LARAMIE CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYER
Facing Criminal Charges in Laramie? Get a Defense Attorney Who Fights.
If you have been charged with a crime in Laramie, Wyoming, the consequences can follow you for the rest of your life. A conviction can cost you your job, your housing, your right to own a firearm, and your freedom. You need an attorney who knows Laramie courts, knows the prosecutors, and is not afraid to take your case to trial.
At Rogers & Garvie, LLC, criminal defense attorney Thomas Garvie spent years as a Wyoming Public Defender handling serious felonies and misdemeanors before co-founding this firm. He knows how prosecutors build cases because he has defended against them hundreds of times. When your future is on the line, you need someone in your corner who has been there before.
Why You Need a Laramie Criminal Defense Attorney
Being charged with a crime does not mean you will be convicted. But the window for protecting your rights is narrow, and the decisions you make in the first hours and days after an arrest matter more than most people realize.
An experienced Laramie criminal defense attorney can evaluate the evidence against you, identify constitutional violations in how law enforcement handled your arrest or investigation, and position your case for the strongest possible outcome, whether that means a dismissal, a reduction in charges, or a not guilty verdict at trial.
Without an attorney, you risk waiving rights you did not know you had, accepting a plea deal that carries consequences you did not fully understand, or going into court unprepared against a prosecutor who does this every day. The criminal justice system in Albany County is not set up to give you the benefit of the doubt. An experienced defense attorney levels the playing field.
Criminal Charges We Defend in Laramie
Rogers & Garvie defends clients in Laramie and Albany County against the full range of criminal charges, including:
DUI / Driving Under the Influence
Wyoming law sets the blood alcohol limit at 0.08%. A first-offense DUI in Laramie carries up to six months in jail, fines up to $750, a 90-day license suspension, and mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device. Second and subsequent offenses carry significantly harsher penalties, including longer license suspensions and potential felony charges. If your BAC was especially high or there were aggravating factors such as a minor in the vehicle, you could be facing enhanced charges. We challenge the traffic stop, the field sobriety testing, and the chemical test results to build the strongest possible defense.
Drug Crimes
Wyoming has some of the toughest drug laws in the region. Depending on the substance and quantity involved, drug charges in Laramie can range from misdemeanor possession to felony possession with intent to distribute, carrying penalties of up to 20 years in prison and $25,000 in fines per charge. Laramie is a college town, and we regularly see drug charges arising from traffic stops, dormitory searches, and confidential informant operations. We scrutinize how evidence was obtained and whether law enforcement respected your Fourth Amendment rights. Wyoming also offers alternative sentencing programs for nonviolent drug offenders, and we know how to access them.
Theft and Property Crimes
Theft, burglary, criminal trespass, and vandalism charges in Wyoming range from misdemeanor to felony depending on the value of the property and the circumstances involved. A felony theft conviction carries prison time and a permanent criminal record. We analyze the evidence, challenge identification and intent, and work toward the best available outcome at every stage of the case.
Violent Crimes
Charges for assault, battery, aggravated assault, robbery, and domestic violence carry severe penalties in Wyoming and lasting consequences for your reputation, your employment, and your family. A conviction for a violent crime can affect child custody arrangements, strip your right to possess firearms, and make it difficult to find housing or employment for decades. These cases demand an attorney with real trial experience, not someone who handles criminal defense as a sideline.
Weapons and Firearms Offenses
Wyoming is a firearms-friendly state, but weapons charges, including unlawful possession, prohibited person in possession, and use of a firearm during the commission of a crime, carry serious consequences under both state and federal law. A conviction can permanently strip your Second Amendment rights. We defend firearms charges aggressively and understand the interplay between Wyoming and federal firearms law.
Domestic Violence
Domestic violence charges in Wyoming carry unique consequences beyond the criminal penalties. A conviction or even a protection order can affect your custody rights, your ability to possess firearms under federal law, and your housing. These cases often come down to conflicting accounts and credibility, and we know how to present your side effectively.
Expungements
If you have a prior conviction or arrest on your record, Wyoming law may allow you to petition for expungement under Wyo. Stat. § 7-13-1401. A clean record can reopen doors for employment, housing, and professional licensing. We evaluate your eligibility and handle the entire process.
How the Criminal Process Works in Laramie
Understanding what to expect can reduce the stress of facing criminal charges. Here is a general overview of how criminal cases proceed in Laramie and Albany County.
Arrest and Initial Appearance
After an arrest in Laramie, you will typically appear before a judge within 72 hours for an initial appearance. At this hearing, the judge will inform you of the charges, advise you of your rights, and set bail or bond conditions. What happens at this stage can determine whether you go home or stay in custody while your case is pending.
