Getting arrested for DUI in Wyoming can leave you worried about what will happen next. You may feel unsure about the court process, your job, or whether you will be able to drive again. These feelings are normal, and you are not alone. With steady steps, clear advice, and the right support, you can protect yourself and move forward after a charge. For more information about legal help, you can visit lazzarilegal.com.
How Wyoming DUI Law Works
Wyoming treats drinking and driving very seriously. State law says you cannot drive if your blood alcohol concentration, also called BAC, is 0.08 percent or higher. You can still face charges even if your BAC is lower, as long as the officer believes alcohol or drugs made you unsafe behind the wheel. Police may ask you to take a breath, blood, or urine test. Wyoming also has something called implied consent, which means that by driving on state roads, you agree to take a chemical test when police ask. If you refuse testing, the state can suspend your license on top of any criminal charges.
The officer can also take your license on the spot if your test shows you were over the legal limit. That is separate from what happens in court, and the deadlines to challenge it arrive fast. Understanding these two tracks, the criminal case and the license case, is one of the first things people misunderstand.
Possible Charges And Penalties
A first DUI is usually a misdemeanor, but the punishment can still feel heavy. Judges can order jail time, fines, or a suspended license. Many people face at least a 90-day loss of driving privileges for a first offense. If you had a very high BAC, caused a crash, or have older DUI convictions, the penalties increase. Several repeat offenses can lead to felony charges, which bring longer jail time, higher fines, and stronger limits on your driving rights.
Courts may also require ignition interlock devices, which prevent your car from starting if alcohol is found on your breath. Some people must go to alcohol classes or substance treatment. Others may have to do community service. Penalties change based on your age, your record, and what happened during the arrest.
What To Do And What Not To Do After A DUI
Right after an arrest, many people make mistakes simply because they feel scared. Taking calm steps can help protect your future. Here are clear actions to follow:
- Give the officer your name, address, and basic identifying details.
- Ask to speak with a Wyoming DUI lawyer as soon as possible.
- Find out how many days you have to request a hearing about your license.
- Write down what you remember from the stop, including where, when, and what the officer said.
- Gather contact information for any witnesses.
- Do not discuss alcohol use, medications, or driving details beyond what the law requires.
- Stay off social media and avoid posting anything about the arrest.
- Do not hide or throw away receipts, bottles, or text messages.
- Do not sign paperwork if you do not understand it. Ask a lawyer first.
- Do not drive if your license is taken or suspended.
How a Wyoming DUI Lawyer Can Help
A Wyoming DUI lawyer understands the courts, the rules, and the timelines that you must follow. They look closely at police reports, test results, and video recordings. They check whether the officer pulled you over for a legal reason and whether the testing was done correctly. If something was done wrong, your attorney may be able to get evidence thrown out, which can weaken the case.
Your lawyer can also speak with prosecutors to try to lower the charges, seek a lighter sentence, or request programs that avoid jail. They help you prepare for court so you do not walk in feeling unprepared. Just having a lawyer handle the license hearing can help you keep driving to work or school during your case.
Common Outcomes And What They Mean
Cases do not all end the same way. Several different results are possible, depending on the facts and your defense. Here are common outcomes people see in Wyoming DUI cases:
- Case dismissed if the stop or testing was improper.
- Reduced charge, such as reckless driving.
- Probation instead of jail.
- Fines and court costs.
- Required classes or treatment.
- Ignition interlock for a set period.
- Short or long license suspension.
- Jail time for more serious cases or repeat offenses.
- Felony conviction after multiple DUIs.
Talk To a Wyoming DUI Lawyer Today
If you were charged with DUI, do not wait. Wyoming deadlines move quickly, and missing one can cost you your right to drive. A Wyoming DUI lawyer can review your case, answer your questions, and protect your rights from the start. Reach out today so you can take control of your situation and work toward the best possible result.
