 on the new DWI. Because of the prior DWI, E.R. faced a mandatory minimum 30-day sentence. Ryan Pacyga resolved it by negotiating the …Read more

State V. C.H.-2

County: Hennepin (6/2012) Charges: 2nd Degree DWI (two prior DWI’s plus a Test Refusal) Outcome: The State charged C.H. with a 2nd Degree DWI because he had two prior DWI’s plus he refused a urine test on the current case. Ryan Pacyga challenged probable cause for the charge, arguing that the test refusal should be thrown out because the officer …Read more

State V. S.B.

County: Washington (6/2012) Charges: 2nd Degree DWI (two prior DWI’s) Outcome: The State charged S.B. with a 2nd Degree DWI because he had two prior DWI’s and he tested over the .08 limit on the current case. Ryan Pacyga challenged the initial police seizure, arguing that the officer violated SB’s constitutional rights by illegally seizing him. The prosecutor agreed to …Read more

State V. I.P.

County: Hennepin (7/2012) Charges: 3rd Deg. DWI (test result over .16) Outcome: The State charged I.P. with a Gross Misdemeanor 3rd Degree DWI because his test result was over .16. Ryan Pacyga challenged the traffic stop, arguing that the officer violated I.P.’s constitutional rights because the officer did not have enough cause under the law to pull I.P. over. The …Read more

State V. Chutz

County: Ramsey (2005) Charges: 2nd Degree Possession of Controlled Substance (Methamphetamine) Trial Type: Motion to Suppress Evidence Outcome: Motion granted, evidence suppressed, case dismissed …Read more

State V. Floyd

County: Hennepin (2007) Charges: 5th Degree Controlled Substance Sale (Marijuana) Trial Type: Plea Hearing Outcome: Continued – probation before conviction. 3yrs probation, amend conviction to Petty Misdemeanor, and $300 fine …Read more

State V. Zweber

County: Hennepin (2008) Charges: 5th Degree Possession of a Controlled Substance (Methamphetamine) Hearing Type: Motion to Suppress Evidence Outcome: Ryan Pacyga brought a motion to suppress the drugs that the police located in Mr. Zweber’s pocket. Ryan argued that the police violated his client’s rights by unconstitutionally detaining him and searching him. The prosecutor argued that the police had a …Read more

State V. A.M.

County: Washington (8/2011) Charges: 2nd Degree DWI Outcome: A.M. drove drunk with her 4 year-old son in the vehicle and crashed. Her blood alcohol level was .43 and she had a prior DWI from 2003. The State asked for a 60-day jail sentence. Ryan Pacyga argued against anything over the mandatory minimum 48 hours. The Judge granted Ryan Pacyga’s request …Read more

State V. B.M.

County: Hennepin (10/2011) Charges: 5th Degree Controlled Substance (Second Offense) Outcome: This was B.M.’s second drug case. In this case, officers obtained a search warrant for B.M.’s home and discovered a marijuana grow operation with 49 plants weighing 175 grams. Ryan Pacyga declined the prosecutor’s offer and argued to the judge for a Stay of Adjudication, even though B.M. had …Read more

State V. C.H.-3

County: McLeod (6/2011) Charges: Two Felony Charges of Drug Possession (Opium and Marijuana) 5th Degree Controlled Substance Outcome: The State charged C.H. with felony possession of 228 grams of Marijuana and 1.6 grams of Opium. The felony Opium charge was DISMISSED, and Ryan Pacyga successfully argued for and obtained a Stay of Adjudication for his client, even though the State …Read more

State V. Mackenroth

County: Ramsey Co. (6/2011) Charges: 5th Degree Controlled Substance (THIRD offense) Outcome: In Minnesota, if you have previously been convicted of a felony drug offense, your second offense carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 180 days in jail, and you will normally end up with a permanent felony conviction. Ryan Pacyga represented Mr. Mackenroth on his third offense (not his…Read more

State V. J.B.

County: Pine Co. (2/2010) Charges: 5th Degree Controlled Substance Outcome: The State charged J.B. with 5th Degree Controlled Substance for possessing multiple pills without a prescription after officers raided his house on a search warrant. Ryan Pacyga represented J.B. during a contested omnibus hearing, arguing that the State did not have probable cause to charge J.B. with possession. The judge …Read more

State V. P.T.

