Attorneys

Ryan Pacyga, Owner

Ryan Pacyga's dedication and commitment to his clients has earned him a reputation among judges and prosecutors as an aggressive yet respected advocate.  Ryan Pacyga has obtained dismissals and acquittals for clients charged with attempted murder, drug possession, criminal sexual conduct, domestic assault by strangulation, rioting, DWI, and a variety of other felonies, gross misdemeanors and misdemeanors. His commitment to obtaining and analyzing all of the evidence, knowledge of technical requirements of the law, ability to cross examine adverse witnesses, ability to connect with jurors, and persuasive closing arguments has helped him to turn probable losses into improbable wins.

In 2008, 2009 and 2010, Ryan Pacyga was selected by his peers as a "Rising Star" by Superlawyers. Visit: Superlawyer

Minesota Law & Politics named Ryan Pacyga to "Who's Who in Criminal Defense."

In May of 2010, Ryan Pacyga represented a man accused of aiding an offender in a second degree murder case and being an ineligible person in possession of a firearm.  After a two-week trial, the jury was deadlocked, despite hearing the officer testify that he saw the accused throw the murder weapon.  Ryan Pacyga created enough reasonable doubt with the jury, preventing his client from being convicted.  His client remains free to this day.

In March 2010, Ryan Pacyga represented a woman indicted in Federal court, accused of methamphetamine distribution.  Her guideline sentence called for a 4-year prison term, but she received only probation with no jail time.

In November 2009, Ryan Pacyga represented a man charged with possessing 429 grams of cocaine.  Ryan attacked the search of the vehicle, arguing that it was unconstitutional, even though his client allegedly consented to the search.  The judge agreed, the evidence was suppressed, and the case was dismissed.

In May of 2009, Ryan Pacyga represented an 18 year-old man charged with Attempted Murder, Aiding and Abetting Attempted Murder, four counts of second degree assault with a deadly weapon, and rioting.  After a 2-week jury trial, the jury found Ryan Pacyga's client not guilty on every single charge.  They only deliberated for 30 minutes.  Ryan Pacyga's preparation and artful cross-examination of his client's accusers, along with the assistance of his associate, Page Haswell, earned the not guilty verdict that brought his client, and his client's family, to tears.

Ryan Pacyga's philosophy is simple: Under the United States Constitution, everyone accused of a crime is entitled to a defense.  Some people are wrongfully accused.  There is nothing more rewarding to Mr. Pacyga than to save someone from going to prison or from obtaining a criminal record for something they did not do.  Some people have committed a crime, but perhaps they are charged with more than what they are actually culpable for, and should not have to suffer increased consequences if they are not guilty of the most severe charge against them.  Then there are those to are guilty of the crime(s) they are charged with.  They, too, deserve an advocate to make sure that their constitutional rights are being protected, and that they receive a fair process in court, from beginning to end.  Without a lawyer, a defendant is overmatched by an experienced prosecutor.  Ryan Pacyga's goal is to make sure the system is fair.

Ryan Pacyga is a Life Member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.  He is also a member of the Minnesota Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the Minnesota State Bar Association and the American Inns of Court.  Ryan regularly appears as a guest commentator on criminal law issues on radio programs. He has also appeared on several local and national radio and news programs.  Mr. Pacyga has provided continuing legal education for new lawyers, mentors law students, and served as the Vice-Chair of the Hennepin County Bar Association’s Professionalism Committee.

During his free time, Ryan Pacyga volunteers as a youth baseball, football and hockey coach.

Page J. Haswell, Associate

Page joined Pacyga &Associates in 2008.  Prior to that, Page worked in Anoka County for two years as a Certified Student Attorney in the Public Defender's office.  Over the course of her career, Page has worked with hundreds of clients ranging from misdemeanor charges to first degree murder.  She has counseled clients on problems and possible solutions, appeared on behalf of clients at court hearings in every stage of the criminal process, drafted motions with successful results, and has handled a variety of emergency criminal situations for clients. 

As an Associate Attorney Page makes court appearances with clients, researches potential legal arguments, writes briefs and other court memoranda, interviews clients and witnesses, reviews discovery, and assists in trial preparation and during trial. 

Page graduated from William Mitchell College of Law, deciding early on she wanted to spend her career as a criminal defense trial attorney.  As a law student, she spent more time in the courtroom as a certified student attorney than many attorneys do in their entire legal career.  Page, as one of two lead law clerks, trained other certified student attorneys on the procedures of the criminal justice system in Anoka County.  Page also worked as a legal assistant for a criminal defense attorney who works on the Civil Commitment Defense Panel.  Page assisted in preparation for civil commitment hearings in addition to a wide range of criminal matters. 

Page keeps current of the ever changing laws and Supreme Court decisions through Continuing Legal Education Seminars as well as Conferences and literature provided to her through various state and national associations and legal publications to which she subscribes.

Page is a Member of the Minnesota Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Minnesota Women Lawyers, and the Minnesota State Bar Association.