Getting arrested for Driving While Under the Influence (“DUI”) in Wyoming can feel overwhelming. Most people have never been through the criminal system before, and the hours after an arrest are usually filled with fear, confusion, and panic about court, work, and what happens next. At S|A|S Legal Group, we help people through this process every single day. Here is a clear, straightforward guide to what you can expect after a DUI arrest in Wyoming and the steps you should take immediately.
1. The Traffic Stop and Arrest
Most DUI cases begin with a traffic stop, maybe for speeding, no visible registration, weaving, or even something minor like a broken taillight. Once the officer approaches the vehicle, they’re trained to look for signs of impairment like the odor of alcohol, bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, or nervous behavior.
If the officer believes you may be impaired, they will likely seek to conduct field sobriety tests and request a preliminary breath test. These tests are not perfect, and many factors -cold weather, uneven pavement, medical conditions, or simple nerves – can affect the results.
If the officer believes they have probable cause, they will arrest you and transport you to jail.
2. Chemical Testing
Wyoming is an implied consent state. That means if you operate a vehicle, you are already deemed to have consented to chemical testing (blood, breath, or urine). Refusing a test can trigger an automatic license suspension, even if the DUI charge is later dismissed.
After your arrest, you will be asked to submit to an official chemical test. The results of this test can significantly affect your case, but high numbers are not the end of the road. Errors, timing issues, medical conditions, and machine problems can all affect the accuracy of a test.
3. Booking, Release, and Bond Conditions
After testing, you will be booked into the local jail. Many people are released the same day, but depending on your situation, you may be required to post bond or make your first court appearance before you are released from jail.
When you are released, you will receive:
- A citation or charging document
- Your initial court date
- Temporary paperwork regarding your driver’s license
- Bond conditions, which generally include random testing, no alcohol, no driving without a valid license, or other requirements
These conditions can be restrictive, and violating them will hurt your case. We help clients modify unreasonable conditions when appropriate.
4. Your Driver’s License and the 20-Day Rule
This is where many people get surprised.
After a DUI arrest in Wyoming, the Department of Transportation may suspend your license. You only have 20 days from the date of your arrest to request a hearing to challenge this suspension. If you miss the 20-day deadline, your license will be suspended automatically, even if your criminal case is later dismissed.
At S|A|S Legal Group, we handle this hearing for you.
5. The First Court Appearance
Your first court date is typically an arraignment, where the judge formally tells you the charge, your rights, and your bond conditions. You enter a plea, usually “not guilty,” at this stage, and the case is set for future trial deadlines and dates.
This is where your attorney begins gathering discovery (evidence), challenging the stop, reviewing body-cam footage, and identifying all potential defenses.
6. Building Your Defense
A DUI case is not always open and shut. Defenses may include:
- Illegal traffic stop
- Inaccurate or unreliable field sobriety tests
- Faulty breath test equipment
- Rising blood alcohol levels
- Medical conditions that mimic impairment
- Lack of driving impairment, especially in drug-related cases
Every case is different, and the right strategy depends on the facts of your particular case.
If You’ve Been Arrested for DUI, You Don’t Have to Face It Alone
A DUI arrest does not define you, and it does not necessarily mean you will be convicted. The best thing you can do is contact a knowledgeable defense attorney as soon as possible. At S|A|S Legal Group, we guide you through each step, protect your rights, and fight for the best possible outcome.
Legal Disclaimer
This blog post is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this article does not create an attorney–client relationship. Every case is different. If you have been charged with DUI or any other criminal offense, you should consult directly with a qualified Wyoming criminal defense attorney to obtain advice specific to your situation.
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