DUI laws in Wyoming require rather less study than in some states, as they are fairly simple compared to those on the books elsewhere. This does not mean that the laws are easily broken or have much room for leeway – in fact, the laws are quite strenuously enforced. What sets the state apart from others is the fact that there are no mid-level Wyoming DUI laws – those that drive while intoxicated are all classed under the same penalty, though the punishments vary greatly by both level of intoxication and the number of offenses.
The Varying Levels of DUI Laws in Wyoming
DUI laws in Wyoming are incredibly simple. Unlike some other states, the law keeps the same name despite the level of intoxication experienced by the offending individual – some departments refer to it as a DUI, while others refer to it as a DWUI. In either case, the legal “limit” is .08, though officers have quite a bit of discretion for those that fail a field test. As with many other states, the Wyoming DUI laws do tend to focus more on the apparent intoxication of the individual and his or her ability to pass a field sobriety test than the numbers that appear in a breathalyzer. As such, many individuals in the state find that they may run afoul of the law even with a much lower BAC.
Wyoming DUI Laws: The Punishments
As with the basic DUI laws, the punishments for violations of DUI laws in Wyoming follow a fairly easy-to-follow method of progression. Those with a lower blood alcohol content and/or fewer offenses tend to be let off a bit more leniently, while those with a higher blood alcohol content or repeat offenders tend to have significantly harsher penalties. A first time offender with a relatively low BAC can face up to six months in jail and/or a six month fine along with a license suspension of ninety days, while the same individual with a BAC of above .15 will also have to use an ignition interlock device. A second offense will land either individual the same punishment, but will increase the suspension up to one year. Where Wyoming differs is in its punishment for those with four offenses – it requires two years of jail time along with the interlock device, substance abuse counseling and a fine of up to ten thousand dollars.
The DUI laws in Wyoming are easy to understand, but that does not mean that any sort of defense against them is easy. In a situation during which an individual can actually be charged with a felony for conduct, it is important to make sure that the law is followed to the letter.