Information

You have the right to have an attorney represent you if you are under arrest or facing criminal charges in Wyoming. The time after an arrest could be very stressful. You might have questions about how to choose an affordable Wyoming criminal defense attorney. You might even question whether hiring an attorney is the best thing for you to do.  Your freedom is not cheap; it is invaluable. A conviction for any offense could cause you to experience significant hardships. You are more than the charges you face. The Wyoming criminal defense team with Cowboy Country Criminal Defense will work closely with you to develop a successful defense for any charge in Casper and anywhere in Wyoming.  How Do I Know If I Need a Lawyer? Your best bet to avoid a harsh punishment or avoid a conviction altogether is by hiring a criminal lawyer to represent you. You should have a lawyer with experience and a wealth of knowledge by your side any time you appear in court, answer to criminal charges, or face police questioning. Any attempt you make to try to work things out by yourself might be disastrous. You will not be able to hire a cheap criminal defense attorney to unravel the mess.  What Does a Criminal Defense Attorney Do? A criminal defense attorney is your advocate. A criminal defense attorney is the only person who stands between you and the long arm of the law. Criminal defense lawyers make sure that the playing field is level for you. Maybe you think you will get the same results if you hire a criminal defense attorney cheap. A criminal defense lawyer with a lack of experience or resources might be inexpensive. However, you could pay a steep price with your freedom. Why Should I Pay for a Lawyer? Can’t the Court Give Me One? You cannot receive representation by the public defender unless the court rules that you are indigent. Even if you do not have a lot of money, hiring a criminal lawyer might be the best option. Public defenders have minimal resources. They are often overworked and carry large caseloads. You might not receive the individualized attention from the public defender you will receive if you hire a criminal defense lawyer.   Why Shouldn’t I Represent Myself? Criminal law and procedure in Wyoming are complex. Representing yourself means that you understand the relevant laws and procedural rules. The prosecutor cannot give you legal advice, and neither can the judge. You have nowhere to turn if you cannot research the law or have a question about a tactical decision. People believe that they can represent themselves better than a lawyer can because they know what happened. However, you must present your case carefully and strategically. One wrong move means that you could lose your negotiating position or forfeit your rights.  Self-representation is way too risky. Allowing an experienced Wyoming criminal defense attorney to handle your case instead of representing yourself could make a tremendous difference for you and your future. How Do I Determine the Cost of an Affordable Wyoming Criminal Defense Attorney Near Me? The cost of an affordable Wyoming criminal defense attorney depends on many factors. An affordable criminal defense attorney must consider: The severity of the charges;The likelihood of a trial;The chances of resolving the case before trial; andThe pre-trial litigation required to give you the best chance, such as arguing motions to dismiss and suppress. Other considerations could play into the cost of a criminal defense lawyer. You have to consider the possibility you will regret hiring a defense attorney cheap rather than securing the services of a highly rated criminal lawyer. Call Cowboy Country Criminal Defense Today with All Your Questions  If you’re wondering, Is there an affordable criminal defense attorney near me? look no further than Jeremy Hugus and Cowboy Country Criminal Defense. Jeremy and his team will work with you on a fee that ensures you receive the level of advocacy you deserve. Jeremy has earned his reputation as a tough negotiator and brave criminal trial lawyer. He’s not afraid to stand up for you. Contact Cowboy County Criminal Defense right now at 307-333-7884 before it’s too late.

