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Wyoming District

United States District Court for the District of Wyoming

The U.S. District Court for the District of Wyoming is a federal trial court within the Tenth Circuit that handles both civil and criminal cases under federal jurisdiction in Wyoming.

If you have been charged with a federal crime to be tried in Wyoming, your case will likely be heard in one of the three District Court locations within the state.

Joseph C. O'Mahoney Federal Center Building
Joseph C. O'Mahoney Federal Center Building, 2120 Capitol Avenue, Cheyenne, WY 82001.

Understanding the fundamental operations of this court and how it functions can empower you to make informed decisions about how to position yourself for the best possible outcome.

The Joseph C. O'Mahoney Federal Center is located at 2120 Capitol Avenue, Room 7008, Cheyenne, WY 82001, and the phone number is (307) 433-2120

The Ewing T. Kerr Federal Building is located at 111 South Wolcott, Room 121, Casper, WY 82601, and the phone number is (307) 232-2620

The Yellowstone Justice Center is located at 105 Albright Avenue, 2nd Floor, Mammoth, WY 82190, and the phone number is (307) 227-7020.

The primary mission of the U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services System within these courts is to ensure the fair administration of justice, protect the community, and bring about long-term positive change in individuals under supervision, providing reassurance about the system's commitment to justice.

The U.S. Bankruptcy Court, District of Wyoming, is located at 2120 Capitol Avenue, 6th Floor, Cheyenne, WY 82001.

Appeals from the District of Wyoming are held at the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals, Byron White Court House, 1823 Stout Street, Denver, CO 80257.

Geographic Jurisdiction and Court Locations

The District of Wyoming covers the entire state, making it one of the smaller districts in terms of population but large geographically. Its jurisdiction encompasses all 23 counties in Wyoming, providing a comprehensive federal judicial district for the state.

Given the vast area it covers, the court operates in three locations to accommodate cases throughout Wyoming:

  • Cheyenne: Located at the Joseph C. O'Mahoney Federal Center on Capitol Ave.
  • Casper: Located at the Ewing T. Kerr Federal Building on South Wolcott.
  • Mammoth: Located at the Yellowstone Justice Center on Albright Ave.

A small number of judges serve the U.S. District Court for the District of Wyoming due to the state's population size and relatively lower case volume compared to other districts.

The court is currently presided over by three full-time district judges (including the Chief Judge) appointed by the President of the United States and confirmed by the Senate for lifetime terms.

There is also one senior district judge (i.e., over age 65 and with 15-plus years of tenure) who handles a lower caseload. The District Court also has three magistrate judges who assist with preliminary matters, manage caseloads, and oversee certain civil and misdemeanor criminal cases.

What is Pretrial?

Pretrial is the period after an individual has been arrested but before they have been convicted of a crime. During this period, a pretrial services officer gathers information about the defendant through interviews and record checks.

Federal Pretrial Services

The officer reports the information to the judge, who can decide whether the defendant should be released on pretrial supervision or detained. At a detention hearing, the judge will decide whether or not to grant pretrial release.

If the defendant is granted pretrial release, the pretrial services officer will supervise the defendant to ensure they are not a danger to another person or the community, the conditions of their release are met, and they attend all required court hearings.

Pretrial supervision ends if the defendant is found not guilty at trial or the charges are dropped against them. If the defendant is found guilty or pleads guilty, the pretrial services officer will typically continue supervising the defendant until their sentence begins.

Pretrial supervision typically lasts a few months, during which time a probation officer may start the defendant's presentence investigation.

Common Types of Criminal Cases Handled by the Court

The U.S. District Court for the District of Wyoming handles a range of criminal cases that fall under federal jurisdiction. Federal criminal cases typically involve violations of federal statutes, crimes committed on federal property (such as Yellowstone National Park), or offenses crossing state lines.

The most common types of criminal cases seen in this court include:

  • Drug Trafficking and Distribution: Cases involving the illegal transportation, sale, or distribution of controlled substances across state or international borders.
  • Firearm Offenses: Violations involving unlawful possession, use, or trafficking of firearms, especially by prohibited persons or in connection with other federal crimes.
  • White-Collar Crimes: Financial crimes such as fraud (wire fraud, mail fraud, securities fraud), embezzlement, money laundering, and insider trading.
  • Immigration Offenses: Cases involving illegal entry, re-entry, or harboring undocumented immigrants, particularly given Wyoming's proximity to border states.
  • Environmental Crimes: Violations of federal environmental laws, including the Endangered Species Act, Clean Air Act, and Clean Water Act, are especially relevant in Wyoming, given its vast public lands and national parks.

Importance of Having a Federal Criminal Defense Attorney

When facing federal criminal charges in Wyoming, your best hope of having a favorable outcome is to have an experienced federal criminal defense attorney who understands the unique aspects of the U.S. District Court for the District of Wyoming.

Federal court proceedings are distinct from state court cases, requiring a different skill set and in-depth knowledge of federal laws and procedures. An attorney with experience in this particular district court offers several advantages:

  • Knowledge of Local Rules and Judges: Each federal district court has its own set of local rules and practices. An attorney familiar with the District of Wyoming will know the judges' preferences and procedures, which can be critical for case strategy.
  • Experience with Federal Prosecutors: Federal prosecutors, or Assistant U.S. Attorneys (AUSAs), handle criminal cases in this court. An attorney who regularly practices in federal court will be familiar with these prosecutors and their negotiation tactics.
  • Understanding of Federal Sentencing Guidelines: The U.S. Sentencing Guidelines significantly impact sentencing outcomes in federal cases. An experienced attorney can effectively argue for downward departures or variances where appropriate.
  • Effective Pre-Trial Motion Practice: Seasoned federal defense attorneys are skilled in filing and arguing pre-trial motions, which can significantly impact the case outcome.
  • Effective Plea Negotiations: Most federal criminal cases are resolved before trial, often by plea bargains. A federal criminal defense attorney familiar with the court and prosecutors is better positioned to negotiate favorable plea agreements or reduced charges.
  • Knowledge of Sentencing Alternatives: Understanding the sentencing guidelines allows for more effective advocacy for alternative sentencing, such as probation or reduced terms.
  • Access to Local Resources and Experts: Federal cases often require specialized investigators, forensic experts, and other professionals. Experienced attorneys have established networks to support robust defense strategies.

Resentencing might occur to adjust a criminal sentence pursuant to a federal statute or rule, a remand on appeal, or to correct an error with the original judgment.

If offenders violate the court-ordered conditions of their supervision or probation, they can be sentenced to additional incarceration, home confinement, or other conditions. For additional information, contact our federal criminal defense law firm, Eisner Gorin LLP, based in Los Angeles, CA.

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