Just Criminal Law
604 S Gillette Ave
Phone: +1 307-686-6556
R. Michael Vang P.C.
1050 N 3rd St Suite B2
Phone: +1 307-460-9252
Edwards Law Office
107736 US-89 Suite 109
Phone: +1 307-883-2222
Lazzari Legal
262 Lincoln St
Phone: +1 307-438-6367
Steven Titus & Associates
425 S Gillette Ave
Phone: +1 307-464-7055
Freeburg Law
235 E Broadway Ave #103
Phone: +1 307-284-2435
Devine Law
211 Grand Ave
Phone: +1 307-460-3566
Corthell and King
Albany County Bank Building, 221 S 2nd St
Phone: +1 307-742-3717
Cowboy Legal
1501 Stampede Ave Ste. 2040
Phone: +1 307-231-9535
The Fuller & Semerad Law Firm
242 S Grant Ave
Phone: +1 307-265-3455
Nicholas & Tangeman
170 N 5th St
Phone: +1 307-742-7140
Kisling Law
350 S Brooks St
Phone: +1 307-672-5405
Lubnau Law
300 S Gillette Ave #2000
Phone: +1 307-682-1313
Sanderson Law Office
30 W 2nd Ave
Phone: +1 307-885-1776
Cowboy Country Law
123 S Beech St Suite 101A
Phone: +1 307-243-4978
Humphrey Legal
416 W 24th St
Phone: +1 307-222-4946
Neubauer, Pelkey, & Goldfinger
410 Grand Ave Suite 103
Phone: +1 307-745-3031
WSH Law
508 W 27th St
Phone: +1 307-637-2822
Dion J. Custis, P.C.
400 E 20th St
Phone: +1 307-381-4222
Fleener Petersen Law
506 S 8th St
Phone: +1 307-460-4333
Robert T. Moxley PC
2718 O Neil Ave
Phone: +1 307-632-1112
Humphrey Law
1901 Energy Ct Suite 326
Phone: +1 307-682-1359
Pence and MacMillan
501 E Garfield St
Phone: +1 307-745-8582
Keegan & Krisjansons, P.C.
1233 Bleistein Ave
Phone: +1 307-587-3783
Wyoming allows expungement in several situations, including many arrests that did not result in a conviction and some convictions that meet strict statutory criteria and waiting periods. A petition is filed in the court that handled the case, notice must be given to the prosecutor, and the judge decides based on the statute and the record you present. When granted, expungement limits public access to the case and improves how standard background checks report your history, while still allowing criminal justice agencies limited access as the law permits.
How do I get my record expunged in Wyoming?
You file a petition in the court that handled your case asking for expungement under the correct Wyoming statute. The petition must meet formal requirements and you must serve the prosecutor so they can respond or object. If the court grants the request, the clerk updates the record and agencies receive notice to limit public access.
Who qualifies to expunge a misdemeanor in Wyoming?
Eligibility depends on the specific offense, your prior record, and the time that has passed since completion of sentence. Many nonviolent misdemeanors can be considered after a waiting period and full payment of fines and restitution. Disqualifying offenses and recent convictions can block a petition until you satisfy the statute.
Can a felony be expunged in Wyoming?
Some felonies are eligible but the list is limited and the waiting periods are longer. Violent, sexual, and serious crimes are commonly excluded by statute. A careful read of the current law and your judgment and sentence is required before you file.
Can a DUI be expunged in Wyoming?
Wyoming law treats impaired driving offenses differently than many other misdemeanors. Some alcohol related driving offenses are not eligible for standard expungement, while others may qualify only after a long wait and strict compliance. You need to check the exact statute that applies to your charge and consult the court forms to avoid a denied petition.
How long does the expungement process take in Wyoming?
Timelines vary by county and court workload. Many petitions take a few months from filing to order if the paperwork is complete and there are no objections. Missing documents and service problems are the most common reasons for delays.
How much does an expungement cost in Wyoming?
Courts may charge filing fees and you will pay for certified copies needed for service. If a criminal history report is required, there can be a separate fee to obtain it from the state. Attorney fees are separate and depend on the complexity and number of cases you want to clear.
Do I need a lawyer to file for expungement in Wyoming?
You can petition on your own using official forms and the governing statute. Many people hire a lawyer because eligibility rules and service requirements are strict and judges deny petitions that do not meet the law. A lawyer can also appear at a hearing and address questions from the court on the spot.
What documents do I need for a Wyoming expungement petition?
Typical packets include your petition, the proposed order, certified copies of the judgment or dismissal, and proof that all fines, fees, and restitution are paid. Some courts expect a recent Wyoming criminal history report to confirm your record. Always follow your local court’s checklist so the file is complete before submission.