Getting arrested is a stressful situation. You need to do what you can to protect your rights. Having an understanding of what to do when arrested by police could help you avoid making matters worse. Also, understanding what to do after being arrested is necessary to safeguard your best interests. As experienced Wyoming criminal defense lawyers, our team with Cowboy Country Criminal Defense aggressively represents our clients in and out of court. As seasoned criminal trial attorneys, we will develop a defense strategy with your best interests in mind.  What to Do When You Get Arrested Knowing what to do when someone gets arrested in Wyoming is as important as knowing what not to do. Here are a few things to keep in mind if you get charged. You should: Be respectful with the police;Remain as calm as possible;Ask what your charges are;Ask about your bail status;Ask for your phone call; andAsk for your lawyer immediately.  Be aware that police stations and sheriff’s offices have surveillance cameras everywhere. They might record your calls or have the booking officer listen. Do not say anything about your case over the phone. You could tell the person you called where you are, let them know your bail status, and ask them to call a Wyoming criminal defense lawyer. Understand that the arrest and booking process might not be pleasant. Let the officers do their job, even if you believe that they treated you unfairly. An arrest starts the judicial process, and you will have an opportunity to plead your case to a judge later.  What Not to Do If You Are Under Arrest Law enforcement officers are human. We know they make mistakes. You should realize that most law enforcement officers just want to go home at the end of their shift. We recognize that some officers, being human, are also bad cops. Let us do our job protecting you and your future. Based on our experience, we know that you should avoid: Fighting with the police;Resisting arrest;Acting disrespectfully;Trying to escape or destroy property; or Making threats. You compound your legal problems when you do any of these things. Rest assured that we know how to develop a defense strategy even if you were not a model prisoner. Do Not Talk to the Police We advise you not to talk with the police. You have a right to speak to investigators if you want. However, you should know that the police are not on your side if you decide to talk with them. The law allows the prosecution to share your statements with the judge or jury at your trial. Therefore, talking with the police could mean that the State will use your words against you. The Miranda Warnings The police must give you the Miranda warnings before they start interrogating you after your arrest. These warnings apply only when you are in custody and the police ask you non-booking questions. The Miranda statement given by police should warn you that: You have the right to remain silent;You have the right to talk to a lawyer before answering questions;Anything you say can be used against you; andYou have the right to an attorney free of charge if you cannot afford one. Smart investigators might resort to trickery to get you to talk. Investigators are known for trying to engage in casual conversation, invite you to tell your side of the story, or use other subtle tricks to get you talking. They also know how to keep you talking once you start. Also, police officers cannot and must not give legal advice. Don’t ask. Resist the temptation to talk, and immediately ask for your lawyer if the police try to talk with you. You can’t talk your way out of an arrest, and the court cannot hold your silence against you.  The law is on your side. We will file motions designed to throw your statements out of evidence if you speak with the police. However, you should assume that the police and prosecutors will try to use as much evidence against you as they can. Refusing Consent to Search You have a right to refuse consent to search your property. The police cannot search items like your home or cell phone without your permission unless they have a search warrant. Do not help the police convict you by giving them your consent to search your private property.  You always have the right to refuse to consent. Refusing consent, like remaining silent, cannot be used against you in court. Call a Wyoming Criminal Defense Lawyer with a Track Record of Results Jeremy Hugus and his team with Cowboy Country Criminal Defense believe you are more than your charges indicate. Jeremy is a top-rated criminal defense lawyer whose mission is to ensure that you receive the best defense possible. Call Jeremy and our team with Cowboy Country Criminal Defense today at 307-333-7884 to talk with us about your Wyoming criminal case. Knowing what to do when someone gets arrested in Wyoming is hard. Call us for help.

