Attorney Ryan P. Garry
Top rated criminal defense attorney Ryan Garry is a Criminal Law Specialist, certified by the the Minnesota State Bar Association, and has developed a reputation as an accomplished trial attorney. Less than 3% of criminal defense attorneys in Minnesota have achieved this certification. Our law practice represents individuals and businesses dealing with accusations and criminal charges brought by the state and federal government. Every attorney in the firm is recognized by their peers as either a Superlawyer or Rising Star Superlawyer, a designation afforded to only the top 5% of criminal defense lawyers. In 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022, Ryan was selected as a Top 100 Lawyer in Minnesota, an extremely rare designation.
Ryan is one of the ThreeBestRated's Top MN Criminal Defense Lawyers of 2021 & 2022
Ryan’s practice encompasses a wide variety of clients on criminal and investigative matters. From representing the homeless to famous celebrities and professional athletes, as a specialty criminal defense firm, the lawyers have an enormous amount of experience in helping individuals navigate the scary waters of becoming involved criminal justice system. The lawyers at the firm do not in any way judge the firm’s clients … the entire goal of representation is to solve the problem that brought the client to the firm in the first place. Ryan regularly represents practicing attorneys and doctors whom have found themselves in some sort of compromising situation.
The firm’s success was not formed overnight. Ryan, with the help of attorney Elizabeth Duel and Executive Legal Assistant Shelly Larson worked from the bottom through the blood, sweat, and tears to the top of where they find themselves today. Ryan is the first lawyer in his family, started the firm from nothing, and hung up a sign and started trying criminal jury trials. While they have had wonderful mentors along the way, Ryan’s success is a direct result of getting in the trenches and going to trial … as that is the way to become a true trial lawyer. See this story for Ryan’s first embarrassing (but successful) jury trial. Ryan is also an executive board member of the Minnesota Society of Criminal Defense Lawyers and will be serving at the organizations President next year.
Ryan practices law in state and federal court, and has litigated a variety of federal cases including mail fraud, wire fraud, bank fraud, witness tampering, bank robbery, drug and narcotic conspiracy, and tax evasion. His current federal cases include the lead defendants on major federal indictments ranging from drug crimes to white collar offenses. The majority of Ryan’s clients are referred from other lawyers, prosecutors who have litigated against him in trial, former presiding judges, and past clients.
Ryan is admitted to practice in the State of Minnesota, the federal District of Minnesota, the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the United States Supreme Court. He also handles federal cases nationwide.
Contact Ryan at (612) 436-3051 (office) | (612) 251-9135 (mobile), ryan@ryangarry.com, LinkedIn, vCard.
Ashley Heaney
Criminal Defense Attorney
Ashley Heaney brings more than 20 years of criminal law experience to Ryan Garry LLC, representing clients across Minnesota and drawing on extensive legal work in New York and Connecticut. Her background spans both prosecution and defense, giving her a rare, strategic advantage when building cases and anticipating how the opposition thinks.
Ashley has handled a wide spectrum of criminal matters—from harassment and DUI cases to serious felony charges, including drug offenses, sex crimes, and even homicide-level cases. That range matters. It means she’s not guessing—she’s been there, seen it, and knows how to navigate it.
Experience, Insight, and Personalized Defense
Ashley’s approach isn’t cookie-cutter. Every case gets a tailored strategy built around the facts, the law, and the client’s goals. She combines deep legal knowledge with practical courtroom experience to create defenses that are both aggressive and precise.
Her process is methodical:
- Analyze every detail of the evidence
- Identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case
- Leverage expert resources when needed
- Build a defense designed for real-world results—not theory
Clients benefit from clear communication, honest expectations, and a defense strategy that’s built specifically for them—not recycled from the last case.
What Sets Ashley Apart
20+ Years of Experience
Extensive criminal law practice across Minnesota, New York, and Connecticut.
Dual Perspective
Valuable insight from working on both sides of the courtroom—prosecution and defense.
Client-Focused Strategy
Personalized, creative legal solutions tailored to each case.
Proven in Serious Cases
Experience handling everything from misdemeanor charges to the most complex and high-stakes felony cases.
Dedicated Defense Backed by Experience
Ashley Heaney is committed to delivering thorough, client-centered legal advocacy for individuals facing criminal charges, professional misconduct allegations, and complex legal disputes. She takes a comprehensive approach—scrutinizing evidence, challenging legal assumptions, and utilizing qualified experts when necessary—to build the strongest possible defense.
Her mission is simple: protect her clients’ rights, minimize the impact of charges, and fight for the best possible outcome.
Education
Villanova University
B.A., Criminal Justice, 2002
cum laude
Quinnipiac University School of Law
J.D., 2006
cum laude
Highest Achievement Awards for Legal Writing and Research
Trial Practice Awards
Admissions
Ashley is admitted to practice in:
- Minnesota State Courts
- Minnesota Federal Courts
- New York State Courts
- New York Federal Courts
- Connecticut State Courts
Professional Associations
- Minnesota Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
- Minnesota State Bar Association
Shelly L. Larson
Shelly received her Legal Secretary degree from the Minnesota School of Business in 1986, graduating with Honors. She has worked for several law firms during her career including 11 years at Rider & Bennett. She has worked in various areas of the law including employment law, personal injury, medical malpractice, wrongful death, insurance defense, and now currently criminal defense.
In April of 2010, Shelly joined Ryan Garry as a Legal Assistant. An integral part of the office, Shelly speaks with clients, prosecutors, and judicial clerks on a daily basis, answering questions, juggling schedules, and filing court documents. The first friendly face you see when you enter the office, Shelly keeps everything running smoothly from the beginning to the end of the day. Her patience, perseverance, kindness, and empathy with our clients represents the background core of Ryan Garry, Attorney LLC.
Contact Shelly at (612) 436-3051 (office), shelly@ryangarry.com, vCard .