Wyoming Weapons Offenses Lawyer

Defending Clients Across Wyoming and South Dakota

Weapons charges put serious penalties on the table. Depending on the facts, you could be facing jail or prison time, probation, fines, no-contact or protection orders, and a criminal record that can affect employment and firearm rights.

 In Wyoming, prosecutors use a range of statutes to file weapons cases, from unlawful possession by a prohibited person to concealed-carry violations, firearm enhancements, and violent-crime charges involving a weapon. South Dakota prosecutes similar conduct under different statutes and procedures. We defend clients in both states, and we know how to challenge the government’s case.

At Just Criminal Law, our team is led by former prosecutors who understand how these cases are built — and how to take them apart. We move quickly to protect your rights, suppress unlawfully obtained evidence, and position you for the best possible outcome.

Why clients choose our firm:

• Former prosecutors with decades of combined experience in firearms and violent-crime defense
• Strategic, trial-ready approach to felony and misdemeanor weapons charges
• Flat-fee representation — transparent billing, no surprises
• Clear communication and direct access to your attorney
• We represent clients statewide in Wyoming and select cases in South Dakota (Spanish interpreters available upon request)

Call (307) 300-2240 or contact us online for a confidential consultation. We serve clients across Wyoming and in South Dakota and will travel up to 120 miles from our Gillette office.

What Clients Say About Us

At Just Criminal Law, Attorneys Christina L. Williams and Josh Taylor have built a reputation for skill, preparation, and unwavering commitment to the people we represent. Clients who have trusted us with their future often share feedback that speaks to our dedication and results:

“My experience with the firm was absolutely wonderful, all the staff there very caring and very hard working.”

“My attorney Joshua was amazing. He went above and beyond for me and I truly felt like he had my best interest.” – Former Client

“Highly recommend Just Criminal Law to anyone in need of a trustworthy and skilled attorney.”

“I had an excellent experience working with Josh Taylor on my case. From the very beginning, they were professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely cared about my situation.” – Former Client

Weapons Charges We Defend

We handle the full spectrum of firearm and weapons cases, including:

• Prohibited Person in Possession — Wyoming makes it a crime for certain people (including many with qualifying felony or specified misdemeanor convictions) to possess or use a firearm; penalties can be severe.
• Concealed Carry Violations — Although Wyoming is a permitless carry state, concealed-carry violations are still charged in defined circumstances, and a second offense can be a felony. 
• Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony — Separate felony enhancement that can add up to 10 years (and up to 20 for a subsequent conviction) on top of the underlying offense. 
• Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon — Allegations of attempting to cause injury with a deadly weapon or threatening with a drawn weapon are charged as serious felonies. 
• Reckless Endangering / Pointing a Firearm — Pointing a firearm at someone (except in lawful defense) can be charged as reckless endangering, a misdemeanor.
• Serial Number / Defaced Firearm Allegations (SD) — South Dakota specifically criminalizes possession of firearms with altered or removed serial numbers.

Penalties & Collateral Consequences

Weapons convictions can bring lasting consequences that go well beyond fines. Depending on the specific charge and your prior record, potential penalties in Wyoming include:

• Felony prison sentences — Ranging from several years to decades, especially with firearm enhancements or violent-crime convictions.
• Misdemeanor jail terms — Up to one year for lesser weapons violations.
• Firearm enhancements — An additional 5–10 years in prison (or up to 20 years for repeat convictions) for using a firearm during the commission of a felony.
• Loss of gun rights — Under both Wyoming law and federal law, certain convictions can permanently prohibit firearm ownership.
• Fines — Substantial monetary penalties, which may increase with aggravating factors.
• Probation or parole conditions — Including strict supervision, curfews, and restrictions on travel.
• Long-term collateral effects — Difficulty finding employment, losing certain professional licenses, and reputational damage.

In South Dakota, similar offenses can lead to felony or misdemeanor convictions, with prison terms up to 15 years for certain aggravated cases and specific penalties for prohibited persons and serial number violations.

Defense Strategies That Work in Weapons Cases

Our job is to hold the government to its burden and challenge each element of the charge:

• Fourth Amendment challenges — We attack unlawful stops, detentions, vehicle searches, and home entries; if the search was unconstitutional, key evidence can be suppressed.
• Possession, knowledge, and intent — In “prohibited person” and vehicle cases, we contest constructive possession, knowledge of the firearm, and whether the state can prove intent beyond a reasonable doubt. 
• Weapon operability & forensic issues — We scrutinize ballistics, operability, serial-number records, and lab procedures.
• Self-defense & necessity — When appropriate, we present lawful self-defense, defense of others, or emergency necessity (especially in overlapping assault cases).
• Charge negotiation & enhancement avoidance — We work to reduce or dismiss counts and to avoid felony and firearm enhancements that drive sentencing exposure. 

Where Will My Case Be Heard?

In Wyoming, misdemeanor weapons charges and felony preliminaries are generally handled in Circuit Court, while felonies proceed in District Court. In South Dakota, misdemeanors are often in magistrate court, with felonies proceeding in circuit court. Procedures and diversion options can vary by county and state; we tailor your strategy accordingly. 

Take the Next Step

If you’re under investigation or charged with a weapons offense in Wyoming or South Dakota, don’t wait. Early intervention allows us to protect your rights, shape the evidence, and work toward charge reduction or dismissal.

Call (307) 300-2240 or contact us online for a confidential consultation.