If you were charged with theft in Wyoming, you may be wondering, When does stealing become a felony? Theft charges and penalties in Wyoming vary depending on the facts of the case and the value of the stolen property. When stealing changes from a misdemeanor to a felony, the consequences can be significant. Whether you face a misdemeanor or a felony theft, you should contact an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible to ensure that you get the best outcome for your case.  Theft Charge Laws in Wyoming In Wyoming, a person is guilty of theft if he or she knowingly takes the property of another person with the intent to deprive that person of the property. Note that the law states the theft must be done knowingly. This means that to be charged with theft in Wyoming you must have intended to steal the property in question.  The Difference Between a Misdemeanor Theft and Felony Theft Theft can be a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the value of the stolen property as well as the underlying facts of the case. For example, if the defendant used a firearm during the theft, then it may be charged as aggravated robbery or burglary. Both charges carry harsher potential penalties than misdemeanor or felony theft.  Misdemeanor Theft Laws in Wyoming If the stolen property is worth less than $1,000, the theft will be charged as a misdemeanor. A misdemeanor theft is punishable by a fine of up to $750, up to 6 months in jail, or both. Examples of theft charged as misdemeanors in Wyoming include: Auto theft;Defrauding an innkeeper;Obtaining property by false pretenses;Unlawful use of theft detection shielding device; Breaking into a coin machine;Taking possession of land; andTelecommunications fraud. Although these crimes commonly result in misdemeanor charges, they can be charged as felonies if the value of the stolen property exceeds $1,000.  Felony Theft Laws in Wyoming  If the stolen property is worth $1,000 or more, the theft will be charged as a felony. Felony theft is also sometimes known as grand theft. A felony theft is punishable by a fine of up to $10,000, up to 10 years in jail, or both.  Other theft crimes that are charged as felonies in Wyoming include: Auto theft (may depend on the value of the stolen car);Carjacking;Robbery;Burglary;Possession of tools to commit burglary; and Cattle or livestock theft.  Penalties for the above offenses include up to 10 years in jail and fines of up to $10,000.  Contact a Defense Attorney Today  Cowboy Country Criminal Defense is a team of passionate Casper-based criminal defense attorneys. We represent defendants across Wyoming in all kinds of criminal cases. Contact us today online or by calling 307-333-7884. We will work with you to develop your case, step by step and fight for the best outcome. 

You might be asking, what does defrauding an innkeeper mean? Defrauding an innkeeper is a legal term that covers a number of different thefts, largely the use or enjoyment of different types of services without paying for them. What is defrauding an innkeeper in Wyoming? In non-legal terms and help you understand the possible charges and penalties you face. Defrauding an innkeeper, also known as “dine and dash,” is a punishable offense in Wyoming.  Wyoming Laws Related to Defrauding an Innkeeper  What is defrauding an innkeeper in WY? Wyoming Statute 6-3-406 prohibits taking, ingesting, or using products or services from a business without paying. Examples of defrauding an innkeeper include: Eating at a restaurant without paying;Staying at a hotel without paying; andGetting gas at a gas station without paying. Defrauding an innkeeper in Wyoming can be a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the value of services used. Defrauding an innkeeper is a specific intent crime. This means that a person charged with defrauding the innkeeper must have had the intent to defraud at the time the theft occurred.  Penalties The penalties for defrauding an innkeeper depend on whether the charge is a misdemeanor or a felony. Defrauding an innkeeper is a misdemeanor if the value of stolen services is less than $1,000. If the value of stolen services is $1,000 or more, defrauding an innkeeper is a felony offense in Wyoming. A misdemeanor conviction carries a potential fine of up to $750, up to 6 months in jail, or both. A felony conviction carries a potential fine of up to $10,000, up to 10 years in jail, or both.  Defenses The best defense to a charge of defrauding an innkeeper is lack of intent to defraud. If you didn’t pay for your meal or your hotel room because of a miscommunication or because you forgot, were distracted, or thought someone else paid, you may be able to argue the defense of lack of intent or an honest mistake.  How a Wyoming Defense Attorney Can Help  If you’ve been charged with defrauding an innkeeper in Wyoming, you should seek the advice of an experienced criminal defense attorney. A Wyoming criminal defense attorney will be able to answer questions like, An experienced attorney will work with you to develop a case strategy that reflects your best interests. An attorney will represent you in court and negotiate with prosecutors to seek the best outcome for your case and for your future.  Contact Us Today  Cowboy Country Criminal Defense is a Casper-based law firm that represents defendants across the state of Wyoming. We will work with you to develop your case, and we will negotiate with prosecutors to protect your rights and promote your best interests. Contact us today online or by calling 307-333-7884 and let us represent you.

