Jeremy Hugus

What is a Misdemeanor?

In Wyoming, a misdemeanor is any crime that can be punished by up to one year in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000. Misdemeanors are typically divided into two categories: petty misdemeanors and standard misdemeanors. Petty misdemeanors are the less serious of the two and are punishable by up to six months in jail and/or a fine of up to $750. Standard misdemeanors are more serious and are punishable by up to one year in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000.

Can a Past Misdemeanor Prohibit You From Having a Gun?

If you have been convicted of a misdemeanor, you may be wondering what happens to your gun rights. Wyoming has few restrictions on who can own a gun. A person is not permitted to possess a firearm if they:

●     You have previously pleaded guilty to or been convicted of a violent crime felony

●     Previously pled guilty to, or been found guilty of, injuring a peace officer in the line of duty.

●     Have been convicted of a felony in any U.S. state, territory, or other jurisdiction

●     Have had the legal capacity to make decisions taken away as determined in a court of law

●     Have been admitted to a mental health facility

If you have been convicted of a non-violent misdemeanor, you will not be prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm. Some examples of non-violent misdemeanors include:

●     Disorderly conduct

●     Drunkenness

●     Public intoxication

●     Drug offenses

●     Possession of a controlled substance

●     Theft and larceny

●     Trespassing

If you have any questions about whether a past misdemeanor conviction will prohibit you from owning or possessing a firearm, please do not hesitate to contact our law firm for additional help.

Can a Criminal Defense Lawyer Protect My Gun Rights?

If you’ve been arrested, you should contact a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. A lawyer can analyze the facts of your case and see whether any defenses are open to you. If you’re facing gun rights deprivation charges, a lawyer can also assist by lobbying for a dismissal or reduced charge in order to safeguard those rights.

Should I Contact a Criminal Defense Attorney Today?

If you’ve been arrested or are being investigated for a crime, it’s crucial to seek out the assistance of an experienced criminal defense lawyer. An attorney can help protect your rights and ensure that you are treated fairly by the criminal justice system. Contact our law firm today to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced Wyoming criminal defense lawyers.

Convicted misdemeanors will not prohibit you from owning or possessing firearms in the state of Wyoming. If you have any questions about your past misdemeanor and gun ownership, please do not hesitate to contact our law firm for additional help. Our knowledgeable criminal defense attorneys can assist you in determining your next steps and help protect your gun rights. Call our criminal defense law firm today at 307-333-7884 for a free consultation.

 

In the face of criminal charges, many people feel helpless or alone. After all, a criminal conviction can alter the rest of your life.

When the chips are down, you need a criminal defense lawyer in Laramie, WY who fights aggressively for your interests.

Jeremy Hugus and the team at Cowboy Country Law represent clients facing several types of criminal charges.

Our determination and zealous tactics set us above the competition. Whether we are in a courtroom or at the negotiating table, we empower our clients and protect their future.

If you are accused of a crime, our criminal defense lawyers in Laramie, WY fight for your freedom. Cowboy Country Law goes the extra mile to make sure you have the best defense possible. We will never take the easy way out.

Laramie Crime Statistics

According to data from the FBI, there were 860 reported crimes in Laramie during 2018. A majority of these crimes, around 92%, involved theft or robbery.

Violent crimes, including assault and battery, made up the remaining 8% of reported crimes.

In total, Laramie had 26 crimes per 1,000 people during 2018, which is lower than the crime rate in 2017.

Laramie DUI & DWI Statistics

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that Wyoming has the second-highest DUI-related deaths in the country.

In addition, Wyoming has the third most DUI-related arrests.

As a result of this data, penalties and laws for DUI and DWI in Wyoming are incredibly strict. If you ever receive charges for a DUI or DWI, you must have a criminal defense attorney in Laramie, WY who understands your situation. 

Cowboy Country Law helps protect clients from DUI and DWI charges by advocating on their behalf.

Our Practice Areas

Our team at Cowboy Country Law has a decade of experience representing several criminal cases, including:

• DUI,
• Theft,
• Drug Charges,
• Sexual Assault,
• Battery, and
• Homicide.

Serious criminal charges like these have far-reaching effects on your life. You need a criminal defense lawyer in Laramie, WY with grit and determination to represent you.

At Cowboy Country Law, our attorneys shift the power to our clients. We communicate honestly and directly, so you’re never left wondering what the next step is.

Courthouse Location in Laramie, Wyoming

Below is a list of courthouses in Laramie, WY for your convenience.

