Criminal Defense Lawyers Handling DUIs and Other Charges Throughout Wyoming
It is crucially important to consult a criminal defense attorney if you have been charged with a crime in Wyoming. Any criminal charge needs to be taken seriously, and a strong defense is paramount for preserving your freedom.
Burg Simpson was founded in 1976. Our lawyers have an in-depth understanding of criminal law and the criminal courts in Wyoming, and we can help you protect your rights, your liberty, and your future.
For a FREE case evaluation, call Burg Simpson at 307-527-7891 today. Our criminal defense attorneys serve clients in Cody and all other areas of Wyoming.
Criminal Defense Cases We Handle
The defense lawyers at Burg Simpson handle a wide range of different charges. From traffic citations to misdemeanors to felonies, our attorneys are prepared to vigorously defend your rights.
Contact a criminal defense lawyer at Burg Simpson as soon as possible if you have been charged with any of the following:
- Assault & Battery
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
- Drug Charges
- Suspension or Loss of Your Driver’s License After an Accident
- Theft
- Traffic Infractions
- Vehicular Assault & Homicide
In addition to defending clients who have been charged with criminal offenses, we are also committed to helping individuals clear their records. Juveniles who have been convicted of misdemeanors and adults who were arrested but not convicted may be eligible for expungement. Burg Simpson can help with this process.
Why You Need a Criminal Defense Attorney
Not hiring a defense lawyer is one of the biggest mistakes anyone can make when they are faced with a criminal charge. Even something as seemingly “minor” as a speeding ticket can have major ramifications on your freedom, your employment prospects, your ability to move and travel as you please, and much more.
A criminal conviction is even worse, potentially leaving you with enormous fines and even a prison sentence. Hiring an attorney is the best way to protect yourself from these serious consequences.
Remember: You are innocent until proven guilty. The government has the burden of proof in your case, which means that the prosecutor is required to present compelling evidence of wrongdoing.
Unfortunately, defendants often feel that they are fighting an uphill battle. Some might even be tempted to accept a plea agreement if it means resolving the matter sooner.
Burg Simpson will provide knowledgeable support and guidance at all times. Reasons to hire a criminal defense lawyer at our firm include:
Knowledge of the Legal System
People who are arrested and charged with crimes usually have limited knowledge of how the system works. This can lead to costly mistakes, including making admissions against your own interest.
At Burg Simpson, we have an in-depth knowledge of the laws concerning criminal procedure in Wyoming. We are also well-acquainted with local courts, judges, and prosecutors. This gives us the ability to represent you effectively throughout the course of your case.
Thorough Understanding of the Charges
Criminal complaints are not written with the average person in mind. It can be extremely difficult to understand what you are accused of, let alone what your rights are.
A criminal defense attorney at Burg Simpson can explain what the charges mean in plain English. We also start developing a strategy for your defense right away.
Protecting Your Rights
Needless to say, the police and the prosecution do not have your best interest at heart. They often employ a number of underhanded tactics to obtain a confession, a guilty plea, or a conviction.
Until you hire a defense lawyer, no one is looking out for you. Our criminal defense attorneys will staunchly advocate for your interests and rights at all times.
Exploring Your Legal Options
It is easy to feel like you have no options when you are charged with a crime. The prosecution will capitalize on this, making you feel trapped to get the result they want.
At Burg Simpson, our criminal defense lawyers will review all of the options and determine the best course of action for you. This might involve negotiating a plea bargain for a lesser charge. It might also mean going to trial and proving your innocence.
If your case goes to trial, it is crucial to have an experienced trial attorney on your side. Lawyers at Burg Simpson have handled a wide range of matters at trial—and won.
Meet Our Attorneys
Preparing Your Case
Criminal cases involve a lot of paperwork. Successful defense of a client charged with a crime requires navigating a number of procedural rules and meeting a host of deadlines.
