Wyoming Misdemeanors

Wyoming misdemeanors are less serious offenses that carry shorter sentences and lower fines than felonies. In particular, these offenses are not punishable by death or by incarceration for more than one year. Depending on the seriousness of the offense, a misdemeanor can result in a six- or twelve-month jail sentence. However, the maximum sentence a court can impose for a misdemeanor offense, if the law does not specify the applicable penalty, is six months of imprisonment.

What Is a Misdemeanor in Wyoming?

Pursuant to Wyoming Statutes § 6‑10‑101, any crime punishable by death or by imprisonment exceeding one year is classified as a felony, while all other crimes are considered misdemeanors. Because they carry more serious penalties than minor infractions, misdemeanors are known as mid-level offenses. This distinction helps make sure that they are dealt with fairly, without giving individuals the severe punishments that are meant for more serious offenses.

Per Title 6 of the Wyoming Statutes, an individual is guilty of a misdemeanor if they are involved in any of the offenses listed below:

• False imprisonment
• Battery
• Sexual battery
• Fourth-degree arson
• Property destruction and defacement
• Simple assault
• Criminally negligent homicide.

Misdemeanor Classes and Penalties in Wyoming

Wyoming takes a different approach by not using the common class-based system that many other states apply to misdemeanors. Instead, penalties are specified for each offense within Title 6 of the Wyoming Statutes. For offenses that are not detailed in Wyoming law, the default consequence is no more than six months in jail, $750, or both. Judges are also allowed to impose other sanctions such as restitution, no-contact orders, probation, treatment, community service, or home incarceration.

Misdemeanor Court Process in Wyoming

Besides managing civil and small claims matters, Circuit Courts handle all adult misdemeanors in Wyoming. Nevertheless, ordinance misdemeanors that occur within city limits are heard in the Municipal Courts.

Upon receiving a police report, the prosecutor determines whether to file a criminal complaint against the suspect in court. Following the filing of the complaint, the defendant must make an initial appearance. The judge informs them of their rights and the charges, sets bail, and schedules an arraignment.

If the defendant pleads guilty during the arraignment, the case moves directly to sentencing. However, if the plea is not guilty, the court sets dates for both pretrial proceedings and trial. Before the trial, both parties can exchange evidence and discuss possible plea agreements. They may also file motions to challenge evidence or procedures used during the investigation.

During the trial, the prosecution presents evidence to prove that the defendant is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, while the defendant challenges the evidence or presents their own. After a guilty verdict, the judge determines the sentence, which can involve a jail term of up to one year, probation, fines, or a combination of penalties.

Misdemeanor Records in Major Wyoming Cities

In Wyoming, circuit court records are not accessible to the public through a statewide database. Nonetheless, court users can pay fines and citations online through the Judicial Branch’s payment portal.

• Cheyenne (Laramie County) – In Laramie County, citations issued by the Wyoming Highway Patrol or the Sheriff’s Office are not heard or paid in the Cheyenne Municipal Court. Instead, citations are heard and paid at the Laramie Circuit Court.
• Casper (Natrona County) – The Casper Municipal Court allows individuals to pay tickets and fines for city ordinance misdemeanors through its online payments/search page. To access state law misdemeanor records, you may visit the Natrona County Circuit Court.
• Laramie (Albany County) – The Laramie Municipal Court supports both online and phone payments for citations. To make your payment by phone, you must have the citation number, court date, and amount available.

How to Search for Misdemeanor Records in Wyoming

Retrieving misdemeanor records in Wyoming requires using both the state's central repository for criminal history records and the local judicial system. The Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) serves as the central repository for criminal history record information (CHRI), which includes records of arrests and misdemeanors.

Although the DCI does not offer name-based searches for the public, you must submit a fingerprint card and government-issued ID while requesting a certified criminal history record. If you are interested in obtaining someone else’s record, you will need the record owner’s consent along with a completed fingerprint card.

Since Wyoming courts do not currently offer remote public access to Circuit Court filings, you can view misdemeanor records through the public access terminals provided in the courthouse. To request certified copies of documents within the court file, submit a formal request to the Clerk of Court and pay the copying fee.

While searching for misdemeanor records through the public access terminals, you will find case summary information, party name, and the Register of Actions.

How Long Does a Misdemeanor Stay on Your Record in Wyoming?

Wyoming’s expungement statute is found in § 7-13-1501 of the Wyoming Statutes. Unless you obtain an expungement for your misdemeanor conviction or court-ordered relief for a non-conviction record, the information may remain on your record permanently and be accessible to the public.

Waiting periods & limits (convictions)

• Non-status misdemeanors: Provided that at least 5 years have passed since you completed your sentence, you may serve a petition for the expungement of your record to the appropriate office (DCI or prosecutor).
• Status offenses: For these types of offenses, you may petition for record expungement after one year.

Besides meeting the waiting period requirement, your record may qualify for expungement if the offense did not involve the use of a firearm and you are not a health care provider convicted under § 6-2-313, which pertains to sexual assault committed against a patient.

Non-convictions

If your case resulted in a dismissal, acquittal, or nolle prosequi, you may be eligible to petition for expungement of the records. To qualify, at least 180 days must have passed since the arrest or dismissal of charges, no criminal charges were filed against you, and no charges remain pending. However, you are not eligible to petition for expungement if you pleaded guilty or were found guilty before the adjudication was deferred and later dismissed. The Wyoming Judicial Branch’s Expungement Basics guide provides detailed information on how to expunge criminal records in the state.