Laramie Municipal Court
406 E Ivinson Ave
Laramie, WY 82070
Phone: 307-721-5205

Albany County Circuit Court
525 Grand Ave #400
Laramie, WY 82070
Phone: 307-742-5747

Albany County District Court
525 Grand Ave #305
Laramie, WY 82070
Phone: 303-721-2508

If you are facing criminal charges, hire an experienced criminal defense attorney in Laramie, WY. Our criminal defense team at Cowboy Country Law can help you navigate the Wyoming criminal justice system and take back the reins.

Contact a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Laramie, Wyoming Today

The possibility of a criminal conviction is frightening for many people. If you are facing a criminal charge, a criminal defense attorney in Laramie, WY will fight for you and your future wellbeing.

If you decide to hire an attorney, you want someone on your side who has a stellar track record. Cowboy Country Law can help. We understand how difficult it is to navigate the criminal justice system in Wyoming. We are here to represent you and answer any questions you have.

Our criminal defense lawyers in Laramie, WY strive to create the best defense possible for your criminal case. Contact attorney Jeremy Hugus today at 307-333-7884 or online to discuss your options for defense.

What is Forgery?

Forgery is the process of making, altering, or imitating an object or document with the intent to deceive. Forgery is considered a white-collar crime and is punishable by law. Depending on the severity of the forgery, an individual can be charged with a felony or misdemeanor.

Forgery is a serious crime that can result in significant penalties, including jail time. To be convicted of forgery, the prosecution must prove that you intentionally created, altered, or copied an object or document with the intent to deceive. There are a variety of objects that can be forged, including:

●     Checks

●     Driver’s licenses

●     Passports

●     Social security cards

●     Birth certificates

If you are convicted of forgery, you could face a prison sentence, fines, and restitution. It is important to have an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side if you are facing forgery charges.

What Are Federal Forgery Charges?

Federal forgery charges are brought when an individual commits forgery involving a document that is federally regulated. Documents that are typically involved in federal forgery cases include:

●     Wills

●     Driver’s licenses

●     Birth certificates

●     Social security cards

●     Passports

Federal forgery charges are serious and can result in significant penalties. If you are convicted of federal forgery, you could face up to 20 years in prison. In addition, you may be required to pay fines and restitution. It is important to have an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side if you are facing federal forgery charges.

What are the Penalties for a Federal Forgery Conviction?

Federal forgery penalties can be harsh, and depend on the value of the item forged and the circumstances of the crime. If the value of the item is less than $1,000, you may be fined up to $100,000 or imprisoned for up to 15 years, or both. If the value of the item is greater than $1,000, you may be fined up to $250,000 or imprisoned for up to 20 years, or both.

Forgery is a serious crime, and depending on the circumstances, it can carry a hefty punishment. If you are convicted of forgery, you could face a significant fine and a lengthy prison sentence. It’s important to remember that if you are convicted of a federal crime, you will have a criminal record that can impact the rest of your life.

Should I Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer?

If you are facing federal forgery charges, you need an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side. The penalties for a federal forgery conviction are harsh and can have a lasting impact on your life. A lawyer can assist you in understanding the accusations against you and will work to create a strong defense. A lawyer can also act as your representative in negotiations with the prosecution and fight for the best possible outcome in your situation.

Hiring a criminal defense lawyer is an important decision, and you should make sure you are comfortable with the lawyer you choose. When you meet with us, you will be optimistic about our experience, as well as our success rate. Call our criminal defense law firm today at 307-333-7884 for a free consultation.

Miranda Rights Can Protect You

Miranda Rights are the rights that people have when they are being questioned by police. They were created to protect citizens from abuse and overreach by law enforcement. It’s important to know your Miranda Rights so you can exercise them if necessary, but what exactly are those rights? Here is a quick overview of five things every person should know about their Miranda Rights before speaking with authorities:

1.    You have the right to remain silent.

2.    Anything you say or do can be used against you in a court of law.

3.    You have the right to an attorney present during questioning, even if you cannot afford one.

4.    If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed for you without cost or obligation.

5.    You can exercise these rights at any time during questioning.

You should also be aware that you may waive your Miranda Rights, but only if you do so voluntarily, knowingly, and intelligently. If you are ever questioned by police, it’s best to consult with an attorney beforehand so you can make an informed decision about whether or not to waive your rights. The consequences of waiving your Miranda Rights can be significant, so it’s important to understand the implications before making any decisions.

You Can Benefit In Court If Your Rights Are Violated

If you are questioned by police without being read your Miranda Rights, anything you say can still be used against you in court. However, the prosecution may not use anything you said as evidence of your guilt if they cannot prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you waived your Miranda Rights voluntarily, knowingly, and intelligently. This can be a difficult burden for the prosecution to meet, so it is important to understand all of your rights before speaking with authorities. If you have any questions or concerns about your rights, consult with an attorney immediately.

