Criminal Justice (Courts)

HB 184 creates a criminal deferral program for juveniles (under 18) charged with specific misdemeanors who have no prior misdemeanor or felony convictions. Instead of facing trial, eligible juveniles can be placed on probation for up to 18 months, requiring them to report to court twice yearly, follow law-abiding behavior, avoid leaving the state without permission, and pay restitution to victims. If they complete probation successfully, charges are dismissed without a conviction. Violating probation terms may lead to trial or transfer to juvenile court, but successful completion avoids formal criminal records.

Wyoming's HB 192 proposes changes to penalties for drivers who refuse chemical tests after a DUI arrest when a search warrant has been obtained. The bill increases penalties for refusal to include up to six months in jail, a $750 fine, and mandatory license suspension (30 days to one year) for all drivers, including those under 21 and commercial drivers. It also allows refusal to be used as evidence in court and requires offenders to complete substance use disorder assessments and treatment at their own expense. The bill would take effect on July 1, 2026, if passed.

HB 93 requires Wyoming courts to make most court records and audio/video recordings of proceedings available online for free, including documents like pleadings, evidence, and case details. Exceptions include juvenile cases, adoptions, sealed records, sexual assault cases, and sensitive materials like child pornography or bulky exhibits. Courts must also stream hearings live and maintain an online archive of recordings within seven days. The bill establishes a new fund to cover technology costs for implementing these changes.

HB 170 would amend Wyoming's parole eligibility rules to make prisoners ineligible for parole if they were convicted of assault or escape in district court *or* found guilty of those acts through the Wyoming Department of Corrections' administrative disciplinary process. This change directly affects individuals serving sentences who have been disciplined for assault or escape while incarcerated. The bill adds administrative disciplinary findings (not just court convictions) as a basis for parole ineligibility under state law. It would take effect on July 1, 2026, if enacted. (Note: The bill is currently pending introduction and has not yet been considered by the legislature.)

HB 14 requires Wyoming counties to reimburse individuals for legal costs (including attorney fees and bail) when they successfully defend against criminal charges by reasonably using self-defense, resulting in a not-guilty verdict, dismissed charges, or release from prosecution. It also mandates automatic expungement (permanent removal) of criminal records for these individuals without requiring a court hearing, including no filing fees for either reimbursement petitions or expungement requests. The bill directly affects people prosecuted for crimes but acquitted or having charges dismissed due to lawful self-defense. Key provisions include county-funded reimbursement for defense costs and streamlined court orders to erase all related arrest and prosecution records. The law applies to cases where self-defense was used to prevent injury or property damage, as defined in the bill.