RSSCriminal Defense | Blogs by Steven Titus & Associates, P.C.
Understanding a Statutory Rape Charge
Wyoming has strict sexual assault laws, and violating them can lead to years in state prison, hefty fines, and even having to register as a sex offender. One such charge is statutory rape, which many defendants face because they do not know Wyoming’s age-of-consent laws or did not know the age of their partner before doing the deed.
How a Strangulation Accusation Can Lead to More Serious Charges
Wyoming courts have complex and harsh laws for violent crimes. We are one of the few states to have a specific charge for strangulation, which has a unique legal definition. This charge can result in years of jail time, court fees, and a ruined reputation. However, depending on the circumstances, defendants can face more serious charges.
The Ramifications of an Out-of-State Drug Charge
In the recent 2020 election, Wyoming’s neighbor states of South Dakota and Montana voted to legalize marijuana possession for both medicinal and recreational use. While South Dakota’s governor has contested the new law, residents and visitors to Montana cannot be charged with possession if caught with small amounts of marijuana as of January 1, 2021. However, while many residents of Wyoming may be tempted to travel out-of-state to take advantage of this law, there are several other important laws you should be aware of.
Can a Police Officer Search Your Vehicle Without a Warrant?
Being pulled over is a scary experience. You may have no idea what you did wrong or if you even committed a crime. You should always remember that you have rights under Wyoming state law. These include the right to remain silent, the right to an attorney if you are charged with a crime, and the right to refuse a search. But these rights do come with some exceptions, and there are scenarios where you may have to allow an officer to search your vehicle.
Wyoming’s Laws on Cyberstalking
The internet has made it extremely easy to look someone up online. Anyone can pull out a phone and search for someone they used to know on social media with just a few clicks.
While some people may only look up classmates they lost touch with or keep in contact with distant family, others may take it too far.
You should be extremely careful about how you act online, as you may end up being charged with cyberstalking.
Can Google Search History Be Used as Evidence?
The amount of information and content on Google is massive, and it is growing every day. You can find every recipe imaginable or track down long lost movies you watched late at night years ago. In addition, there are all sorts of rabbit holes you can end up on the worldwide web. While some may seem innocent enough, others can be more questionable and can lead to a darker side of the internet. However, very few of us expect these search results to be used against us in a criminal trial.
The Differences Between Misdemeanor and Felony Theft
Within the state of Wyoming, theft crimes can range from shoplifting to grand theft auto, but very few residents understand the exact ramifications of each crime. These cases can become rather complex, with the difference in charges being based on the value of the stolen property to whether or not a firearm was involved. Altogether, theft crimes can be classified as misdemeanors or felonies, but what exactly is the difference and how can it affect you?
Campbell County’s Diversion Program Explained
Alternative sentencings have steadily expanded across the United States for the past few decades in order to rehabilitate criminal behavior and lower prison populations more effectively. The state of Wyoming is no different and has several programs in place to allow criminal offenders to avoid prison time while also ensuring the needs of their community are met. This includes everything from probation to substance abuse programs to community service. In addition to programs helping adult offenders move on from a conviction, minors are also eligible for similar programs that can help them avoid developing a criminal record.
The Confrontation Clause and Your Defense Case
One of the most unique amendments in the United States constitution is the sixth amendment. Under this statute, a defendant in a criminal trial has the right “to be confronted with the witnesses against” him or her. While this may seem standard in a criminal case, there are instances where the sixth amendment could be vital to reducing your charges or having your case dismissed, but only if you thoroughly understand how it works.
What Does ‘Plead the Fifth’ Mean and When Should You Use It?
Cop dramas and crime shows have made most people aware of the term “I plead the fifth,” but few actually know what the phrase refers to. It comes from the Fifth Amendment of the Constitution, which outlines several laws regarding due process and how an individual should be charged with a crime. When someone declares they are pleading the fifth, they are specifically referring to how the Constitution states that no individual “shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself.”
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