Defense attorneys at Burg Simpson can handle all of these elements on your behalf. Entrusting your case to a qualified lawyer reduces stress and improves the likelihood of a favorable outcome.
Burg Simpson will also review all of the details of how you were charged. If the police and/or the prosecution made a mistake and your rights were violated, we can fight to have evidence excluded or even get the charges dropped.
Understanding DUI Charges
Drunk driving is a major issue in Wyoming. Insurance reviews website The Zebra releases an annual report on states with the most drunk driving problems. Wyoming has topped the list multiple times.
The consequences of a DUI can be serious:
- For a first offense, you may be fined up to $750 and/or sentenced to 6 months in prison. Your driver’s license may also be suspended for 90 days. If your blood alcohol concentration is 0.15% or higher, you will be limited to operating a vehicle equipped with an ignition interlock device for 6 months.
- If you are convicted of a second DUI within 10 years of the first, you can be fined up to $750, sentenced to jail for up to 6 months, and be ordered to participate in a 24/7 sobriety program. Your driver’s license can also be suspended for 1 year and your vehicle may be fitted with an ignition interlock device for 1 year.
- For a third offense, you may be fined up to $3,000, jailed for up to 6 months, be ordered to undergo a substance abuse assessment, and/or be required to participate in a sobriety program. You may be limited to operating vehicles with ignition interlock devices for a period of 2 years. In addition, your driver’s license may be revoked if you are convicted of 3 or more DUI offenses within a 10-year period.
- Subsequent DUI charges are classified as felonies. You can be fined up to $10,000 and/or sentenced to prison for up to 7 years. Furthermore, your license may be revoked and you may be limited to operating vehicles with ignition interlock devices for the remainder of your life.
Summarizing the criminal penalties of a DUI do not accurately convey the full impact. Just being charged with a DUI can affect your driving privilege and your employment. If you are convicted, you will face higher insurance premiums and a criminal record that can affect your ability to find housing, apply for a loan, and more.
DUI enforcement tends to pick up at multiple times of the year, especially around holidays where alcohol consumption increases. Prosecutors and the courts are often keen to “make an example” out of drunk drivers, resulting in more serious charges and harsher sentences.
How Burg Simpson Can Help
If you have been arrested and/or charged with a DUI, it is important to seek legal counsel as soon as possible. The criminal defense lawyers at Burg Simpson can start helping you immediately.
People accused of drunk driving are often made to feel like the case against them is “airtight.” To avoid embarrassment and the consequences of a conviction, defendants often agree to unfair plea deals or go to court without a proper defense.
Burg Simpson takes a different approach. We thoroughly investigate the circumstances of the arrest to ensure that the police followed proper procedure. Potential defenses to a charge of driving under the influence include:
- The police did not have probable cause to pull you over
- Law enforcement misread your behavior as resulting from intoxication; such an argument may invalidate a subsequent field sobriety test
- The officer did not properly perform the field sobriety test
- Errors in a breathalyzer test led to a higher BAC level than you actually had
- You were not read your Miranda rights or the police made other mistakes in arresting you
The prosecution has the burden of proof in any criminal matter. Our defense attorneys will fight to ensure that police officers, prosecuting attorneys, and the courts follow the rules.
We may be able to negotiate a reduction in charges or less severe penalties, especially for a first DUI offense. If your case goes to trial, we will aggressively pursue a not-guilty verdict.
Contact a Criminal Defense Attorney Today
Being arrested, facing criminal charges, and/or going to court are all daunting experiences. You should seek legal assistance immediately if you find yourself in the criminal justice system for any reason.
Defense lawyers at Burg Simpson are committed to serving individuals who have been charged with DUI and other crimes. From traffic infractions to misdemeanors to serious felonies, our firm will take steps to preserve your rights, fight for your freedom, and protect your future.
Call Burg Simpson at 307-527-7891 today for a FREE and confidential case evaluation. Our criminal defense attorneys serve clients throughout Wyoming from our office in Cody.