County: Hennepin (2010) Charges: Several counts of Possession of Pornographic Work Depicting a Minor Hearing Type: Motion for Downward Durational Departure Outcome: Facing Presumed Prison Sentence , Motion for Downward Departure GRANTED, Sentenced to 24 days in workhouse with work release privileges, no prison, Stay of Imposition …Read more

State V. C.S.

County: Rice (7/2011) Charges: Five counts of Possession of Pornographic Work Depicting a Minor Hearing Type: Omnibus Outcome: The State charged C.S. with 5 counts of Possession of Pornographic Work Depicting a Minor (child pornography). Their case was built upon an informant’s claims that she lived with C.S. and saw him download and possess child pornography on several computers and …Read more

State V. R.T.

County: Washington (2007) Charges: Six counts of 1st Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct, one count of possession of pornography Trial Type: Motion for Downward Durational Departure Outcome: Facing Presumed Guideline Sentence of 12 years, Motion for Downward Departure GRANTED, Sentenced to 1 year in workhouse with work release privileges, no prison, 5 charges dismissed …Read more

State V. P.V.

County: Washington Co. (1/2010) Charges: Felony flee in a motor vehicle, 4th Degree DWI, and forfeiture of $50,000 Mustang Shelby Signature Series Outcome: Downward departure to Gross Misdemeanor, Dismissal of DWI & client got the $50,000 vehicle back …Read more

State V. J.F.

County: Chisago (1/2012) Charges: Two Felony Burglary Charges, plus domestic assault Outcome: Ryan Pacyga used his private investigator to prove that the burglary allegations were false, and scheduled a Florence Hearing to have the burglary charges dismissed. After Ryan Pacyga filed the motion, the prosecutor agreed to DISMISS the burglary charges and the domestic assault. J.F. only had to plea …Read more

State V. E.B.

County: Anoka (10/2011) Charges: 5th Degree Assault and Disorderly Conduct Outcome: Assault charge DISMISSED, Disorderly Conduct charged continued for DISMISSAL. No jail, no community service, no probation, $50 fine. E.B. will have NO CRIMINAL RECORD …Read more

State V. J.G.

County: Scott (2011) Charges: 3rd Degree Assault Hearing Type: Sentencing Outcome: J.G. pled guilty to 3rd Degree Assault after a road rage incident in which he tore the victim’s rotator cuff, requiring surgery. At the sentencing hearing, the prosecutor asked for 120 days of jail. Probation recommended 90 a 90-day jail sentence. Ryan Pacyga asked the Judge to give J.G. …Read more

State V. T.R.

County: Sherburne (2011) Charges: Domestic Assault Trial Type: N/A Outcome: Amended plea to Disorderly Conduct, NO JAIL, $100 fine. Domestic Assault DISMISSED …Read more

State V. K.P.

County: Ramsey (2011) Charges: Domestic Assault and Disorderly Conduct Outcome: The State alleged that K.P. physically assaulted her husband. She admitted to officers that she hit him several times. Ryan Pacyga raised self defense at court, and the prosecutor dismissed all charges …Read more

State V. Kahn

County: Ramsey (2008) Charges: 5th Degree Domestic Assault Trial Type: Jury Trial Outcome: Found NOT GUILTY of Domestic Assault …Read more

State V. Braun

County: Washington (2007-08) Charges: Domestic Assault Trial Type: N/A Outcome: Amended plea to Disorderly Conduct/ Received Continuance for Dismissal …Read more

State V. Shoen

County: Dakota (9/2011) Charges: Second Degree Assault with Dangerous Weapon; Third Degree Assault Trial Type: Jury Trial Outcome: Found NOT GUILTY on ALL CHARGES. The State charged Mr. Shoen with Second Degree Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, and Third Degree Assault. The State alleged that Mr. Shoen attacked the alleged victim and knocked him out twice with a bat or …Read more

State V. M.F.

County: Ramsey (12/2011) Charge: Third Degree Assault Outcome: Found NOT GUILTY. The State alleged that M.F. assaulted the alleged victim by head-butting his wife, breaking her nose. M.F. maintained that he had to pin his wife down as she attacked him, and that while he was pinning her down, their heads accidentally collided, causing the broken nose. During the trial …Read more

State V. W.K.

