Wyoming Drunk Driving Laws

Like most states, Wyoming drunk driving laws include a number of restrictions regarding the amount of alcohol drivers are allowed to have in their bloodstream when operating a vehicle. Using a scientific calculation known as blood alcohol content (BAC), these guidelines are the standard metric used to measure a driver’s level of impairment. As a result, law enforcement officers rely on BAC to determine whether a person should be arrested for driving under the influence (DUI). Of course, since most people don’t check their blood alcohol content before they get behind the wheel, many drivers fail to realize they are legally impaired—and unfortunately, that means they could be arrested for drunk driving.

From a legal standpoint, any driver who has a BAC of 0.08% or higher is guilty of driving under the influence and can be arrested and charged with DUI as a result. To determine a driver's BAC, officers often administer chemical tests such as a breathalyzers or blood or urine tests before making an arrest. It is important to know that under state law, all drivers are required to submit to such tests upon an officer's request. In fact, refusing to perform a chemical test is grounds for an arrest, and carries the same penalties as any other DUI charge.

Along with enforcing the 0.08% BAC limit, Wyoming has additional guidelines in place for underage drivers and commercial vehicle operators. As specified by these laws, a person under 21 can be arrested for DUI with a BAC of 0.02% or more, while a commercial driver is deemed impaired once his or her BAC reaches 0.04%.

Regardless of the type of DUI you are charged with, a drunk driving conviction carries a number of penalties, including a fine, license suspension, and possible jail sentence. Although many of the state’s sentencing guidelines are based on a driver’s prior history of DUI, even a first-time offender can be fined up to $750, as well as face a 90-day license suspension and six-month jail sentence.

If you are arrested with a BAC of 0.15% or more, the court may also order you to undergo treatment for substance abuse and/or have an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle. And, these penalties will continue to increase with each subsequent offense—with a fourth conviction resulting in felony charges being filed against you and carrying penalties such as a permanent license suspension, two-year jail sentence, and up to $10,000 fine.

Given the many penalties you will face if you are convicted of driving under the influence in Wyoming, it is particularly important to obtain legal representation following an arrest for DUI. For a free, no-obligation consultation with a skilled drunk defense attorney in your area, submit your information online today.