​Drug Possession in Wyoming

Penalties for Drug Possession Are Severe. A Defense Lawyer Can Help

Like all states, drug possession is illegal in Wyoming. In fact, laws against drug possession in Wyoming are some of the toughest drug possession laws in the country.

Illegal drugs are referred to as “controlled substances” and are divided into five categories, or schedules. Schedule I drugs have no medical use and high potential for abuse, while Schedule V drugs have some medical use and a comparatively low likelihood of abuse and addiction.

Examples of drugs listed on each Schedule include:

• Schedule I: Heroin, LSD, Marijuana, Methaqualone
• Schedule II: Morphine, PCP, Cocaine
• Schedule III: Anabolic Steroids, Codeine, Hydrocodone, and some Barbiturates
• Schedule IV: Most Benzodiazepines such as Valium and Xanax
• Schedule V: Over the counter cough medicines that contain codeine

In Wyoming, it is illegal to possess a controlled substance without a prescription.

Penalties for drug possession vary based on the type and amount of illegal substance possessed. Wy. Stat. Ann. § 35-7-1031(c).

If you are convicted of drug possession in Wyoming, you face penalties that range from one year in prison and a fine of $1,000, up to 20 years in prison and fines of up to $25,000 per charge. In many cases people face multiple drug charges which can result in additional fines and jail time.

Misdemeanor Drug Possession Penalties

People charged with misdemeanor drug possession in Wyoming face penalties that include a fine of up to $1,000, up to one year in jail, or both, for the possession of drugs up to the following amounts:

• 3 oz. or less of a controlled substance in plant form
• Three-tenths of a gram or less of a controlled substance in liquid form
• Three grams or less of a controlled substance in powder form
• Three grams or less of a controlled substance in capsule form
• Less than five tenths of a gram of cocaine in crack form
• Less than three tenths of a gram of LSD

If you have prior conviction for drug possession or other drug crimes and are convicted of a third or more drug-related offense you face fines of up to $5,000, up to 5 years in prison, or both.

Penalties for Felony Drug Possession

If you are in possession of more than the specified amount, you face additional penalties and could even be charged with selling a controlled substance.

Penalties for possession of more than the specified amount of a controlled substance include:

• Schedule I or II narcotics or methamphetamine - fines of up to $25,000, up to twenty years in jail, or both
• Other Schedule I, II, or III drugs - fines of up to $10,000, up to ten years in jail, or both
• Schedule IV drugs - fines of up to $2,500, up to two years in jail, or both
• Schedule V drugs - fines of up to $1,000, up to one year in jail, or both

Penalties for Wyoming Drug Possession Include Cutting Agents and Additives

If you are charged with drug possession in Wyoming, police will include the weight of the drug as well as any carrier agent, cutting agent, diluting agent, or other substance. This means, for example, that if you are caught in possession of baked goods containing marijuana, you can be charged based not just on the weight of the plant, but on the weight of the entire baked product.

Just Criminal Law Defends People Accused of Drug Crimes

Wyoming drug possession charges are serious, and the penalties can be severe. But Just Criminal Law can help.

Wyoming criminal defense attorney Christina L. Williams and her team of criminal defense professionals can challenge the evidence against you and may be able to have your case dismissed or negotiate reduced charges.

While every case is unique, a skilled criminal defense attorney can challenge whether there was probable cause for the initial stop, whether the search and seizure was legal, or whether the drugs were even yours.

A Wyoming drug possession defense lawyer can also question the accuracy of the crime lab analysis and the chain of custody (i.e. the police officers may have lost the actual drugs that were seized at the scene of the crime).

If you or someone you care about is facing Wyoming drug possession charges, contact Just Criminal Law today. Call (307) 686-6556, email office@justcriminallaw.com, or complete our online form.

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.