DUI Lawyers in Sweetwater County

Drunk Driving Defense Rooted in Sweetwater County for Nearly 40 Years

If you’ve been stopped or arrested for driving under the influence, the decisions you make in the hours that follow matter. Assert your right to legal counsel before answering questions or submitting to testing. At The Law Offices of Hampton & Newman, L.C., we handle DUI defense in Sweetwater County and throughout Wyoming, bringing nearly 40 years of practice in these courts to every case we take. Our attorneys are aggressive trial lawyers who also negotiate for reduced charges and alternative outcomes when that serves a client’s interests. Consultations are free and confidential.

A DUI arrest in Wyoming triggers two separate proceedings: a criminal case in the Sweetwater County Circuit Court (Third Judicial District) for misdemeanor charges or the District Court for felony charges, and a parallel WYDOT administrative process that can affect your driving privileges regardless of the criminal outcome. Early attorney involvement can affect both tracks.

Facing a DUI charge in Sweetwater County? Contact The Law Offices of Hampton & Newman, L.C. today for a free, confidential consultation.

What Constitutes a DUI in Wyoming?

In Wyoming, it is a crime to drive or be in actual physical control of a motor vehicle while:

• Having a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08% or greater (.04% or more for commercial drivers, .02% or more for underage drivers); or
• Being under the influence of any controlled drug or alcohol.

“Under the influence” generally means the driver appears deprived of normal control of their bodily or mental faculties in a way that impairs their ability to drive safely. Wyoming also recognizes “actual physical control”: a driver can be charged even without actively driving. For example, sitting in the driver’s seat with keys in the ignition.

Jail Time, Fines, & License Suspension

The penalties for a DUI conviction depend on the driver’s BAC and any prior convictions:

• First offense: Up to six months in jail; up to $750 in fines; 90 days of license suspension; an ignition interlock device (IID) required for drivers with a BAC of .15% or more
• Second offense: Up to six months in jail (mandatory minimum of seven days); $200–$750 in fines; one year of license suspension; one year of IID use
• Third offense: Up to six months in jail (mandatory minimum of 30 days); $750–$3,000 in fines; three years of license suspension; two years of IID use

All convicted drivers must complete a substance abuse assessment. A judge may impose probation for up to three years, and WYDOT may suspend vehicle registration for drivers with two convictions within two years.

Standard penalties increase when aggravating factors are present:

• DUI causing serious bodily injury: A felony charge carrying up to 10 years in jail and $2,000–$5,000 in fines, with mandatory license revocation; a second such offense carries up to 20 years
• DUI with a passenger under 16: Up to one year in jail and $750 in fines; up to five years for a subsequent offense

Felony DUI charges are heard in the Sweetwater County District Court (Third Judicial District) in Green River, not the Circuit Court. Underage DUI carries its own penalty structure: a first conviction brings $750 in fines and a 90-day license suspension; a second offense within one year adds up to 30 days in jail, $750 in fines, six months of license suspension, and one year of IID use; a third conviction within two years carries up to six months in jail, $750 in fines, six months of license suspension, and two years of IID use.

Why Sweetwater County Residents Choose The Law Offices of Hampton & Newman, L.C.

We’ve spent nearly four decades practicing in Sweetwater County, handling thousands of criminal defense cases in the same courts where DUI charges are filed and tried. That history means we understand how the Sweetwater County Attorney’s Office approaches these cases and which defense strategies may have traction here. We represent clients in both state and federal courts and bring the same readiness to every case: challenge what can be challenged, negotiate where it serves the client, and try the case when that’s what it takes.

Consequences Beyond the Courtroom

A DUI conviction’s consequences reach well beyond sentencing. Employment, professional licensing, CDL status, and insurance rates can all be affected for years. Because we handle a broad range of criminal defense matters alongside personal injury and workers’ compensation cases, we understand how a conviction can ripple through a client’s life and livelihood, not just their record. We’ve long been affiliated with unions including the United Steel Workers and the United Mine Workers of America, and we remain committed to advocating for working individuals throughout Wyoming.

Defense Strategies in Sweetwater County DUI Cases

Depending on the facts of your case, defense strategies may include challenging the legality of the traffic stop, questioning the accuracy of field sobriety testing or BAC testing, filing pretrial motions to suppress evidence, and negotiating for reduced charges. Where suspension is unavoidable, we can advise on whether a probationary or restricted license may be available. Every case is different, and outcomes depend on the specific circumstances involved.

Free Consultations for DUI Charges in Sweetwater County

A DUI charge is serious, but it’s the beginning of a legal process, not the end of it. We offer free, confidential consultations so you can understand your options before making any decisions. Call our drunk driving defense attorneys at The Law Offices of Hampton & Newman, L.C. at (307) 226-2266 or reach us online to schedule a time to talk.