Arraignment
Arraignment is your first formal appearance after charges are filed. You will enter a plea, typically not guilty, and the court will set a schedule for the case going forward. Having an attorney at arraignment matters because bail conditions can be revisited and the tone for the entire case is set at this hearing.
Pretrial and Investigation
This is where the real work of a criminal defense happens. We obtain and review all discovery from the prosecution, investigate the facts independently, identify weaknesses in the state's case, file motions to suppress evidence obtained in violation of your constitutional rights, and negotiate with prosecutors where appropriate. Many cases are resolved favorably during this phase without ever going to trial.
Trial
If your case cannot be resolved through negotiation, it goes to trial. Thomas Garvie is a seasoned trial attorney who has tried cases to verdict across Wyoming. We do not push clients toward plea deals just to avoid the courtroom. If trial is the right call for your case, we are prepared.
Sentencing
If a case results in a conviction, whether by plea or verdict, we advocate aggressively at sentencing for the most favorable outcome available, including probation, alternative sentencing, and treatment programs where appropriate.
Why Choose Rogers & Garvie
Former Public Defender Thomas Garvie built his career in Wyoming criminal courts. He has handled hundreds of criminal matters, from misdemeanors to serious felonies, and tried them to verdict. He knows the prosecution's playbook because he has seen it from every angle.
We Know Laramie Courts Our office is in Laramie. We appear regularly in Albany County District Court, Circuit Court, and Laramie Municipal Court. We are familiar with the judges, the prosecutors, and the procedures. That local knowledge translates to better strategy and better outcomes for our clients.
Direct Attorney Access When you hire Rogers & Garvie, you work directly with your attorney. We keep our caseload manageable so that every client gets the attention their case deserves. You will never be handed off to a paralegal or left wondering what is happening with your case.
Flat Fee Pricing Our criminal defense fees are flat, not hourly. You know what representation costs before you sign anything. No surprise invoices, no incentive for us to run up your bill.
Statewide Representation While our office is in Laramie, we represent clients across Wyoming, including Cheyenne, Casper, Rawlins, and beyond. Distance is not a barrier to getting the defense you need.
Laramie Criminal Defense FAQs
What should I do if I am arrested in Laramie?
Invoke your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney. Do not answer questions, do not consent to searches, and do not make statements to law enforcement without your attorney present. Call Rogers & Garvie as soon as you are able at (307) 395-6438. The decisions you make in the first hours after an arrest can shape the entire outcome of your case.
How much does a criminal defense attorney in Laramie cost?
Our fees are flat, meaning you know the total cost of representation before you sign an engagement agreement. The specific fee depends on the nature and complexity of the charges. We discuss fees transparently during your free initial consultation. Trial representation, if necessary, is addressed separately.
Can my criminal charges be reduced or dismissed?
In many cases, yes. Charges may be reduced through negotiation or dismissed based on constitutional violations, evidentiary issues, or prosecutorial discretion. Wyoming also has diversion and alternative sentencing programs for certain first-time and nonviolent offenders. Whether these outcomes are available depends on the specific facts of your case, which is why having an experienced attorney review your situation early matters.
Will a criminal conviction affect my ability to get a job or rent an apartment?
Yes. A criminal conviction in Wyoming creates a permanent record that shows up on background checks. Many employers and landlords in Laramie and across Wyoming conduct these checks routinely. Felony convictions in particular can disqualify you from certain jobs, professional licenses, and housing. This is one of the reasons we fight every case as if your future depends on it, because it does.
Do I need an attorney for a misdemeanor charge?
Yes. Many people assume misdemeanors are minor, but a misdemeanor conviction in Wyoming still creates a criminal record, can result in jail time, and may affect your employment, housing, and other opportunities. Certain misdemeanors, such as domestic battery, carry additional consequences including the loss of your right to possess firearms under federal law. Every criminal charge deserves a real defense.
Can Rogers & Garvie represent me if I live outside of Laramie?
Absolutely. We represent clients throughout Wyoming and offer remote consultations for those who cannot easily travel to our Laramie office. We regularly appear in courts statewide, and distance is never a barrier to quality representation.
More Criminal Defense Information
DUI Defense
Drug Crimes
Theft and Property Crimes
Violent Crimes
Weapons and Firearms Offenses
Expungements
Casper Criminal Defense
Facing a Criminal Charge in Laramie? Call Today.
The sooner you have an attorney, the more options you have. Call Rogers & Garvie for a free, confidential consultation about your case — no commitment required.
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