In Wyoming the process for a traffic citation generally begins when an officer issues a written citation with a notice to appear in court. The citation is typically deposited with the court or its traffic violations bureau and can serve as the formal complaint that starts prosecution.
People charged may either appear in person or have counsel appear on their behalf. If a hearing is requested, the notice to appear must normally give at least five days between the citation and the scheduled appearance unless the defendant requests an earlier hearing.
Current Wyoming law
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The deadline that matters
The notice to appear must set the hearing at least five days after the alleged violation, unless an earlier hearing is requested.
What Wyoming law says
When an officer issues a written traffic citation the officer must include a notice to appear and give a copy to the person stopped under Wyo. Stat. § 31-5-1205. The citation or its required form, when filed with a court, may be treated as a lawful complaint for prosecution under Wyo. Stat. § 31-5-1213. The citation must be deposited with the court or its traffic violations bureau and may be disposed of only by trial, official court action, forfeiture of bail, or payment as provided in Wyo. Stat. § 31-5-1211. A promise to appear given when the citation is issued is enforceable and may be satisfied by an appearance by counsel; failure to appear is a misdemeanor with possible fine or imprisonment under Wyo. Stat. § 31-5-1206. The statutes governing citation and arrest procedures are not exclusive of other lawful procedures under Wyo. Stat. § 31-5-1207.
What to do
A common first step is to read the citation carefully to find the court listed and the scheduled date.
A common option is to file a written request for a hearing or contest in the court or traffic violations bureau where the citation was deposited.
Another common step is to arrange for counsel to appear, since a promise to appear may be complied with by counsel under the statutes.
People often confirm the court’s procedures for paying bail, requesting continuances, or obtaining the officer’s report from the traffic violations bureau.
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Common questions
Can the citation itself start a criminal case?
Yes, if the citation form includes the required sworn information and is filed with the court it may be treated as a lawful complaint for prosecution under Wyo. Stat. § 31-5-1213.
How soon will my hearing be scheduled after a citation?
The citation must specify a time at least five days after the alleged violation unless the person charged asks for an earlier hearing, per Wyo. Stat. § 31-5-1205.
What happens if someone does not appear at the hearing?
Failure to appear after promising to do so is a misdemeanor and may carry a fine or jail time under Wyo. Stat. § 31-5-1206.
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This page provides legal information, not legal advice. CiteLaw is not a law firm and does not represent you. For advice about your specific situation, consult a licensed attorney.
