First Degree Felony in Wyoming

In Wyoming, felonies generally refer to crimes punishable by imprisonment beyond one year or death according to Wyoming Statutes, Title 6. These are serious offenses, with each felony defined and guided by its statutes. The state does not have a defined class system for felony crimes. This means each felony carries a different weight and ingredients. The most notable felony first-degree felonies in Wyoming are Murder in the First Degree and Sexual Assault in the First Degree, provided for in Wyoming Statutes 6-2-302 and Wyoming Statutes 6-2-101. Sexual Assault in the First Degree is punishable by imprisonment for at least 5 years and at most 50 years, which makes it one of the most serious non murder felonies.

Note: Each offense is classified by its degree under the law that defines it. Thus, there are other types of crimes, such as Second- and Third-Degree Arson, provided for in Wyoming Statutes 6-3-102 and 6-3-103, respectively. The most severe first-degree felony, Murder in the first degree, is punishable by life imprisonment or death.

Public Access to First Degree Felony Records in Wyoming

Wyoming felony records are generally public documents. As such, they are accessible through law enforcement agencies, courts, and correctional facilities. Requesters may mail or submit records requests in person. The courts maintain records of criminal trials, convictions, and sentences, while correctional facilities maintain records of inmates and their rehabilitation processes.

Felony criminal records may also be accessed by mail or physically at the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation. These agencies also maintain online services such as the Criminal Records Unit, which provides a link for background checks or criminal history information, and the Wyoming State Court Case Search website. These are free criminal records search tools for the public.

Common Crimes Classified as First Degree Felonies in Wyoming

Wyoming law specifically describes certain offenses as first-degree crimes. The most notable felony is first-degree murder, which refers to deliberately ending a person’s life or doing so while committing a felony. The state’s homicide rate as reported in 2024 was about 3.1 per 100,000 residents, which was below the national average. Another common first-degree crime in Wyoming is aggravated robbery, which is when a person inflicts serious bodily harm or exhibits a simulated or actual deadly weapon during a robbery. Here is a breakdown of common first-degree felonies in Wyoming:

Prison Sentences and Fines for First Degree Felonies in Wyoming

First-degree felonies in Wyoming carry the highest punishment, which ranges from 5 years to life imprisonment. Some felonies provide punishment options of payment of fines, up to $50,000. Each sentence will depend on the felony and other factors, such as weapon use and prior offenses.

First-degree murder carries a punishment of life imprisonment without parole, with parole determined by the court, or death. It is the most serious felony in the state, and there is no option to pay a fine. Aggravated robbery is punishable by imprisonment of at least 5 years and not more than 25 years. Sexual assault in the first degree carries a punishment of between 5 and 50 years, and no statutory option of fine.

What is the Maximum Sentence for a First Degree Felony in Wyoming?

The maximum sentence for a first-degree felony in Wyoming is given for first-degree murders, which carries a sentence of life imprisonment, life without parole, or death. This is one of the most serious crimes in the state, which may also be deduced in the commission of other felonies. For example, if a death occured in the process of committing other serious felonies such as robbery or sexual assault of a minor, this becomes first-degree murder and carries the maximum sentence. For offenders below 18 years, the death penalty is prohibited, and the maximum sentence is life imprisonment.

Some factors that could increase the sentence include if the prosecution seeks the death penalty under Wyoming Statutes § 6-2-102. Individuals who have prior convictions for first-degree felonies may also get their sentence increased. The status of the victim may also contribute to the sentence given, especially if the victim is a minor or vulnerable person, and malicious intent is proven.

What is First Degree Murder in Wyoming?

First-degree murder is described in Wyoming Statute § 6-2-101(a) as when a person kills another human purposely and with premeditated malice, or the killing occurs during preparation for serious felonies or attempts. Thus, killing someone in the course of committing burglary, arson, sexual abuse of a minor, sexual assault, escape, or robbery will amount to first-degree murder. It is treated as one of the most serious felonies in the state with its own sentencing rules.

