Wyoming Misdemeanor

Nobody wants to be one the wrong side of the law. But if you get caught doing something you shouldn't be doing, just hope it's a misdemeanor charge as opposed to a felony charge. Like in most other states, Wyoming misdemeanors are considered the middle level of offense right between a serious felony charge and not so serious infraction charge.

Misdemeanor classes
Although you can be arrested and charged with a misdemeanor for many types of crimes, it is the specific classification that will determine how severe your sentence or fines might be if you are found guilty of that charge.

Wyoming misdemeanors are broken down to three separate distinctions: Class A, Class B and Class C. A Class A misdemeanor is the most series of the categories which could result in up to a year in jail. Being convicted of a Class B misdemeanor might find yourself serving a couple of months of jail time combined with community service.

For a Class C misdemeanor you could be fined and put on probation. All of this is determined by the judge who is hearing your case. They will take under consideration many factors such as your age at the time of the crime, whether or not someone was injured or how much damage or loss of property occurred.

Common misdemeanors in Wyoming
Among the various crimes that can be considered a misdemeanor in Wyoming are petty thefts like shop lifting or breaking and entering into homes, cars or apartments. A misdemeanor can also be charged for a simple assault that doesn't result in severe injuries, drunk driving or driving under the influence.

You can also be charged with a misdemeanor if you are caught trespassing, vandalizing, creating a public disturbance or are publicly intoxicated. Certain types of battery offenses can also be classified as a misdemeanor. You'll be arrested for the crime and it will become the district attorney's office which determines how you'll be charged.

Overcharging
Depending on the circumstances, quite often you might find yourself being charged with the highest degree of misdemeanor; the Class A. Instead of going to trial, you might plead guilty to a lesser Class B charge. These types of deals are happening in courtrooms all across the country every day and an experienced criminal defense lawyer will know the best course of action for your particular charges.

Expungement
If you have an arrest record or a misdemeanor conviction in Wyoming you might be able to apply to have your record expunged. If your case has been dismissed or you were found not guilty, your chances of obtaining an expunged record greatly increase.

However, if you were convicted of the charge then you will only be able to get your record expunged is it was a first time offense and where a firearm was not used in the commission of the crime. Wyoming laws state that as part of the expunge application you will have to petition all those persons involved in the crime.

See also:
Wyoming Expungement External link (opens in new window)
Wyoming Felony External link (opens in new window)
Wyoming Gun Laws External link (opens in new window)