Is Wyoming a Zero Tolerance State?

Wyoming takes DUI very seriously, especially for minors. Wyoming’s DUI zero-tolerance policy bars any person under the legal drinking age from operating a vehicle with any amount of alcohol or illicit substance in their system.

DUI charges, even for first-time offenders, carry serious consequences. If you or a loved one faces DUI charges, contact a qualified criminal defense attorney right away.

What Is the Zero Tolerance DUI in WY?

Wyoming has strict laws regarding drinking and driving.

Wyoming’s zero-tolerance policy means that any person under the legal drinking age who drives with a blood-alcohol level of .02% or more will face criminal sanctions. The penalties for a DUI depend on the circumstances of the case and whether the person is a first-time offender or has previous DUI convictions.

Wyoming is also a zero-tolerance state with respect to marijuana. Drivers in Wyoming with any measurable amount of marijuana in their system will face DUI charges.

What Is the Legal BAC in Wyoming?

Wyoming’s zero-tolerance policy applies to drivers under the legal drinking age.

For drivers over the legal drinking age, any blood alcohol content (BAC) over .08% is considered under the influence of alcohol. If the driver’s BAC level measures between .05% and .08%, the police officer must use his or her discretion to determine if the person is under the influence. For BACs under .05%, the law presumes the driver is not intoxicated.

What Are the Penalties for a First Offense DUI in Wyoming?

Normally, first-time DUIs receive less serious punishments.

Under Wyoming law, a person who commits their first DUI faces penalties, including:

• Jail time of up to six months,
• Up to $750 in fines, and
• A suspended license for up to 90 days.

A court may also require the installation of an ignition interlock device on your vehicle if your BAC was higher than .15% at the time of your arrest.

What Are the Penalties for Multiple DUIs in Wyoming? 

Wyoming law imposes harsher penalties for multiple DUIs than for first-time offenses.

Multiple DUI offenses carry larger fees and possible jail time.

For a second DUI that occurs within ten years of the previous offense, a driver faces penalties including:

• Jail time between seven days and six months;
• A minimum fine of $200, up to $750;
• License suspension for one year; and
• A required ignition interlock device for one year.

For a third DUI offense, punishments include:

• Between 30 days and six months in jail;
• Fines of at least $750 and up to $3,000;
• License suspension for three years; and
• A required ignition interlock device for two years.

In addition to fines and jail time, all DUI offenders, including first-time offenders, must complete a substance abuse assessment. Based on the results, courts may require sobriety monitoring.

Contact a Qualified Criminal Defense Attorney Today

DUI convictions have lasting consequences and can cause serious disruptions to your life. At Cowboy Country Criminal Defense, we care deeply about our clients and fight aggressively to protect their interests. Our attorney, Jeremy Hugus, provides personalized legal services and uses his extensive experience to build his clients a strong legal defense. We understand that facing DUI charges is difficult. Our dedicated staff will answer your questions and provide you with support throughout the process. For a free consultation, call our office at 307-243-4978 or fill out an online form today.