New Wyoming DUI Laws Aim to Shoot Down Drunken Driving in the Appropriately-Named Cowboy State
Wyoming legislators and Governor Dave Freudenthal have been busy this year bolstering the DUI laws in the Cowboy State. Freudenthal signed four pieces of DUI legislation into law in February and may not be done quite yet in the effort to fight DUI in the state.
. Freudenthal got the gun smoking on February 16th when he signed HB65 into law, which makes it illegal for anyone to try to cheat a drug or alcohol screening test. A recent Laramie Boomerang story detailed that anyone found guilty of this crime will be subject to six months in prison and/or a $750 fine under this new Wyoming DUI law.
Laramie Police Sergeant Jonlee Anderlee said in the story that this new Wyoming DUI law would apply more to probation and parole officers than police officials since people under parole may try to defraud required urine samples. Prior to be signed into law, this Wyoming DUI legislation was approved 57-3 in the state House and 26-2-2 in the Senate.
. Freudenthal penned SF25 into law on February 21st and consequently made driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs with children under 16 in the vehicle a much bigger risk in the state. Specifically, this new Wyoming DUI law mandates that first-time convicted offenders who are at least 18 years old and arrested on suspicion of drunk driving with children in their vehicles be subject to six months to a year in prison. A second such offense would be considered a felony under this new Wyoming DUI law and punishable by up to five years in prison.
Anderlee described this Wyoming DUI law in the story as being all "about protecting children." Prior to Freudenthal's approval, this Wyoming DUI legislation was approved 29-0-1 by the Senate and 59-1 by the House.
. A day after making SF25 a new Wyoming DUI law, Freudenthal signed SF69, which changes the penalty for a drunken driver who seriously injures another person. Previously a misdemeanor, this offense is now considered a felony. This Wyoming DUI law specifically states that any convicted DUI offender involved in an accident causing "serious bodily injury" to another person may be sent to prison for up to 10 years and fined no more than $5,000 but no less than $2,000.
Anderlee described this Wyoming DUI legislation as being "a long time coming." This Wyoming DUI bill was previously approved 50-10 in the House and 27-2-1 in the Senate.
. Freudenthal ended the flurry of activity on February 28th when he put his "John Hancock" to SF33, which prohibits anyone from having an open container of alcohol in a moving vehicle.
Wyoming DUI Legislation Still Pending! Will Freudenthal Reload and Fire?
Freudenthal has not signed HB251, which has been sitting on his desk since February 28th according to the Laramie Boomerang story. This Wyoming DUI legislation would clarify the specific types of tests which could be used to determine whether a driver was under the influence while intoxicated. Current Wyoming DUI legislation allows the driver to choose a breath, urine or blood test.
Anderlee said this "corrective legislation" would allow law enforcement to test what they need in court in hopes of getting DUI convictions. Be sure to visit Total Lawyers for the latest update on this Wyoming DUI bill.
Ultimately, this flurry of activity with DUI legislation in Wyoming not only reveals how states are constantly attacking drunken driving but also demonstrates the importance of staying updated with the DUI laws in your state. If you've been arrested and charged with DUI, speaking with a local DUI lawyer as soon as possible is a great way to calmly evaluate your case and learn more about these laws and your legal rights.