Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Cheyenne

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Cheyenne, Wyoming?

  (307) 637-6500 is the non-emergency line of the Cheyenne Police Department.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Cheyenne, Wyoming?

  The Cheyenne Police Department Records Division processes online requests at https://www.cheyennepd.org/Services/Records/Online-Records-Request. It is located at 415 West 18th Street, Cheyenne, WY 82001, and reachable at (307) 637-6540.

• What are the common crimes reported in Cheyenne?

  In 2021, Cheyenne reported 40.20 crimes for every 1,000 residents. A vast majority are property crimes that total 37.11 out of 1,000 and cover 25.83 thefts, 6.27 motor vehicle thefts, and 5.01 burglaries for every 1,000 individuals. The rate for violent offenses is 3.09 for every 1,000 persons.

• Are there time limits applicable in Cheyenne for the prosecution of crimes?

  Under the Wyoming law applied in Cheyenne, there is no statute of limitations in effect for criminal offenses. All incidents ranging from misdemeanors, such as simple thefts, to felonies like murder and manslaughter never prescribe and the authorities may file charges in court for as long as the suspect is alive.

• What are the consequences of missing a court date when charged with an offense in Cheyenne?

  When charged with an offense in Cheyenne and the state, the suspect faces a variety of consequences depending on the severity of the accusation. Minor incidents will give the judge cause to issue a bench warrant, which lets the police arrest an individual though there often won't be an active search. If the infraction is serious, the judge will put out a full-fledged arrest warrant, and the cops will actively hunt the defendant down.

• What are the possible pleas in a criminal case in Cheyenne besides guilty or not guilty?

  Besides a plea of guilty or not guilty, an accused individual in Cheyenne may enter a plea of no contest or not guilty by reason of mental illness under the state's court procedures. In the former, the defendant refuses to question the charges of the prosecution but does not admit guilt. The latter is a preparatory step to invoking the insanity defense.

• If a cop in Cheyenne finds drugs sitting on a shelf in the house of a suspect while effecting a search warrant for pirated DVDs, can the officer seize the drugs?

  Yes, a cop in Cheyenne can seize illegal drugs if they see them sitting on a shelf in plain view while enforcing a search warrant for an unrelated item. The city follows state rules, which permit the police to confiscate any contraband that is obviously illegal and readily visible. The prerequisite is that the officer must have a right to be where they are because they are conducting a lawful search or arrest to begin with.

• What does a criminal defense lawyer do?

  Criminal defense attorneys provide help to those facing misdemeanor or felony criminal charges. The attorney will research the circumstances surrounding the charge and investigate the case on behalf of the client. This may involve talking to police, interviewing witnesses, determining a plea, and assessing possible sentences. With this information, the defense attorney can negotiate plea deals or navigate a court case on behalf of the client. In some cases, the attorney may get a case dismissed entirely, a reduction in bail or jail time, or probation or community service instead of prison.

• How do I know if I need a criminal attorney?

  Any criminal charge that could result in a prison sentence requires the help of a criminal defense lawyer. This applies to both misdemeanor and felony charges, including:

  Misdemeanors

  • Petty theft
  • Public intoxication
  • Simple assault
  • Disorderly conduct
  • Vandalism
  • Reckless driving

  Felonies

  • Murder
  • Rape
  • Kidnapping
  • Aggravated assault
  • Specific types of fraud
  • Possession of certain types of drugs

• What steps should I take after being charged with a crime?

  The first thing to do after being charged with a crime is to contact a criminal defense attorney. It is best to hire a defense attorney as soon as possible after being released from arrest, and before an arraignment takes place. The attorney will explain charges in detail, and possible consequences, to help you decide whether a plea deal or a jury trial is the best option. Most attorneys offer free consultations to discuss the circumstances of a criminal case and how they're able to assist. Speaking with a number of defense attorneys before hiring one can increase the likelihood of finding the right fit, and getting the best defense possible.

• What if I can’t afford a criminal defense lawyer?

  All Americans are afforded the right to hire an attorney to act as a defense in a legal case. However, not everyone can afford one. If an attorney isn’t in a defendant’s budget, and the defendant’s income meets designated state or local thresholds, the court system will provide a public defender. This attorney usually works on cases pro bono or without any fees paid by the defendant. Many public defenders have a high caseload, which can limit the amount of time they are able to devote to each case. In most situations, hiring a dedicated criminal defense lawyer ensures the best outcome. This is particularly true in more serious felony cases that can result in a significant prison sentence without the involvement of a skilled, experienced defense attorney.

• Why hire a criminal defense attorney?

  Working with a criminal defense attorney is the best way to minimize the ramifications of committing or being accused of a crime. Criminal attorneys thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding a case to prove innocence or inspire reasonable doubt in a jury. Criminal defense lawyers also are better prepared to negotiate with the prosecutors. Due to the high cost and logistics involved with taking a case to trial, many prosecutors are willing to reduce sentences in exchange for avoiding a jury trial. An experienced criminal attorney understands what would be a reasonable deal for a specific criminal charge, and will negotiate it on behalf of the defendant.

• Are legal fees for criminal defense tax deductible?

  Whether legal fees from a criminal case can be deducted on a tax return depends on the circumstances. If criminal charges pertain to activities related to a trade or business, attorney fees can be deducted on a business tax return, as they are considered an expense associated with the normal course of business. However, personal legal fees cannot be deducted.