Where do I file an expungement petition?
File in the court that handled the case you want cleared. That can be a circuit court for many misdemeanors or a district court for felonies. The caption should match the original case and you should include the correct case number so the clerk can locate the file quickly.
Will there be a hearing on my expungement?
Some judges decide on the written packet if the prosecutor does not object and your petition clearly meets the statute. Other judges set brief hearings to confirm timeframes, restitution, and service. If a hearing is scheduled, appear on time with proof of compliance and be ready to answer questions.
What happens after a Wyoming expungement is granted?
The court issues a signed order and the clerk updates the docket to reflect the relief. Agencies listed in the order receive notice so public access to the record is limited. Keep certified copies of the order for your files in case you need to prove the outcome to an employer or licensing board.
Will an expunged case show up on background checks in Wyoming?
Standard commercial background checks should not report expunged cases once the courts and data vendors update their databases. Government and law enforcement systems may still show the entry for limited legal purposes. Always keep your order in case a report lags and needs correction.
Who can still see expunged records?
Courts, prosecutors, and law enforcement retain access under Wyoming law for defined reasons like future charging and sentencing. Some licensing bodies and government agencies can also view sealed information if a statute allows it. The general public and most private screeners lose routine access to the case.
Are criminal records public in Wyoming?
Court case information and many docket entries are public unless a law says otherwise. Once a qualifying case is expunged, public access is limited by the order and the statute. You can still request your own records for verification or for job applications that require documentation.
How far back do most criminal background checks go in Wyoming?
Commercial background checks often focus on the most recent seven years, but that is a business policy and not a guarantee. Government checks for sensitive jobs and licenses can review your full history as allowed by law. Expungement changes how the case is reported and improves outcomes across many screenings.
What makes a background check take a long time?
Manual courthouse searches, missing identifiers, and records spread across multiple counties slow the process. Verifying older files and waiting for agencies to answer inquiries also adds days. You can prepare by having accurate names, dates of birth, and case numbers ready when asked.
How can I look up my Wyoming criminal record?
You can search court dockets where your case was filed and you can request your state criminal history from the appropriate agency. Many courts provide online access to basic case information, while certified documents must be requested from the clerk. A state criminal history request helps confirm that updates have posted after relief is granted.
Can I answer no to conviction questions after expungement?
In most private employment and housing applications, you can answer no because the case is no longer part of the public record. If a law requires disclosure to a licensing board or a government agency, you must follow that instruction. Keep your order available so you can show that the court granted relief if needed.
Does expungement restore my firearm rights in Wyoming?
Expungement and firearm rights are separate legal issues. Even after a case is cleared, firearm disabilities can remain in place under state or federal law until restored by the correct process. Review the specific restoration statute and federal rules before attempting to purchase or possess a firearm.
Do I need a background check to buy a gun in Wyoming?
Purchases from licensed dealers require a federal background check that runs through national systems. Private party rules are set by state and federal law, and you should confirm current requirements before any transfer. An expungement can improve records, but it does not override disqualifying conditions listed in federal law.
Can a felon own a gun in Wyoming after expungement or pardon?
Restoration depends on the type of conviction and the source of the disability. Some rights can be restored under state law, while federal law imposes separate rules that still apply. You should review both sets of rules and obtain written confirmation before possessing a firearm.
How do I request a pardon in Wyoming?
You apply through the state process that routes clemency applications to the Governor. Many applications include a review by corrections or a parole board and require notice to the prosecuting authority. A pardon is discretionary and focuses on rehabilitation and community impact, and it is not the same as expungement.
Does a pardon erase my record?
A pardon forgives the offense but does not automatically seal the court file or delete every reference in government databases. Some collateral consequences change after a pardon, and others remain unless a separate process restores them. If you want sealed access, you still need to pursue expungement where the statute allows it.
Can I expunge an arrest that did not lead to a conviction?
Arrest expungement is often available in Wyoming if the case ended without a conviction and other conditions are met. You still file a petition and serve the prosecutor so the court can review the record. Once granted, the arrest is removed from public access and background checks should no longer report it.
What if my charges were dismissed?
Dismissals are strong candidates for expungement because there is no conviction to report. You still need to file under the right statute and provide the court with the dismissal paperwork. Clearing the docket helps you avoid confusion in future screenings that only read headlines.
Can I expunge multiple cases in Wyoming?
You can file on more than one case, but each petition is judged against the statute’s limits and any numeric caps. Courts often require separate petitions for each case and careful service in every county involved. Plan the sequence to avoid conflicts with waiting periods or offense count limits built into the law.
What can disqualify an expungement?
Disqualifiers include violent and sexual offenses listed in the statute, unpaid restitution, and new criminal convictions during the waiting period. Open charges can also stop a petition until they are resolved. Always verify your eligibility before spending time and money on filings.
