A conviction for possession of controlled substances, including cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, and various prescription drugs can have serious ramifications, and Wyoming has some of the harshest drug laws in the United States. Even first-offense convictions face serious consequences, and penalties increase for subsequent offenses. Punishment may include fines, prison time, and seizure of assets. Additionally, parents can also face child-endangerment charges. As a top Criminal Defense Attorney in Wyoming, Joe D. Bustos can help if you are facing drug charges.
The sooner we work together on your case, the better we can help to determine the path for your best possible outcome. The situation can vary depending on if this is your first offense, but in some cases, a plea bargain (a negotiation with the prosecution for a lesser charge or lesser sentence) may be the most appropriate legal strategy. Additionally, Joe Bustos is able to deal with some of the most important defense issues: Ballistics Evidence (Firearms and Ammunition Matching), Crime Scene Analysis, DNA, Mental Health and Sanity Defenses, Medical Issues, Evidence Collection, Fingerprints, Polygraph Tests, Witness Credibility Issues, High Profile Media Involvement, Interrogations, Searches and Seizures of Evidence, Arrest Related Issues, Confessions, and Eye Witness Testimony.
Controlled Substances are categorized into five buckets based on their potential for abuse and addiction. The possession of these substances without a prescription is illegal in Wyoming in each category, but Schedule I and II drugs carry the most severe penalties. Generally, penalties for smaller amounts of these substances include jail time of up to one year and a fine of up to $1,000. Persons in possession of large amounts may face fines of up to $15,000 and up to seven years in jail.
Examples of drugs listed on each schedule include:
Schedule I: Heroin, Marijuana, LSD, Ecstasy
Schedule II: Methamphetamine, Cocaine, PCP
Schedule III: Hydrocodone, Codeine, Barbiturates
Schedule IV: Benzodiazepines, including Xanax and Valium
Schedule V: OTC cough medications with Codeine
If you are facing drug trafficking charges, you may have been associated with the manufacture, possession, or transportation of large quantities of an illegal, controlled substance. Drug trafficking is considered a felony offense in Wyoming, and you may be facing up to 20 years in prison and up to $25k per charge. Federal charges may apply if these substances were being moved across Wyoming state borders.
Contact Joe Bustos Law as soon as you are facing any drug charge including possession, distribution, or trafficking. Don’t try to fight these charges by yourself! We have successfully defended our clients against drug charges in Wyoming for years, and we can help you!