What Happens If You’re Arrested While Visiting Wyoming?

Wyoming welcomes thousands of visitors every year, truck drivers hauling freight across I-80, hunters and anglers chasing the season, families heading to Yellowstone, and travelers passing through small towns along the way. But what happens if your trip takes an unexpected turn and you end up in handcuffs?

Being arrested away from home is more than inconvenient. It’s stressful, confusing, and it can feel like you’re trapped in a system you don’t understand. Here’s what really happens if you’re arrested while visiting Wyoming and what you can do to protect yourself.

Why Being Out-of-State Makes Things Complicated

Getting arrested is overwhelming enough when you live nearby. When you’re from out of state, the challenges only multiply:

Court appearances: You may be required to appear in person multiple times, which means expensive and time-consuming travel.
Bail and bond: Posting bail from out of state can be more difficult, and missing even one court date will make matters worse.
Work and family disruption: Leaving your kids, your job, or other responsibilities behind for court dates takes a toll.
Jurisdiction issues: You can’t “move” the case home. If you were arrested in Wyoming, the charges stay in Wyoming.

For more information about how Wyoming courts handle appearances, see the Wyoming Judicial Branch.

Common Reasons Visitors Get Arrested in Wyoming

Every state has its quirks, and Wyoming is no exception. Some arrests stem from misunderstandings of local law:

DUI on highways or through tourist towns — common among truck drivers and vacationers.
Hunting and fishing violations — license issues, trespassing on private land, or firearm restrictions.
Bar fights and disorderly conduct — especially in small-town bars or during rodeo weekends.
Drug possession — marijuana laws are far stricter here than in many surrounding states. Under Wyoming Statutes § 35-7-1031, even a small amount can lead to serious charges.

What You Can Expect After an Arrest

Booking and bail: After being booked, bail is typically set. Out-of-state visitors may face stricter conditions to ensure they return.
Travel restrictions: Courts may limit your ability to leave Wyoming until bail is posted or certain conditions are met.
Court dates: You’ll be required to return for hearings, sometimes multiple times. Missing court means a bench warrant and possible arrest — even back home (see WY Stat § 7-11-105).
Communication barriers: Being far from home makes it harder to stay updated on your case.

With the help of a skilled attorney, you may be allowed to attend some hearings remotely by video.

How an Arrest in Wyoming Follows You Home

Many visitors assume an out-of-state arrest “stays there.” Unfortunately, it usually follows you:

Employment problems: Employers and licensing boards may discover pending charges.
Driver’s license suspension: A DUI in Wyoming can impact your license back home through the Driver’s License Compact.
Background checks: Arrests are entered into national databases, showing up when you apply for jobs, housing, or professional licenses.

Your life at home doesn’t pause just because your case is in Wyoming.

Why Having a Local Attorney Matters

If you’re arrested while visiting, hiring a Wyoming defense attorney is one of the smartest moves you can make:

Knowledge of the courts: Every county has its own judges, prosecutors, and local rules. A local lawyer knows how things really work.
Representation on your behalf: In many cases, an attorney can appear for you so you don’t have to travel for every hearing.
Negotiation power: A Wyoming attorney can negotiate directly with prosecutors in real time.
Protecting your record: The faster you get legal help, the better your chances of avoiding long-term damage to your career and reputation.

What to Do Right Away If You’re Arrested in Wyoming

Stay calm and cooperate during the arrest.
Contact a Wyoming criminal defense attorney immediately.
Do not discuss your case on the phone, online, or on social media — anything you say can be used against you.
Make arrangements for travel and court dates. Missing even one hearing can have serious consequences.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What happens right after I’m arrested in Wyoming if I’m from another state?
You’ll be booked into the local jail. Bail is usually set quickly, but the court may impose stricter conditions since you live elsewhere.

2. Do I have to stay in Wyoming until my case is finished?
Not always. Many visitors are allowed to return home once bail is posted. For serious charges, the judge may restrict travel until the next hearing.

3. How many times will I have to return to Wyoming for court?
It depends on the charge. Some cases require multiple appearances, while in others, your attorney can appear for you.

4. What if I miss a court date because I live far away?
Missing court is serious. Under WY Stat § 7-11-105, failure to appear can result in a bench warrant and additional charges.

5. Can I transfer my Wyoming case to my home state?
No. Criminal charges must be resolved in Wyoming.

6. Will a DUI in Wyoming affect my license back home?
Yes. Wyoming reports DUI convictions to your home state through the Driver’s License Compact.

7. What if I’m arrested for marijuana in Wyoming, but it’s legal where I live?
Wyoming’s drug laws are strict. Under WY Stat § 35-7-1031, even small amounts of marijuana can result in criminal charges.

8. Can a Wyoming attorney appear for me so I don’t have to travel?
Often yes, especially for misdemeanors. For more serious charges, you may need to appear in person.

9. Will my Wyoming arrest show up on background checks at home?
Yes. Arrests and charges are entered into national databases accessible across state lines.

10. What should I do first if I’m arrested while visiting Wyoming?
Stay calm, post bail if possible, contact a Wyoming criminal defense attorney, avoid posting about your case online, and make a plan for court dates.

An arrest away from home can derail more than just your trip. Suddenly, you’re stuck in a state you don’t know, facing laws that feel harsher than what you’re used to. Court dates, travel costs, and the fear of losing your job or license back home all pile up.

The worst mistake is hoping it will just “go away.” The truth is, criminal charges follow you across state lines, showing up in background checks, on your driving record, and in future opportunities.

If you’ve been arrested while visiting Wyoming, don’t wait until things spiral out of control. Reach out to Cowboy Country Law today; your defense starts here.