Are text messages admissible in court? If you are in a case where your texts might be relevant, you may be wondering if they are admissible. Whether your text messages could help you or hurt, you’ll want to know how the court will treat them. If you have been recently charged and need to know if your text messages will be used in court reach out to a criminal defense attorney to get more details. The truth is, text messages are a new area for the law to consider. So is social media. “I felt helpless and hopeless…” When I reached out to Jeremy, I felt helpless and hopeless. Jeremy gave me my voice back. I tried to take care of legal issues on my own but my situation only got worse. Hiring Jeremy was the best choice. He was professional, honest and made me proud to have him on my side. – Carrie G. The rules on evidence have been around for many years. Fast, ubiquitous, and electronic forms of communication didn’t exist before, so courts are trying to apply old rules to new mediums. Texting and social media are very new ways to communicate in general. But, they are especially new for courts deciding whether or not they can be admissible as evidence. The problem becomes when text messages have a particular value or can provide insight into a case. Since many of us don’t chat on the phone anymore, text messages often provide the bulk of communication between parties. Social media posts can also give a lot of insight into someone’s thoughts or actions. They can even log where an individual was at a specific time. If you are in the middle of a criminal case, it can be very stressful to wonder, “Are text messages admissible in court?” Here, we’ll go over everything you need to know about the admissibility of text messages and social media posts. So, how do courts handle these new communication forms? The answer, like many answers in the law, is “it depends.” What is admissible evidence? Before discussing text messages and social media specifically, we must consider the definition of admissible evidence. Admissible evidence is anything relevant to a case that would make a material fact more or less probable. If evidence is not relevant, the court will not allow it. Admissible evidence can include the following: Witness testimonyPhotographsRecordingsWritten documents or statementsPhysical or digital objectsScientific or medical resultsCharts or displays for the jury Even relevant evidence may be subject to exclusion if it is unreliable or could confuse or mislead jurors. It could also be subject to exclusion if it would unfairly prejudice the jurors against the defendant. Relevant evidence may also be inadmissible if it is hearsay. What is hearsay? Hearsay is a hurdle that the parties need to cross to admit statements that weren’t made in court. The definition of hearsay is a statement not made in court offered as evidence to prove its veracity or truth. For example, imagine you sent a text message to a friend that said, “Bob vandalized Jane’s car.” If Jane’s attorney tried to admit your text as evidence that Bob did it, this would be hearsay. The general rule on hearsay is that it is inadmissible. However, there are many exceptions to hearsay which would allow certain statements into evidence. Are text messages hearsay? Given the hearsay rule, are text messages hearsay? Yes, under the definition of the term, text messages and social media posts are hearsay. They are statements made outside of court, which are generally introduced to prove the truth of the text or post. However, courts have largely allowed texts and social media posts under various exceptions to the hearsay rule. Sometimes, a court will allow them to show a fact other than the content of the message. For example, they may show that the parties had a close relationship. If you are wondering if your texts or posts are admissible, it’s better to prepare yourself: they likely will be. What else does the court consider admissible evidence? For evidence to be admissible, the party introducing it needs to authenticate it. Authentication is the process of proving that something is what the party claims it to be. For texts and social media, authentication would mean showing that the text or post was actually a text or post from the party who supposedly sent it or posted it. For online communications, authentication can happen by showing that online communication came from a phone number or account associated with the person who purportedly sent or posted it. Depending on the court, this may not be an acceptable method of authentication for online communications. After all, other people can access online accounts and cell phones that they do not own. The court may require additional information for authentication. Can text messages be used in criminal court? In Wyoming, the criminal court will generally allow text messages and social media posts. Wyoming has a rule which allows the prosecutor