According to Wyoming Statute § 6-2-101(b), first-degree murder is punishable by life imprisonment, death, or life without parole. If the offender is below 18 years, they must be sentenced to life imprisonment. The death penalty requires a special sentencing hearing to determine which sentence is most suitable.

Can First Degree Felony Records Be Sealed or Expunged in Wyoming?

Criminal records are generally public records in Wyoming and may be accessed by anyone, considering that sealed or restricted information is not involved. Expungement refers to sealing or removing conviction records from publicly accessible platforms, while sealing consists in limiting access to these records under seal. Generally, expungement is not available for felonies, but Wyoming laws allow expungement of criminal records for certain felonies. While many serious felonies are excluded from expungement, certain felonies may be expunged if:

• 10 years have passed since the sentence was completed with all conditions
• The applicant was not convicted of any other felony within that time
• The felony did not involve the attempted use or use of a firearm

Wyoming Statutes § 7-13-1502 lists the felonies that are not eligible for expungement. These include violent felonies and offenses of sexual assault or abuse. Thus, non-violent first-degree felonies may qualify for expungement.

Difference Between First Degree and Second Degree Felonies in Wyoming

Wyoming does not have a general classification of felonies. The state classifies many crimes by degree which shows the severity of the offense or indicates the penalty range for the offense. Other factors that determine the degree of a crime include if death or life sentence is involved or the presence of aggravating factors such as the age of the victim or use of weapons.

First-degree felonies generally include crimes with intent or premeditation. They also include crimes that cause serious bodily injury or the victims are vulnerable individuals, such as minors. Such offenses include murder in the first degree, human trafficking in the first degree, and sexual assault in the first degree. These offenses are generally punishable by life sentences, life imprisonment without parole, or death.

Second-degree felonies are usually less severe due to the lack of intent and lesser harm or aggravating factors involved. Such felonies include murder in the second degree, sexual assault in the second degree, and sexual abuse of a minor in the second degree. These offenses carry sentences that range from 20 years to life imprisonment.

Statute of Limitations for First Degree Felony Charges in Wyoming

Statutes of limitations refer to laws that set a prosecution deadline for filing criminal charges. The period within which the prosecution must file the charges starts counting from the day the offense occurred. Statutes of limitations are in place to protect the integrity of evidence and ensure fairness. First-degree felonies in Wyoming must be filed within 6 years of the crime. The most serious felonies do not have statutes of limitations. Such felonies include murder, second-degree intentional homicide, first-degree sexual assault, and some versions of attempts and certain crimes against children.

There are special provisions, such as second-degree reckless homicide, which must be filed within 15 years, and some sexual assault charges, which must be filed within 10 years.

Probation and Parole Eligibility for First Degree Felonies in Wyoming

Generally, Wyoming does not allow probation for first-degree felonies. However, the First Offender Treatment statute allows an individual without a prior felony conviction to be placed on probation. The exceptions to this statute are that the felony must not be aggravated assault and battery, sexual assault in the first degree, arson in the first or second degree, or murder. In Wyoming, eligibility for probation depends on the type of felony and whether it involves a first-time offender.

Parole is generally available in Wyoming for anyone who has served the minimum term. However, it is not available for life imprisonment without parole or a District court-ordered life sentence. Thus, individuals convicted of first-degree felonies will not be eligible for parole if given a life sentence, while others may be paroled if the minimum sentence is completed.

Impact of a First Degree Felony Conviction on Criminal Records in Wyoming

Criminal records in Wyoming are public, and first degree felony convictions will remain on an individual’s criminal records in perpetuity. Felony convictions records will become accessible through law enforcement records, correctional facilities, and court records. This impacts various aspects of life such as employment, voting, firearms licensing, housing, immigration, and more.

Felony convictions that show up during background checks may prevent a landlord from renting to a convicted felon, while employers may be restricted from certain positions, such as a peace officer, and may be denied certain professional licenses. Firearms rights are forfeited upon felony convictions, but may be restored along with other rights after serving the sentence. Felony convictions will also become part of an individual’s immigration records, which may cause inadmissibility or deportation. Individuals who are convicted of first-degree felonies do not have a right to vote until they obtain a certificate of restoration of rights after completing their sentence and all its conditions.