County: Dakota (7/2012) Charges: 4th Degree DWI (Urine test .08) Outcome: The prosecutor refused to offer a careless driving, claiming it was his policy to punish anyone that fought their implied consent case. Ryan Pacyga told the prosecutor his policy was unreasonable, but the prosecutor wouldn’t budge. So Ryan Pacyga took him to trial on both charges (driving while impaired …Read more

State V. B.K.

County: Dakota (6/2012) Charges: 1st Degree Felony DWI (his fourth DWI within 10 years) Outcome: The State charged B.K. with a FELONY 1st Degree DWI because this was his fourth DWI in a ten-year period. Ryan Pacyga challenged the stop, arguing that the officer violated B.K.’s constitutional rights because the officer did not have enough cause under the law to …Read more

State V. C.F.

Charge: Burglary of Occupied Dwelling Result: Ryan Pacyga challenged probable cause for the burglary charge. After a long court hearing, the judge agreed over the prosecution’s objection and granted Ryan Pacyga’s motion to throw out the burglary charge for lack of probable cause. See the order here.Read more

State V. T.V.

County: Ramsey (2011) Charges: Ineligible Person in Possession of Firearm Outcome: In Minnesota, if you are charged with being an ineligible person in possession of a firearm, there is a 5-year MANDATORY MINIMUM sentence. We filed a motion for a downward durational departure, and the judge GRANTED it. Our client had to serve 90 days in jail rather than 5 …Read more

State V. J.G.-2

County: Ramsey (3/2012) Charges: Ineligible Person in Possession of Firearm Outcome: In Minnesota, if you are charged with being an ineligible person in possession of a firearm, there is a 5-year MANDATORY MINIMUM sentence. This was a case where our client could not possess a firearm because he had been convicted of a prior felony. In this case, he was …Read more

State V. J.H.

County: Goodhue (2012) Charges: Terroristic Threats, 2nd Degree Assault, and Domestic Assault Hearing Type: Negotiation Outcome: The State charged J.H. with Terroristic Threats, 2nd Degree Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, and Domestic Assault. Ryan Pacyga negotiated a Stay of Adjudication on the Terroristic Threats charge with no jail, 40 hours of community service, and the other charges were dismissed …Read more

United States V. B.G.

Federal Court, District of Minnesota (9/2012) Charges: Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine and Possession of Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking Crime Outcome: B.G. was indicted after he sold several kilograms of cocaine while being surveilled by federal agents. The evidence was overwhelming so B.G. elected to plead guilty and try for the “safety valve.” The Government opposed safety valves and …Read more

State V. S.W.-2

County: Goodhue (4/2012) Charges: Five Counts of Criminal Sexual Conduct Trial Type: Jury Trial Outcome: NOT GUILTY on all counts. The State alleged that S.W. committed five acts of criminal sexual conduct against three inmates of the Red Wing prison while S.W. was a correctional officer there. After 2 1/2 weeks of trial, the jury deliberated for only 2 hours and …Read more

State V. Kpedua

County: Ramsey (2007) Charges: Domestic Strangulation Trial Type: Jury Trial Outcome: Motion for Acquittal Granted, client found NOT GUILTY at trial …Read more

State V. Bender

County: Hennepin (7/2008) Charges: Attempted 2nd Degree Murder for Benefit of a Gang, Drive by Shooting Outcome: All charges DISMISSED one week before trial. Click here to read the Minneapolis Star & Tribune article: StarTribune Attempted Murder Dismissed …Read more

State V. 17 Year-Old Juvenile Defendant

County: Rice (2009) Charges: 2nd Degree Attempted Murder, 2nd Degree Assault with Dangerous Weapon Trial Type: Jury Trial Outcome: After a 2-week trial, the jury unanimously found the defendant NOT GUILTY of all charges …Read more

State V. Brant

County: Ramsey (6/2011) Charges: First-Degree Aggravated Robbery Outcome: All Charges DISMISSED before trial. In this case, the State accused Mr. Brant and two other men of First Degree Aggravated Robbery for allegedly robbing several individuals at gunpoint, pistol-whipping them, and stealing their computers and phones. All three defendants were represented by different lawyers. The first defendant pled guilty …Read more

State V. T.S.-2

County: Anoka (12/2011) Charges: Domestic Assault Outcome: The State alleged that T.S. physically assaulted his brother by hitting and strangling him. Ryan Pacyga raised self-defense at court and rejected the State’s offer to plead guilty to assault. The charges were DISMISSED at trial: Domestic Assault DISMISSED …Read more

State V. A.A.