Miranda Rights Only Apply in Certain Situations

Just because you are being questioned by police, you do not have to waive your Miranda Rights. Miranda Rights only apply in certain situations, such as when a person is in custody and being interrogated. If you are not in custody or not being interrogated, you may not be entitled to the same protections. However, it’s always best to exercise your rights even if you think they may not apply in your situation, as the consequences of waiving them can be significant.

Other Statements May Still Be Admissible Evidence

Although the prosecution cannot use most statements made by a defendant without reading their Miranda Rights, there are exceptions. Statements made before being Mirandized can still be used as evidence if they are voluntarily given and not the result of police coercion. In addition, any physical evidence that is seized without a warrant may still be admissible in court, even if it was obtained as a result of statements made by the defendant without being read their Miranda Rights. Before speaking with authorities, it is critical to understand all of your rights. You can make informed decisions about what you say and how you say it. If you have any questions or concerns, consult with an attorney immediately.

Law Enforcement Must Cease Questioning When You Ask for a Lawyer

One of your most important Miranda Rights is the right to have an attorney present during questioning. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed for you at no cost or obligation. Once you ask for an attorney, law enforcement must cease all questioning until your lawyer is present. If they do not, anything you say after that point may not be used as evidence against you in court. If you have any questions about your rights or what to do if you are questioned by police, consult with an attorney immediately. Call our criminal defense law firm today at 307-333-7884 for a free consultation.

GET THE LEGAL HELP THAT GIVES YOU THE BEST CHANCE OF FREEDOM IF YOU HAVE WYOMING MANSLAUGHTER CHARGES

Some people claim that homicide cases are simply assaults that result in someone’s death. Although that theory is true in some respects, facing a homicide charge is serious. The stakes are incredibly high for the accused and the prosecution.

Police and prosecutors dedicate much of their resources to solve and prosecute homicide cases. Typically, the prosecutors assigned to homicide cases have years of experience. Shouldn’t you have an attorney who has significant experience defending your serious case?

Wyoming criminal defense attorney Jeremy Hugus and his team with Cowboy Country Law have the skills, resources, and dedication that give you the best shot at freedom.

MURDER VS. MANSLAUGHTER

Police investigators and prosecutors always try to bring the most serious charges possible. Prosecutors have the pressure of making a murder case because they feel that is the best way to find justice for the victim’s family.

As a result, they often charge people with murder even when the facts of the case more appropriately support a manslaughter charge. What’s the difference between murder and manslaughter?

First-Degree Murder

In Wyoming, the purposeful killing of another with premeditated malice is murder in the first degree. The prosecution must prove that the defendant did not act in the sudden heat of passion while killing the victim.  Instead, the state must prove the accused acted with premeditated malice.

Premeditated malice means that the accused thought about killing the victim before committing the act. Premeditated means that some time passed between the time the accused formed the intent to kill and the time that they committed the act. There is no set amount of time required — premeditation can be formed in an instant.

Malice means the accused committed the killing intentionally and with hatred, ill will, or hostility toward the victim. Premeditated malice is the exact opposite state of mind from the sudden heat of passion. Under Wyoming law, you cannot have both: it’s either one or the other.

Prosecutors can charge a person with murder in the first degree if the killing happened during the commission or the attempt to commit certain felonies. Under Wyoming law, felony murder occurs when the killing happened during the commission of any one of the following crimes:

• Sexual assault,
• Sexual abuse of a minor,
• Arson,
• Robbery,
• Burglary,
• Escape,
• Resisting arrest,
• Kidnapping, or
• Abuse of a child under 16.

In these circumstances, attempting to commit or committing any one of the crimes listed is a substitute for premeditated malice. Therefore, the prosecution does not have to prove the intent to kill in felony murder cases. Instead, they just have to prove the intent to commit one of the crimes listed.

Second-Degree Murder

Murder in the second degree is the killing of another purposely and with malice. Second-degree murder can be a charge that stands on its own, or it can be a lesser-included charge under first-degree murder.

The difference between first-degree murder and second-degree murder is premeditation. Second-degree murder does not have the legal requirement of premeditation. Instead, the prosecution must prove that the accused acted maliciously. For second-degree murder, maliciously means:

• The accused acted in a way that was reasonably likely to result in death;
• The accused committed the act recklessly under circumstances showing utter indifference to human life; and
• The accused had no legal justification or excuse for acting in that way.

As with first-degree murder, if the accused acted in the sudden heat of passion, then the crime is voluntary manslaughter.

WHAT IS MANSLAUGHTER?

Manslaughter, like second-degree murder, can be a lesser-included offense of murder. However, the charge of manslaughter could stand alone.

The Wyoming manslaughter statute says that manslaughter is the unlawful killing of another person without malice. The charge could be either voluntary manslaughter or involuntary manslaughter.

