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Alternative Penalties for a Wyoming DWUI
June 20th, 2023
The legal consequences of a conviction for Driving While Under the Influence (DWUI) in Wyoming are serious. If you are convicted of a first-time offense, you face up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $750. If your Blood Alcohol Content was .15% or higher, you also face mandatory installation of an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) at your expense. If this is your second or third DWUI charge, the consequences can be even more severe.
In addition, if you are convicted of a Wyoming DWUI, you will have a criminal record that will appear whenever someone conducts a background check, such as when you apply for a job or admission to college or a trade school.
Just Criminal Law Helps You Avoid the Most Serious Consequences of a DWUI Charge
Fortunately, you don’t have to face Wyoming DWUI charges alone. The criminal defense team at Just Criminal Law is here to help. We know Wyoming DWUI law inside and out and will help you evaluate your options, identify your best defenses and potential alternatives to a DWUI conviction, and mount an aggressive legal defense designed to minimize the likelihood of a conviction and the severity of the penalties.
Enrolling in an Alcohol Treatment Program Can Result in Deferred Prosecution for First-Time Offenders
DWUI deferment programs are a popular alternative for people facing drunk driving charges in Wyoming. These diversion rehab programs generally include alcohol evaluation and alcohol and drug addiction classes for first-time offenders.
Enrolling in a DWUI deferment program can help you avoid some of the most severe legal consequences of a DWUI charge and avoid having a DWUI conviction on your permanent criminal record.
Our legal team can identify court-approved deferment programs and treatment centers and work with the court system to ensure you meet all of the requirements to qualify for time served.
Treatment Options After Multiple DWUI Offenses
If you are facing a second or third DWUI charge in ten years, enrolling in an alcohol abuse program will only help your DWUI defense. By voluntarily enrolling in a treatment program, you signal to the court that you recognize the need for a change and are taking steps to protect yourself and others.
In some cases, once you have completed your treatment, performed any required community service, and paid any outstanding fines, Wyoming courts will terminate your probation period and sentence you to time served.
Do You Qualify for a DWUI Deferment Program?
To qualify for a deferment program after a Wyoming DWUI charge, you will need to show the court why you are a good candidate for an alternate sentence. Our legal team can help by identifying available treatment programs and explaining to the court why you will benefit from an alternative sentence.
Courts have significant discretion when deciding to allow a criminal defendant to defer prosecution by entering into an alternative sentencing program. Factors that will increase the likelihood that the court will allow a deferred sentence for a DWUI charge include:
- Being a first-time offender;
- The crime was a result of drug or alcohol use;
- You demonstrate a high likelihood of completing the program;
- You have steady employment;
- No one was injured or killed as a result of the DWUI;
- You are not otherwise a danger to the community.
What Are the Penalties for a Wyoming DWUI?
A Wyoming DWUI can affect every area of your life. For a first-time Wyoming DWUI conviction, penalties include up to six months in jail, a fine of up to $750, and a 90-day driver’s license suspension. If your Blood Alcohol Content was .15% or higher, you also face mandatory installation of an Ignition Interlock Device (IID).
If this is your second DWUI in ten years, you face between 7 days and 6 months in jail, a fine of $200 to $750, a driver’s license suspension of up to one year, and an IID for up to one year.
For a third-time conviction in ten years, you face between 30 days and 6 months in jail, a fine of $750 to $3,000, a driver’s license suspension of up to three years, and an IID for up to two years.
Just Criminal Law Protects Your One Shot at Justice
The consequences of a Wyoming DWUI conviction are serious, and a criminal record can have a long-term effect on your future. Let us help minimize the consequences of a DWUI charge by identifying alternatives for deferred prosecution, explaining your options, and mounting a vigorous legal defense.
We have found that this multi-faceted approach leads to favorable results for our clients.
To put our experience to work for you and minimize the likelihood of having a DWUI conviction on your criminal record, contact the DWUI defense team at Just Criminal Law today. We proudly represent people facing criminal charges in Northeast Wyoming and Western South Dakota.
Take the first step in protecting your future by scheduling your personalized case review and strategy session today.
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.
Categories: DUI / DWUI / Drunk Driving