to bring in a text or post by the defendant. (Wyoming Rule of Evidence 801(d)(2)). They will still need to be authenticated, but if a prosecutor wants to introduce them against the defendant, they can. If a defendant wanted to bring in a text message or social media post that they sent or posted themselves, they would need to get around the hearsay rule. So, are text messages admissible in court? Generally, you should anticipate your texts and social media posts being admissible in court. Although they will need to meet evidentiary standards and get around evidentiary exclusions, courts in Wyoming are likely to allow them in. No matter what, when sending electronic messages or posting things online, consider that everything you say may come back to you in the future. If you are in a criminal case and have concerns about text messages or social media posts you may have sent, contact the team at Cowboy Country Criminal Defense. We can help guide you…

When you’ve been convicted of a crime, the sentencing judge generally has a few options to choose from. In addition to prison time, the judge may consider a probationary sentence. Probation is a form of in-community supervision that allows the defendant to remain at home while following a set of what can be fairly restrictive terms and conditions.  If you have been charged with violating your probation in Wyoming, you likely have a lot of questions about what you can expect in the coming weeks and months. It is important to understand the consequences you may be facing as a result of violating probation. Your best bet is to consult an attorney to develop a strong strategy for your case.  What Happens When You Break Probation? If you have violated the terms of your probation, your probation officer will likely file a complaint against you. You will then receive a summons to appear in court. If the judge or hearing officer determines that it is more likely than not that you violated probation, the judge will then impose consequences for the violation. As a consequence of violating probation, you may be sent to jail or be required to complete community service or undergo additional conditions of probation. The court may even revoke your probation altogether and impose your original sentence, which could include prison time. How Long Do You Have to Sit in Jail for a Probation Violation? The length of time you will be required to remain in jail following a probation violation depends on the facts of your case. It is possible that the judge will reimpose the same prison sentence you would have received if you hadn’t been sentenced to probation instead. Alternatively, the judge may order you to spend up to 30 days in jail or 60 days in a community correctional program. Will You Go to Jail for Your First Probation Violation? If this is the first time you have violated the conditions of your probation, don’t panic. If you haven’t already, contact your probation officer. You may be able to avoid having to go to court to address the violation. It is unlikely that you will serve jail time for a first violation, though the outcome depends on the specific circumstances of your case. It is more likely that you will be reminded of the terms and conditions with which you agreed to comply and be given a grace period during which you can demonstrate your ability to do so.  How Do You Beat a Probation Violation? Your best chance at beating a probation violation is to comply with the terms and conditions of your probation. Though these terms can be expensive and time-consuming continued compliance with probation is the best way to avoid spending time in jail. If you do violate your probation, you should contact your probation officer immediately. A probation officer is more likely to be lenient in their recommendations to the judge if they feel you have tried to comply and have been communicative in the process. If you receive a summons for a probation revocation hearing, you should contact an attorney as soon as possible. An experienced criminal defense attorney will be able to help determine the best strategy for avoiding additional jail time.  If you are set for a probation revocation hearing, be sure to appear in court on time and prepare a statement for the judge recounting your attempts and successes on probation. A judge is a person, after all, and maybe more lenient if you can show that you have good intentions.  Hire an Experienced Wyoming Probation Violation Attorney If you are facing the consequences of a probation violation, you need the help of an attorney. Cowboy Country Criminal Defense is a Casper-based law firm that has defended clients across Wyoming. We defend individuals in court for all manner of criminal cases. We will meet with you to discuss the facts of your probation violation, and help you get the best outcome for your case. Contact us today so we can get to work protecting your rights.