Voluntary manslaughter is an intentional killing that happens during the sudden heat of passion. The sudden heat of passion results from the arousal of passion.

However, the passion must be reasonable to the ordinary person. It must also arise suddenly and without time to cool off. A classic example of the heat of passion is killing your spouse immediately after you come home and find them in bed with someone else.

Involuntary manslaughter is killing another person while acting recklessly. An example of reckless conduct is playing with a loaded gun that discharges accidentally and kills another.

The charge of involuntary manslaughter does not apply if the killing happened while driving a vehicle recklessly. In that case, the appropriate charge is aggravated homicide by vehicle. Some people refer to this as vehicular manslaughter.

Aggravated homicide by vehicle occurs when a person drives recklessly and kills someone. The reckless driving pattern may or may not be due to the influence of alcohol, drugs, or both.

Drug-induced homicide is another charge that some might say fits under the manslaughter definition. Drug-induced homicide occurs when a person sells narcotics to a minor and the minor dies as a result. The accused has to be four years older than the minor for the charge to apply.

WHAT IS RECKLESSNESS?

Recklessness is conduct that is more dangerous than ordinary negligence. According to the Wyoming criminal jury instructions, recklessness is the act of consciously disregarding a substantial and unjustifiable risk that harm will result.

In other words, reckless conduct is a gross deviation from actions that a reasonable person would take. However, reckless conduct does not rise to the level of the malicious conduct required for a second-degree murder conviction.

MANSLAUGHTER PENALTIES

Manslaughter, whether voluntary, involuntary, or aggravated homicide by vehicle, carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in state prison. However, the court can incarcerate the accused for up to 30 years (but no less than 10 years) if the victim was pregnant and the baby died as a result.

For this enhancement to apply, the accused must know that the victim was pregnant when committing the killing. This sentencing enhancement does not apply to aggravated homicide by vehicle.

MURDER PENALTIES

Murder in the second degree carries a minimum 20-year prison sentence, up to life. However, the minimum term is 40 years if the accused knew the victim was pregnant and the baby died. The penalty for murder in the first degree is life without parole, life imprisonment, or death.

GET THE HELP IMMEDIATELY IF YOU FACE HOMICIDE CHARGES

Your life is at stake if the state charges you with homicide. At Cowboy Country Law, attorney Jeremy Hugus and his team are ready to dedicate their time, energy, extensive skills, and resources to defend your freedom.

We will explore every potential defense possible. We will fight aggressively for you. Call us at Cowboy Country Law today at 307-333-7884 to learn more about your options.

What is an Intentional Tort?

An intentional tort is a civil wrong that occurs when the offender commits a deliberate act that causes harm to the victim. The victim can file a lawsuit against the offender to recover damages. Intentional torts can be quite complex, and often require the assistance of a qualified lawyer. If you have been charged, it is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible. The attorneys at our law offices are experienced in handling these types of cases and can help you get defended in the best possible light.

What Are the Most Common Intentional Torts?

There are a variety of intentional torts, but some of the most common include:

●     Assault- An assault is when one person threatens another with imminent bodily harm. It does not necessarily have to involve physical contact.

●     Battery- A battery is when one person intentionally causes harmful or offensive contact with another person.

●     False Imprisonment- False imprisonment occurs when one person unlawfully restrains another against their will.

●     Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress – This tort occurs when one person deliberately causes another person severe emotional distress.

●     Trespass- Trespass occurs when someone enters another person’s property without their consent.

●     Conversion- Conversion is when someone steals or destroys someone else’s property.

If you’ve been charged with any of these torts, it is vital that you contact an attorney right away to learn about your legal options. Our law firm’s attorneys are skilled in addressing such circumstances and can assist you in obtaining the best possible result for your case.

How Can a Lawyer Help Me?

If you’ve been charged with an intentional tort, you may be feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. An experienced lawyer can help you understand the charges against you and develop a strong defense. They can also negotiate on your behalf with the other party’s lawyer to try and reach a settlement outside of court.

Our attorneys have represented clients in all sorts of situations, including assault, battery, false imprisonment, and other charges. We know how to build a solid case and will fight to preserve your rights.

When Should I Hire a Lawyer?

Being charged with an intentional tort can be a very serious matter. If you have been accused of an intentional tort, you may want to consider hiring a lawyer. When deciding whether or not to hire a lawyer, you should also consider the severity of the charge. If you are facing a felony charge, it is important to have legal representation. A felony conviction can result in jail time and/or hefty fines. Even if you are only facing a misdemeanor charge, you may still want to hire a lawyer. A misdemeanor conviction can still have negative consequences, such as a fine or probation.

If you are not sure whether or not to hire a lawyer, you should always err on the side of caution and consult with an attorney. Call our criminal defense law firm today at 307-333-7884 for a free consultation.