Wyoming Drug Trafficking Lawyers

Wyoming Drug Trafficking Laws: Charges, Penalties, and Defense Strategies

Wyoming imposes strict criminal penalties for drug trafficking offenses. Prosecutors aggressively pursue charges for possessing or distributing illegal substances under state laws. Defendants face steep fines and years in prison if convicted.

Retaining experienced legal counsel is critical to navigate these complex statutes. An attorney can identify strategic defenses and work to achieve the best possible outcome in your case.

This guide covers key aspects of Wyoming drug trafficking laws. We’ll examine charges, sentencing, defenses, current reform trends, and finding the right lawyer for your situation.

Wyoming Controlled Substances Trafficking Laws

Wyoming Statute [§35-7-1031](https://wyoleg.gov/NXT/gateway.dll?f=templates&fn=default.htm&vid=Publish:10.1048/Enu) establishes drug trafficking crimes in four tiers based on the substances and quantities involved.

Tier 1 Offenses

Tier 1 charges apply to smaller amounts of Schedule I and II drugs like heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, opioids, LSD, and others. Penalties include:

• Up to 10 years in prison
• Up to $25,000 in fines

Tier 2 Offenses

Tier 2 involves larger quantities of Schedule I and II drugs. Penalties increase to:

• 10-20 years in prison
• Up to $25,000 in fines

Tier 3 Offenses

Tier 3 applies to Schedule III, IV, and V substances like anabolic steroids, prescription sedatives, testosterone, and low-level opioids. Penalties include:

• 2-15 years in prison
• Up to $10,000 in fines

Tier 4 Offenses

Tier 4 involves marijuana and synthetic cannabinoids. Penalties are:

• 0-5 years in prison
• Up to $10,000 in fines

The charges and sentences quickly escalate based on the substance types and amounts. Prosecutors can pursue consecutive sentences on multiple trafficking counts.

Other Relevant Wyoming Drug Laws

In addition to trafficking, Wyoming statutes cover other drug crimes with severe penalties, including:

• Manufacturing ([§35-7-1059](https://wyoleg.gov/NXT/gateway.dll?f=templates&fn=default.htm&vid=Publish:10.1048/Enu)) – Up to 20 years in prison and $25,000 fines for making illegal drugs.
• Delivery ([§35-7-1036](https://wyoleg.gov/NXT/gateway.dll?f=templates&fn=default.htm&vid=Publish:10.1048/Enu)) – Up to 20 years and $25,000 fines for distributing drugs.
• Possession ([§35-7-1031](https://wyoleg.gov/NXT/gateway.dll?f=templates&fn=default.htm&vid=Publish:10.1048/Enu)) – Up to 7 years and $15,000 fines for possessing illegal drugs.

Related charges often accompany trafficking accusations to hit defendants with multiple serious felonies.

Sentencing Enhancements in Wyoming

Beyond the base penalties, certain factors can enhance sentences for Wyoming drug crimes. These include:

• Prior felony drug convictions
• Distributing drugs to a minor
• Distributing drugs near schools, treatment centers, or other locations
• Possession of a deadly weapon

Sentencing enhancements can add a substantial 5-20 years on top of the mandatory minimum trafficking penalties. The stakes become extremely high for defendants facing these allegations.

Federal Drug Trafficking Charges

Federal prosecutors can also bring drug trafficking charges in Wyoming under the Controlled Substances Act. Common federal statutes used in drug cases include:

• 21 USC 841 – Drug distribution, manufacturing, and possession with intent to distribute
• 21 USC 846 – Drug trafficking conspiracies
• 21 USC 848 – Continuing criminal enterprise ( drug kingpin charges)

Penalties for federal drug trafficking convictions include long mandatory minimum sentences, huge fines, and asset forfeiture. Any drug activity crossing state lines falls under federal jurisdiction.

Wyoming Drug Trafficking Defenses

Facing potential decades behind bars, building an aggressive legal defense is imperative when accused of drug trafficking. Common strategies include:

• Illegal searches – Mishandling searches leading to Fourth Amendment violations.
• Entrapment – Undercover officers improperly inducing criminal activity.
• Unauthorized informants – Police using confidential informants to instigate crimes.
• Misidentification – Mistaken identity resulting in falsely charging the wrong person.
• Addiction – Seeking substance abuse treatment rather than incarceration.

An experienced drug crimes lawyer can identify the most viable angles to fight the prosecution’s charges and win dismissal or acquittal.

Wyoming Drug Trafficking Penalties

The table below summarizes sentencing ranges for trafficking various drug types and amounts under Wyoming law:

As the tables shows, Wyoming hands down lengthy sentences even for small drug quantities. Mandatory minimums restrict judicial discretion.

Finding the Right Drug Trafficking Lawyer in Wyoming

Facing potential decades behind bars, securing experienced legal representation is critical when charged with drug trafficking in Wyoming. Key credentials to seek in a defense lawyer include:

• Extensive experience fighting state and federal drug cases
• Deep knowledge of Wyoming drug laws and sentencing
• Understanding of illegal search and seizure laws
• Access to top expert witnesses, investigators, and forensic services
• Success record of achieving charge dismissals and acquittals

Retaining a lawyer with specific drug crime expertise can make all the difference in the outcome of your trafficking case.

Drug Law Reform Trends in Wyoming

Wyoming remains very strict in its criminalization and punishment of drug offenses. But some recent trends suggest potential shifts in coming years:

• Reduced penalties – A 2015 law lowered penalties for first and second possession offenses from felonies to misdemeanors.
• Defelonization – Several cities recently passed ordinances making possession of small amounts an infraction rather than misdemeanor.
• Medical cannabis – Advocates continue pushing for legal medical marijuana access for conditions like chronic pain, though legislative efforts have stalled so far.
• Hemp production – Wyoming opened commercial hemp cultivation under the 2018 federal Farm Bill, suggesting increasing acceptance of cannabis.

While major drug reforms remain unlikely in the short-term, incremental changes reflect evolving attitudes that could pave the way for more relaxed laws in the coming decade.

Get Experienced Legal Guidance for Your Drug Trafficking Case

The risks are extremely high in drug trafficking cases in Wyoming. Mandatory minimum sentences allow little leeway. Having an experienced attorney thoroughly examine the prosecution’s evidence, identify weaknesses, and formulate strong defenses is critical.

A knowledgeable lawyer can aggressively protect your rights, hold the government to strict legal standards, and work relentlessly to achieve the best possible outcome – whether that means getting charges dropped, reduced, or taking your case to trial. Don’t leave your fate to chance. Contact a top drug crimes defense lawyer for strategic advocacy today.