If you violated the terms of your probation, you are probably facing serious consequences. Probation revocation hearings can be complicated. It is important to understand the process to help ensure you get the best outcome for your case. What Is a Probation Revocation? If you were charged with violating the conditions of your probation, you probably received a summons to appear for a probation revocation hearing. At a probation revocation hearing, a court will determine whether you have violated the terms of your probationary sentence and whether your probation should be revoked.  The terms of probation differ depending on the facts of each case. However, most jurisdictions use certain standard terms and conditions. Common probationary terms require you to: Report to the probation department immediately following sentencing;Report to and and communicate with probation officers on a regular basis;Maintain full time employment;Refrain from owning firearms;Submit to regular testing for drug and/or alcohol use;Refrain from incurring new law violations; andConsent to random searches of your car, residence, and personal belongings.  Failure to comply with these terms and conditions will likely result in the probation department filing a complaint against you. The complaint then triggers the process of probation revocation.  What Is the Process of Probation Revocation? In Wyoming, your probation officer may take you into custody until your hearing or for a reasonable period of time prior to the hearing.  In a probation revocation hearing, a judge, hearing officer, or other person empowered to hear the case will decide whether you violated the terms of your probation. The judge will use a preponderance of the evidence standard. This standard considers whether based on the evidence presented, there is a greater than 50% chance that you violated your probationary terms. Like other hearings in criminal court, you have the right to present evidence, including witnesses, and to cross-examine the witnesses testifying against you.  If the judge finds that you have violated the terms of your probation, they will make a finding on the record reflecting the violation. They will then determine the appropriate consequences. If the judge determines you have violated probation, it does not automatically mean that your probation has been revoked. In Wyoming, the judge may take you into custody for a probation violation. Alternatively, he or she could order you to complete community service or impose additional terms and conditions of probation.  What Happens If Your Probation Is Revoked If the court revokes your probation, it will sentence you as it would have if it had not originally sentenced you to probation. This means that the judge can again consider the sentencing options available to him or her during your original sentencing hearing. Additionally, if the court revokes your probation due to a new law violation, the State may charge you with a new crime. This will result in new or additional sentencing exposure for you.  How a Probation Defense Attorney Can Help  Probation revocation proceedings have serious consequences, including time in prison. For this reason, it is important to seek the advice of an experienced probation revocation hearing attorney in Wyoming. An attorney will be well versed in the requirements of a probation revocation hearing and will ensure that your rights are protected. An attorney will also be able to prepare you for your hearing and examine your witnesses and the witnesses against you.  Based in Casper, the attorneys at Cowboy Country Criminal Defense are committed to defending individuals across Wyoming. We are strategic, pragmatic, and focused attorneys. We will represent you in court and negotiate with the Government to help you get the best outcome for your case. Contact us today so we can help you protect your rights.

Like many states, Wyoming has strict penalties for possessing and distributing marijuana. Wyoming marijuana laws also apply to other forms of marijuana such as hash and concentrate. Unlike other states, Wyoming marijuana laws prohibit the exception for medical marijuana.   Additionally, the state can charge you with DUI for driving while under the influence of marijuana. This charge carries the same penalties as driving while under the influence of alcohol. If you face a marijuana-related charge in Wyoming, you should contact a criminal defense lawyer today. Wyoming Marijuana Laws: Possession There are four types of marijuana possession crimes in Wyoming.  1. Under the Influence Being under the influence of marijuana at any time is a misdemeanor in Wyoming. This charge results in a jail sentence of up to six months, a fine up to $750, or both. 2. Possession of Less Than Three Ounces Possession of less than three ounces of marijuana is also a misdemeanor. It carries with it a penalty of up to 12 months in jail, up to a $1,000 fine, or both. 3. Possession of More Than Three Ounces However, possession of more than three ounces of marijuana is a felony. This charge results in a penalty of up to five years in prison, up to a $10,000 fine, or both. 4. Possession Within 500 Feet of a School Additionally, if you possess marijuana within 500 feet of a school, your fine increases by $500. This rule applies to all forms of marijuana possession crimes. Wyoming Weed Laws: Distribution In Wyoming, the sale or distribution of any amount of marijuana is a felony. Selling or distributing marijuana carries a prison sentence of up to 10 years, a fine up to $10,000, or both. Paraphernalia Possession of marijuana paraphernalia is usually a separate charge from possession or distribution. Examples of paraphernalia include: Pipes, Scales, Papers, andMarijuana residue. In Wyoming, possession of marijuana paraphernalia carries a penalty of up to six months in jail, up to a $750 fine, or both. Other Forms of Marijuana Other common forms of marijuana include concentrate and hash. These forms of marijuana can be mixed into foods and drinks or consumed through a vaporizer or e-cigarette. In Wyoming, the penalties for possession of marijuana concentrate and hash depend on the amount of marijuana in the food, drink, vaporizer, or e-cigarette. Possession of .3 grams or less is a misdemeanor that carries a penalty of up to 12 months in jail, up to a $1,000 fine, or both. Possession of more than .3 grams is a felony with a punishment of up to five years in prison, up to a $10,000 fine, or both. How Can a Criminal Defense Lawyer Help You? A criminal defense lawyer can help you understand Wyoming marijuana laws and how they apply to you. Additionally, a lawyer can defend you in court if the state charges you with a marijuana offense. If you’ve been charged with violating marijuana laws in Wyoming, Jeremy Hugus at Cowboy Country Criminal Defense can fight for your freedom. Jeremy believes in his clients from the start and will keep you informed throughout the entire criminal justice process. Contact Jeremy today to schedule your consultation.

