College life can be exciting, but sometimes, you can run into trouble. Many students find themselves cited for an MIP, arrested with a fake ID, or stopped with marijuana. Unfortunately, these charges are more than a ticket.
You might be tempted to pay the fine, learn your lesson, and move on. But those actions can follow you around for years after the arrest. Fortunately, a college student facing criminal charges in Wyoming has more options than they realize. And the first decision they make can affect what happens next.
Students Can Face Two Separate Cases
When a Wyoming college student is accused of an alcohol or drug offense, there may be two separate proceedings: a criminal case and a university conduct case.
As you can imagine, the criminal case goes through the court system. Depending on the situation, the charge could be a misdemeanor or felony. And it may result in a criminal conviction.
But there may be a separate university conduct case. A school can discipline a student for conduct that violates its policies. This can happen even if the criminal case is later dismissed. The university also uses different procedures and standards than a criminal court.
When a criminal charge has occurred, a student should not assume they can explain everything to university officials. What they say during a conduct proceeding could potentially affect the criminal case.
Before responding to the court or university, make sure to talk to a Wyoming criminal defense attorney.
Common Charges Wyoming College Students Face
There are several criminal offenses that can occur while a student in Wyoming. They include:
Minor in Possession (MIP)
A Minor in Possession is one of the charges college students are most likely to encounter. Under W.S. § 12-6-101(c), a person under 21 can face a misdemeanor for possessing or consuming alcohol or having a measurable blood alcohol concentration.
In Wyoming, an MIP can carry up to six months in jail and a $750 fine. But the fine is not the biggest concern. A conviction can lead to a criminal record. This can follow a student into future employment, internships, professional licensing, and other opportunities.
Fake or Altered IDs
Using a fake or altered ID to obtain alcohol can also result in criminal charges. Once again, additional charges may be possible depending on the situation. What seems like a common college mistake can become much more complicated when a criminal record is involved.
Underage DWUI
Wyoming’s underage DWUI law applies to drivers under 21 with a blood alcohol concentration of at least 0.02%. With a first offense conviction, that can lead to a fine and driver’s license suspension.
Marijuana and Drug Possession
Marijuana may be legal in surrounding states, but that does not mean it is legal to possess in Wyoming. Bringing marijuana back across the state line can expose a college student to state criminal charges. Unfortunately, a drug possession conviction may affect your education and future career plans.
The Consequences May Be More Than a Fine
For a college student, a misdemeanor needs to be taken seriously. A conviction may appear on background checks. In turn, that could create problems when applying for internships, jobs, housing, or professional licenses. Students entering fields, such as nursing, teaching, pharmacy, or law, may eventually have to disclose criminal convictions.
There can also be university consequences. Alcohol or drug violations may affect campus housing, athletics, or other aspects of student life.
Diversion May Be an Option
Fortunately, it’s not all bad news. A student may qualify for diversion or deferred adjudication. Wyoming’s first-offender treatment law, W.S. § 7-13-301, can allow eligible defendants to complete court-ordered requirements and potentially have their charges dismissed instead of receiving a conviction.
Drug-specific diversion provisions may also apply in certain possession cases. Eligibility depends on the charge, criminal history, circumstances of the incident, and other factors. This is why it is important to find out about diversion before entering a plea.
Don’t Let One College Mistake Become a Long-Term Problem
An MIP, fake ID charge, or drug possession charge can be frightening for students. But a college student facing criminal charges in Wyoming has a few options.
Before you mail in a guilty plea, pay a fine, or sit down with university conduct officials, talk to someone who understands Wyoming criminal law.
Just Criminal Law can help you understand what you are facing, whether diversion or another resolution may be available, and what steps to take next. Contact Just Criminal Law to discuss your case and protect your future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does an MIP go on your permanent record in Wyoming?
If a student pleads guilty or is convicted, an MIP can become part of their criminal record. That record may be visible to employers, landlords, and licensing boards.
Will the university find out about my criminal charge?
Universities can have jurisdiction over conduct occurring off campus, especially when it affects the university community. Students may also face a separate conduct proceeding no matter what happens in criminal court.
Does an MIP or drug charge affect financial aid?
A drug conviction no longer automatically suspends federal financial aid eligibility. However, state scholarships, university financial aid, athletic programs, and other forms of assistance may have separate requirements.
