blog home Criminal Defense Out-of-State Warrants in Wyoming: What to Know About Extradition and Your Legal Options

Out-of-State Warrants in Wyoming: What to Know About Extradition and Your Legal Options

By Steven Titus & Associates, P.C. on December 15, 2025

Finding out that you have an out-of-state warrant in Wyoming can be intimidating and confusing. Failing to act can put you at risk of arrest at any time.

In this blog, the Campbell County criminal defense lawyers at Steven Titus & Associates, P.C. break down what you should know about how Wyoming handles out-of-state warrants, how the extradition process works, and your rights and options if you are facing this situation.

What Is an Out-of-State Warrant?

An out-of-state warrant is issued when a person is wanted in another state but is physically located in Wyoming. Warrants are typically issued for failing to appear in court, violating probation, or being charged with a crime in another jurisdiction.

Once a warrant is active, it is entered into national databases that Wyoming law enforcement can access. This means you could be pulled over for something routine like a traffic violation and suddenly find yourself facing possible arrest and extradition.

How Wyoming Handles Out-of-State Warrants

Wyoming has adopted the Uniform Criminal Extradition Act (UCEA), which provides the framework for how states request and process extraditions. Under this law, Wyoming authorities may detain someone wanted in another state and hold them until the demanding state decides whether to pursue extradition.

The process generally works as follows:

• The demanding state submits a formal request for extradition.
• The Governor of Wyoming reviews the request.
• If approved, Wyoming law enforcement is authorized to transfer the individual to the requesting state.

Felony vs. Misdemeanor Extradition

Whether extradition happens may depend on the severity of the alleged offense. This affects how quickly you can be transferred and whether a lawyer can negotiate alternatives.

• Felony extradition – Wyoming almost always honors requests for felonies. Serious charges such as drug trafficking, violent crimes, or major theft cases typically result in extradition.
• Misdemeanor extradition – Extradition for misdemeanors is less common, but it can happen. If the misdemeanor is significant (such as DUI with prior convictions, domestic violence, or a probation violation), Wyoming may still move forward with extradition.

The Risks of Ignoring an Out-of-State Warrant

It may be tempting to avoid dealing with the warrant, especially if you are living in Wyoming and the case is from another state. But the longer a warrant lingers, the fewer options you may have. Ignoring a warrant can have serious consequences:

• You could be arrested unexpectedly during a traffic stop, at work, or even at home.
• Warrants do not expire, so they will remain active until resolved.
• A failure to appear can lead to new charges, making the situation worse.
• Bail may be harder to obtain once you are in custody.

Responding to an Out-of-Sate Warrant

If you have discovered you are wanted on an out-of-state warrant, you may be considering whether to turn yourself in. Doing so can demonstrate good faith to the court, but it should be handled strategically.

With the guidance of a criminal defense attorney, you may be able to:

• Schedule a controlled surrender to avoid the embarrassment of a public arrest.
• Arrange conditions to minimize time in custody while awaiting extradition.
• Present evidence of community ties, employment, and family responsibilities to support release on bond.

Turning yourself in without legal help may result in longer detention or unnecessary time in jail. Having an attorney coordinate the process can make a big difference.

Having Your Lawyer Negotiate a Warrant

An experienced criminal defense attorney will review your options for negotiating an out-of-state warrant, which may include:

• Quashing the warrant – In some cases, your attorney may be able to convince the out-of-state court to withdraw the warrant, especially if it was issued for a technical issue like a missed court date.
• Negotiating surrender terms – Your attorney can communicate with prosecutors and law enforcement to arrange a peaceful surrender, which may reduce the chance of jail before extradition.
• Challenging extradition – While challenging extradition is difficult, a lawyer can raise defenses such as mistaken identity or improper paperwork under the UCEA.
• Seeking alternatives – In some misdemeanor cases, your attorney may be able to negotiate for remote appearances, fines, or probation rather than extradition.

What to Expect if You Are Facing Extradition in Wyoming

If you are detained in Wyoming on an out-of-state warrant, here is what typically happens:

1. Arrest and Detention – You are taken into custody and informed of the out-of-state warrant.
2. Extradition Hearing – You will appear before a judge. The hearing is not about guilt or innocence but about verifying the legality of the extradition request.
3. Governor’s Warrant – If the requesting state submits the correct paperwork, the Governor of Wyoming may issue a warrant authorizing extradition.
4. Transfer – Law enforcement from the requesting state will arrange to transport you.

This process can take days or even weeks. During this time, an attorney can fight to minimize detention or negotiate better outcomes.

How We Can Help

Steven Titus & Associates, P.C. can guide you through every stage of the legal process. Representation may include:

• Reviewing the warrant and challenging its validity.
• Filing motions to quash or recall the warrant before extradition is finalized.
• Negotiating with prosecutors in both Wyoming and the demanding state.
• Coordinating a safe, dignified surrender to avoid surprise arrest.
• Arguing for release on bail to prevent unnecessary time in jail.

The goal is to protect your rights, reduce disruption to your life, and position you for the most favorable resolution possible.

Speak With an Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer in Campbell County

If you have an out-of-state warrant in Wyoming, hoping it will disappear is not a solution. Extradition can happen suddenly, and being unprepared puts you at risk of longer jail time and harsher consequences.

If you have discovered an active out-of-state warrant, or if you are currently facing extradition,  contact Steven Titus & Associates, P.C. immediately. The sooner you act, the more options we can explore to protect your freedom.

Call us today at (307) 257-7800 for a free consultation.