Relationships can be complicated, and sometimes they don’t always end well. Sometimes relationships involve stalking charges and accusations. An experienced criminal defense attorney can help you navigate this difficult time and protect your legal interests and rights.  What Is Stalking? Under Wyoming law, a person may face stalking charges if that person intends to harass someone else and behaves in a way that is reasonably likely to cause harassment. Harassment occurs when a person: Feels emotional distress,Fears for their safety or someone else’s safety, orFears for the safety of their property. Types of harassing behavior include: Communicating in a harassing manner through verbal, electronic, or other means;Following someone; orWatching someone at their work, school, or home. Behavior that qualifies as stalking is not always obvious. Sometimes someone accused of stalking does not realize that their behavior is illegal or otherwise inappropriate.  If someone accused you of stalking, you should speak with a qualified criminal defense attorney. Your attorney can help explain your charges and try to protect you from serious legal consequences.  What Evidence Is Needed for a Stalking Charge? To prove a stalking charge, the prosecution must show that a person intended to harass someone else and behaved in a way that was reasonably likely to cause the other person to feel harassed. Often, proving stalking charges requires evidence showing a pattern of harassing behavior. For example, if someone follows another person to and from work, regularly passes by their house, or repeatedly tries to contact them, this behavior may be sufficient to prove a stalking charge. The prosecution must also show that the alleged stalking behavior would cause a reasonable person fear or emotional distress under the circumstances. An experienced criminal defense attorney understands the requirements of proof and can identify ways to defeat a stalking charge. Restraining Orders in the State of Wyoming When someone accuses another of stalking, a court may issue a restraining order to protect a victim. Restraining orders prevent a person from contacting or approaching a victim. In addition to requiring someone to maintain a physical distance from a victim, the restraining order may prevent a person from visiting certain locations, such as: The victim’s home,The victim’s place of work, orThe victim’s school. Normally, restraining orders in Wyoming last about three months. But depending on the circumstances, a court may extend the length of the restraining order. If a person violates a restraining order, they may face penalties such as: Up to six months in jail,Fines of up to $750, orA combination of fines and jail time. An attorney can help explain the terms of a restraining order and help you avoid further criminal sanctions.  Contact a Qualified Criminal Defense Attorney Today Stalking charges and restraining orders can be painful and difficult to handle on your own. At Cowboy Country Criminal Defense, we fight diligently to protect our clients’ interests. Our attorney Jeremy Hugus has extensive experience fighting to deliver the best results for his clients. Our experienced staff will answer your questions and support you every step of the way. For a free consultation, call our office at 307-333-7884 or fill out an online form today. 

