What Are the Penalties for a Drug Crime Conviction?

Wyoming drug crime laws are identified in the Wyoming Controlled Substances Act, which categorizes drugs into different schedules according to their potential for abuse and whether they have an accepted medical use. The penalties for a Wyoming drug crime conviction vary based on the nature of the crime, the schedule of the drug, and the quantity of controlled substance a person has in their possession.

If you were charged with a drug crime in Wyoming, you need an experienced drug crime defense team with a proven record of success. The penalties for a drug crime conviction can be severe, and the decisions you make today and in the weeks and months to come could significantly affect your future, possibly for a lifetime.

Just Criminal Law is a criminal defense law firm based in Gillette, Wyoming. Led by founding attorney Christina L. Williams, our defense team is made up of former prosecutors and others with prior experience working with the Campbell County Sheriff's Office and other law enforcement agencies. We understand the criminal legal system from the inside out and can put our knowledge and expertise to work defending you against Wyoming drug crime charges. Contact Just Criminal Law today to learn more and begin preparing your defense.

Drug Possession vs. Possession with Intent to Distribute

A key distinction in a Wyoming drug crime case is whether you were charged with simple possession or possession with intent to distribute (aka “drug trafficking”). Drug trafficking is a much more serious offense that carries harsher penalties. To charge a person with drug trafficking, law enforcement officers will look for evidence that shows an intent to sell or distribute drugs. Police officers and prosecutors commonly point to the quantity of drugs and drug paraphernalia in your possession that could be used to manufacture, conceal, or distribute drugs.

If you were charged with drug trafficking in Wyoming, you could face up to 20 years in prison and a $25,000 fine per charge.

Drug Crime Penalties Based on the Type and Amount of Controlled Substance in Your Possession

If you were not charged with drug trafficking but instead are facing charges for simple possession of drugs, the penalties you face will vary based on the type and amount of controlled substance allegedly in your possession.

Possession of a small amount of a controlled substance is generally charged as a misdemeanor and carries a sentence of up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. Examples of a small amount of drugs include:

• 3 ounces or less of a controlled substance in plant form
• 3/10 of a gram or less of a controlled substance in liquid form
• 3 grams or less of a controlled substance in powder or crystalline form
• 3 grams or less of a controlled substance in pill or capsule form
• Less than 5/10 of a gram of crack cocaine
• Less than 3/10 of a gram of LSD

The penalties for possession of more than these amounts of a controlled substance vary according to the drug’s classification.

• Possession of a Schedule I, II, or III controlled substance is punishable by up to ten years in jail and a $10,000 fine. Schedule I, II, and III controlled substances include Heroin, LSD, Marijuana, Morphine, PCP, Cocaine, Anabolic Steroids, Codeine, Hydrocodone, and some Barbiturates.
• Possession of a schedule IV controlled substance carries a sentence of up to two years in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. Schedule IV controlled substances include most Benzodiazepines, such as Valium and Xanax.
• Possession of a schedule V controlled carries a sentence of up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. Over-the-counter cough medicines that contain codeine are some of the most common Schedule V controlled substances.

How a Wyoming Drug Crime Defense Attorney Can Help

The penalties for a drug crime conviction are severe, and the consequences can last a lifetime. If you were charged with a Wyoming drug crime, the criminal defense team at Just Criminal Law can help.

The police and prosecutor’s office have a team of people working to gather evidence and convict you of a crime. To level the playing field, you need your own team of skilled and experienced professionals. The criminal defense team at Just Criminal Law will independently investigate the charges against you and gather evidence to show you are Not Guilty or that can be used to reduce the severity of the charges or penalties you face. We will vigorously challenge the evidence against you and prepare a defense designed to win at trial, force the prosecutor to dismiss the case against you, or lead to a significant reduction in the severity of the charges or penalties you face.

When you have been charged with a Wyoming drug crime, you must act quickly to protect your rights and your freedom. Just Criminal Law is proud to defend people facing drug crime charges in and around Gillette and in eastern Wyoming and western South Dakota. To put our expertise to work for you, contact Just Criminal Law today to schedule your personalized case review and strategy session. Your initial consultation is free, confidential, and comes with no obligation.

DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this article is offered for educational purposes only. This information is not offered as legal advice. A person accused of a crime should always consult with an attorney before making decisions that have legal consequences.