Category: Criminal Defense

Why Won’t My Attorney Tell Me What My Case is Worth?

Clients ask me, “What’s my case worth?” Potential clients ask me, “What’s my case worth?” The typical attorney will dodge the question. “It depends,” the typical attorney says. Or “whatever a jury thinks it’s worth” is another answer. You deserve a real answer to that question. After all, you want to know whether to file … Read more

What are my rights with my attorney?

by Alex Freeburg

A man and woman having a conversation about legal rights with an attorney

This article makes me nervous to write. But it shouldn’t. I am going to tell you what you’re entitled to from your lawyer. Your rights with your lawyer are not optional. Lawyers are required to follow the Rules of Professional Responsibility for their state. We are regulated by the Courts and the State Bar Associations. … Read more

What to expect the day before your jury trial

by Alex Freeburg

Wow. The day before a trial is an interesting day. Congratulations on getting this far. Many attorneys and clients turn back or are stopped long before this point. By this time, you may be sick of your attorney. In most civil cases, you’re likely to be a witness. In a few kinds of criminal cases, … Read more

What should you do about a Teton County Warrant?

by Alex Freeburg

Handcuffs and a book on a wooden table. A Teton County Warrant

Warrants happen. No one plans on getting a warrant, but sometimes life gets in the way of fulfilling your responsibility to the Court system.

4 things to know about police video in Wyoming

by Alex Freeburg

A policeman holding a small camera to record video

People want to know whether their interactions with law enforcement are on camera. In this corner of Wyoming, most of the time (note: most of the time, not all the time), law enforcement is taking video.

But I have a medical marijuana card!

by Alex Freeburg

What happens if you have a medical marijuana card in your home state? Let’s say you’re charged with possession of a controlled substance (marijuana) in Wyoming. But you have a medical marijuana card from your doctor in California, or from any of the 21 states that allow medical marijuana. The short answer is: too bad. … Read more

Do I have to come back to Court?

by Alex Freeburg

You were charged with a crime in Wyoming, yet you live somewhere else. Do you have to come back for your Court date?
Like most questions in the law, the answer is “it depends.” The short answer is that for most people, most of the time, you will not need to come back to Wyoming.

How long can the police stop you for a traffic ticket?

by Alex Freeburg

A car driver stopped by police officer for traffic ticket

At some point, most of us have been stopped by law enforcement for a traffic infraction (see this post on what to say to the police). The traffic stop is the probably the most common kind of encounter between a citizen and law enforcement. When, where, and for how long the police can stop you … Read more

Should you talk to the prosecutor? Six ways to get in trouble.

by Alex Freeburg

Perhaps, at the time of the arrest or citation, the officer even told you, “Don’t worry, the prosecutor will give you a call. No big deal.”

Teton County Arrest Photos

by Alex Freeburg

If you’ve been arrested in Teton County, Wyoming, there is a good chance your mugshot is online. When you’re booked into jail, the detention officers take a booking photo of you. In Teton County, the local officials made the choice to put that arrest photo online. The process is so efficient, that if you’re booked … Read more

Where can you get DUI Evaluation in Wyoming?

by Alex Freeburg

Individuals seated with books, engaging in a DUI Evaluation session

If you’re arrested for DUI in Wyoming, the Court will likely require you to get a substance abuse evaluation and follow any recommended treatment plan. The Court can require the evaluation either as a condition of release, or as part of your judgment and sentence. If evaluation and treatment is a condition of your release, it … Read more

What happens if the police are wrong about the law?

by Alex Freeburg

Police officer shadow in blue light. Consequences of law enforcement errors

On December 15, 2014, the United States Supreme Court decided the case of Heiein v. North Carolina. The Court held that an officer could reasonably stop someone to enforce a traffic law, even if it later turned out that the officer was wrong about the traffic law. How is it legal for the police to … Read more

Wyoming Drinking Age: Minor Under the Influence & Minor in Possession (MIP)

by Alex Freeburg

A minor under influence holding a bottle opener

What are the consequences for the charge of minor under the influence, or minor in possession (MIP) in Wyoming? It’s no secret that American cinema glorifies teenage drinking. More surprisingly, Ross Douthat, the conservative New York Times columnist, recently argued for lowering the drinking age to 18 years old, with the counterintuitive argument that a … Read more

What should you do about a public intoxication charge?

by Alex Freeburg

Kermit the Frog plush toy surrounded by bottles of alcohol on a bench

Let’s get something out of the way: this is not the crime of the century. You were drunk (allegedly), things got a little rowdy (probably), and now you have a criminal charge (definitely).

What are the consequences to you?

What should you say to the police?

by Alex Freeburg

Dialogue between law enforcement officer and civilian

Now that I’m a defense attorney, I get to tell people what I thought all along when I was a prosecutor: don’t talk to the police. Just. Don’t. Talk.

If you’re pulled over, minimize the interaction. Ask if you’re free to leave. If you are free to go, then leave.

Well, it turns out that cops give that exact same advice.

What are the consequences for a DUI in a National Park?

by Alex Freeburg

Background – Law enforcement in Yellowstone and Grand Teton

Wyoming is blessed with two great national parks: Yellowstone and Grand Teton. Yellowstone claims over 3 million visits a year, while Grand Teton records more than 2.5 million visits. Many visitors camp at one of the park campgrounds or stay at a lodge. It is inevitable that visitors will celebrate, DUIs will occur, and that law enforcement will be there.

Because both parks are federal land, they are patrolled by federal law enforcement. Typically, law enforcement is a national park ranger, although there are also special agents who handle serious felony investigations.

What are the consequences to you?

Now that I’m a defense attorney, I get to tell people what I thought all along when I was a prosecutor: don’t talk to the police. Just. Don’t. Talk.

Background – Law enforcement in Yellowstone and Grand Teton

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