County: Beltrami (2010) Charges: 5TH Degree Domestic Assault (2 victims) Trial Type: Jury Trial Outcome: The State charged A.A. with 2 counts of domestic assault and alleged that there he assaulted 2 different people. A.A. is a Gulf War veteran and is active military. He faced losing his military career if he was convicted since a domestic assault conviction prohibits …Read more

State V. C.G.

County: Ramsey (9/2011) Charges: Felony Violation of Order for Protection Trial Type: Jury Trial Outcome: C.G. was charged with Felony Violation of Order for Protection. Ryan Pacyga argued that C.G. did not violate the technical terms of the order, and therefore was not guilty. Ryan Pacyga also argued that C.G. had no intent to violate the order, and that because …Read more

State V. Benedict-2

County: Itasca (2011) Charges: 3rd Degree Burglary Hearing Type: Felony Jury Trial Outcome: The State charged three men with 3rd Degree Burglary. Each man was represented by a different lawyer. Ryan Pacyga represented Mr. Benedict. The first man pled guilty and went to prison. The second man went to trial and the jury found him guilty. Ryan Pacyga defended Mr. …Read more

State V. Bielke County

County: Hennepin Co. (5/2011) Charges: 1st Degree Assault and 3rd Degree Assault Outcome: The Jury found Mr. Bielke NOT GUILTY on all charges. The case against Mr. Bielke started after Mr. Bielke’s friends were calling a woman and her group of friends derogatory names in a bar. The name-calling continued out into the parking lot. The woman’s male friend approached …Read more

Synthetic Drugs: New Criminal Laws

Party Drug Paranoia Popular party drugs, including 2C-E, 2C-I, synthetic marijuana, “incense” and “bath salts”, have come under heightened scrutiny recently in Minnesota. News articles like this paint a horrific picture of the effects of some of these substances, and offer gory anecdotal evidence to capture the public imagination. This particular article describes stories of superhuman strength, visions of the …Read more

Sentencing Entrapment

What is Sentencing Entrapment? Drug sentences are based on the amount and, in some cases, purity of a drug. The greater the amount and purity, the longer the sentence. For this reason, law enforcement agents have a motive to increase the amount and purity of a drug when they are attempting a set up a reverse-sting operation or a controlled buy …Read more

Do I Have To Take Roadside Field Sobriety Tests In MN?

If the police pull me over, should I take the roadside field sobriety tests? Do I have an option? Before I answer those questions, you should know this: In Minnesota, the police have to have a reasonable, articulable suspicion that you are impaired or over the .08 blood alcohol limit before they can ask you to get out of …Read more

Domestic Assault In MN

Did you know that the police can charge you with domestic assault even if you never touched anyone? If the alleged victim even thinks that you are going to hurt them, the police will usually charge you. A lot of domestic assault cases start when two people get into a loud argument and someone calls the police. What is required for Domestic …Read more

3rd Degree DWI In MN

A Third-degree DWI is a more serious DWI than your typical first-time DWI. You face up to a year in jail and a $3,000 fine, having your driver’s license revoked for 180 days (or 1 year if you refused) and having whiskey plates put on all of your vehicles. How do I get a 3rd Degree DWI? To be …Read more

DWI: Will My License Be Revoked In MN?

If you’re charged with a DWI in Minnesota, you’re not only facing potential jail and fines, but your driver’s license can be revoked for between 90 days and a few years, and you could have a DWI on your driving record for the rest of your life. Minnesota law says that you give implied consent to have your blood, urine …Read more

What’s Involved With My First DWI In MN?

There are four degrees of DWI in Minnesota: Fourth, Third, Second, and First. In Minnesota, your first DWI is a fourth-degree misdemeanor unless you: have a prior DWI within the last 10 years; have a passenger age 16 or younger with you in the car at the time of the DWI; tested over .16; or refused to provide a sample of …Read more

State V. S. Johnson

Charges: Domestic Strangulation, Domestic Assault (2 alleged victims) Outcome: Strangulation Charge DISMISSED at trial, Domestic Assault charges DISMISSED, plea to misdemeanor assault, no jail … Read more

18-Year-Old Accused of Criminal Sexual Conduct with a 16-Year-Old

A case study on defending an 18-year-old in a complex Minnesota criminal sexual conduct case, highlighting legal challenges, strategies, and the outcome. Read more