Do traffic offenses qualify for expungement?
Many traffic matters are handled on driving records that are separate from criminal case files. Some traffic related criminal charges can be considered if the statute allows it, while pure licensing issues must be handled with the licensing agency. Read the statute closely so you do not file the wrong type of request.
Does expungement help with jobs and housing?
Yes, expungement removes the case from routine public searches and many consumer background reports. Employers and landlords that use standard screening products will no longer see the cleared case after databases update. You should keep your order in case a report is outdated and needs correction.
Will the FBI still have my expunged case?
Federal databases receive updates from state courts and agencies, but timing can vary. An expungement order instructs state authorities to limit public access and to notify relevant repositories. You can request your own federal record to confirm updates after the state process finishes.
How do I correct a private background report after expungement?
Start by asking the reporting company to reinvestigate and provide them a copy of your order. They must update or delete inaccurate information when they receive proof. Keep notes of your requests so you can follow up if the report does not change.
How long after probation or jail can I apply?
Wyoming requires a waiting period measured from completion of sentence, which includes jail, probation, and payment of all financial terms. The length of the wait depends on the offense type listed in the statute. Filing too early is a common mistake and leads to a denial without prejudice.
What if I still owe restitution or fines?
Unpaid restitution and fines usually block expungement because completion of sentence is a core requirement. Courts want proof of payment or a documented satisfaction from the victim or agency that is owed. Clear all balances before you file to avoid immediate denial.
Is there a difference between sealing and expungement in Wyoming?
Wyoming statutes use expungement language for clearing eligible records, while some agencies describe outcomes as sealed from public view. In practice, the court limits access and instructs repositories to restrict disclosure as defined by law. The exact effect comes from the text of the order and the statute used.
Do juvenile records qualify for expungement?
Wyoming provides separate rules for juvenile matters, and many records can be cleared when the youth meets age and completion criteria. Courts look at rehabilitation and any new offenses when deciding. Check the juvenile section of the law and use the correct forms because the process differs from adult cases.
Can immigration authorities see expunged records?
Immigration reviews often rely on official government databases that can retain nonpublic information. An expungement helps for many jobs and housing decisions, but it does not guarantee that federal immigration systems ignore the case. Get immigration specific legal advice before you file applications that ask about criminal history.
Can I expunge a federal case in a Wyoming state court?
No, state courts handle Wyoming state offenses and arrests. Federal cases follow federal rules and any relief must be sought in the federal system or by federal executive action. You can still clear eligible Wyoming state matters through the state process while addressing federal issues separately.
Do professional licensing boards still ask about expunged cases?
Some licensing applications require disclosure even after expungement because the enabling law gives the board access to nonpublic records. You must answer those questions truthfully and provide your order when asked. Many boards weigh rehabilitation and completion of sentence heavily during review.
How does expungement affect my driving record?
Court expungement targets criminal case files and related court records. Your driver history is maintained by the licensing agency under separate rules and timeframes. Clearing a criminal case does not automatically change points or administrative entries unless the agency’s regulations say so.
Can I file for expungement if I moved out of state?
Yes, you can file by mail or through an attorney even if you no longer live in Wyoming. You must still serve the prosecutor and follow local filing rules. If a hearing is scheduled, the judge may allow a remote appearance or may require you to appear in person based on local practice.
What is the Wyoming Public Records or Open Records law role in expungement?
Public records laws govern access to government files, but expungement statutes create specific limits on court and criminal records. Once the court grants expungement, agencies must honor the order when they respond to requests. If a record still appears in a response, you can send the agency your order and ask for correction.
Do employers have to ignore expunged cases?
Employers that rely on standard consumer reports will not see expunged cases after databases update, so the issue does not arise. If a law gives an employer access to nonpublic records, they can consider the facts under that law. Many employers focus on current performance and rehabilitation when given proper documentation.
What if a background check still shows my expunged case?
Ask the screener to run a reinvestigation and provide a copy of your signed order. If the information came from a court site that has not updated, contact the clerk so they can correct the public portal. Keep records of your requests to confirm that the change is made across all reports.
Can I get free help with expungement in Wyoming?
Some courts provide self help materials and basic guidance on forms and filing steps. Local legal aid groups and law school clinics occasionally host record clearing events where volunteers help prepare petitions. If you qualify for public defender services on an open case, ask for referrals to post conviction resources once your case ends.
Do I need fingerprints or a state background report for the petition?
Many courts want a recent Wyoming criminal history report so the judge can confirm eligibility and check for new cases. You obtain that report through the state process and attach it to your packet if required. Always follow the instructions on your court’s checklist so the file is complete when the judge reviews it.