Driving under the influence is a very serious offense in Wyoming and can have substantial penalties. Even though this is still a frontier, the state has cracked down on drunk driving, so anyone picked up after drinking can expect to face some stiff penalties. Wyoming DUI laws also apply to those who drive a vehicle while under the influence of drugs. Wyoming DUI laws can have long-lasting consequences. Hiring a Casper DUI defense attorney to advocate for you can be beneficial to the success of your case. Related: How Long Does a DUI remain on Your Record? If you have been arrested, you should be aware of the punishments and penalties of a DUI in Wyoming. A DUI can stay on your driving record for 10 years, and the penalties will continue to increase if you are picked up for a second or third DUI. Reach out to an experienced Wyoming DUI attorney as soon as possible to begin building your defense. Wyoming DUI/DWI Laws The Wyoming DUI law can be found at WY Stat. § 31-5-233. Wyoming law defines DUI as driving or having “actual physical control” of a vehicle when: The driver’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or higher; orThe driver is incapable of operating the vehicle safely and is under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance. As you can see, you can still face DUI charges with a BAC under 0.08% or even if your BAC is unknown, so long as you were not capable of operating the vehicle safely. Therefore, it is important to contact a Wyoming DUI attorney if you face DUI charges. Hiring an attorney provides you with the best opportunity to reduce or eliminate your DUI charges. Overview of DUI/DWI Penalties under Wyoming Laws Under Wyoming DUI laws, the severity of your punishment for a DUI offense depends on a number of factors. These factors include: The number of prior DUI convictions you have,The time frame within which you’ve received DUI convictions,The amount of alcohol in your blood,Whether someone was hurt as a result of your intoxicated driving, andWhether you were driving while intoxicated with a child under 16 in the vehicle. However, the most important factor under Wyoming DUI laws is the number of prior DUI convictions you might have. A Wyoming DUI lawyer can help you understand whether your punishment is excessive and fight to lower your punishment to an appropriate level. First DUI/DWI Conviction in Wyoming A first DUI offense in Wyoming carries the least severe punishment. For a first-time Wyoming DUI conviction, the punishments you can face include: Up to six months in jail,Up to a $750 fine, andSuspension of your license for 90 days. In addition, a court may order you to receive a substance abuse assessment and complete a first offender DUI class. If your BAC was greater than 0.15%, the State of Wyoming can require the installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) on your vehicle for a period of six months. If you face charges for a first DUI offense, speak with a Wyoming DUI lawyer as soon as possible.  Second DUI/DWI Conviction in Wyoming If you face a second Wyoming DUI conviction within 10 years of your first conviction, the punishments you can receive include: Seven days to six months in jail,A $250 to $750 fine,The suspension of your license for up to one year, andThe installation of an IID on your vehicle for a period of one year. The State of Wyoming may also require you to receive a substance abuse assessment and complete a state-approved substance abuse program after a second DUI conviction. A Wyoming DUI attorney can help you potentially reduce your penalties for a second DUI offense. Third DUI/DWI Conviction in Wyoming The penalties for a third DUI conviction within 10 years of your first are severe. Specifically, the punishments for a third Wyoming DUI conviction include: Between one and six months in jail,A fine of at least $750 to $3,000,The suspension of your license for up to three years, andThe installation of an IID on your vehicle for a period of two years. A court may also order you to complete a state-approved substance abuse treatment program after a third DUI conviction. Due to the severity of a third DUI conviction in 10 years, it is essential that you speak with a DUI attorney as soon as possible. Fourth DUI/DWI Conviction in Wyoming The punishments for a fourth or more DUI conviction within 10 years are extremely harsh. The State of Wyoming considers a fourth DUI conviction a felony, and as a result, it carries much stricter penalties. These penalties include: Up to two years in prison,Up to a $10,000 fine,The suspension of your license, andThe installation of an IID for the remainder of your life. The duration of your license suspension will vary depending on the facts of your case. The State of Wyoming will also require you to receive a substance abuse assessment and complete a state-approved substance abuse treatment program. No matter how many prior DUI convictions you may have, speaking with a DUI attorney gives you the best chance of potentially reducing or eliminating your DUI charges.  Aggravating Factors Like other states, Wyoming DUI Laws increase the punishment where certain aggravating factors are involved. In Wyoming, these aggravating factors include: Whether your BAC was very high (0.15% or higher),Whether you hurt someone in an accident while driving under the influence, and Whether you had someone under age 16 in the car with you. Any of the above is an aggravating factor that will increase the penalties you suffer. If you believe any of these aggravating factors apply to your case, you should speak with a Wyoming DUI lawyer as soon as possible. Probation In addition to the punishments discussed above, a court may sentence you to probation for a DUI conviction. Probation can be sentenced instead of or in addition to jail time, fines, and other penalties. In Wyoming DUI cases, probation usually…