R. Michael Vang P.C. R. Michael Vang P.C.
307-336-7570

Aggravated DUI Lawyer in Laramie

Albany County Defense for Elevated DUI Charges

An aggravated DUI in Wyoming isn’t simply a worse version of a standard DUI. It’s a distinct category of charge that carries steeper fines, longer mandatory jail exposure, and felony-level consequences depending on the circumstances. Aggravating factors under Wyoming law include a blood alcohol concentration of .15 percent or higher, a passenger younger than 16 in the vehicle, causing serious bodily injury or death, or a fourth offense within a 10-year lookback period.

R. Michael Vang P.C. defends clients facing these charges in Laramie and throughout Albany County. With over 28 years of experience in Wyoming DUI and criminal defense and more than 100 criminal jury trials handled, the firm brings substantive trial experience to cases where the stakes are highest.

R. Michael Vang P.C. offers a free consultation for those facing an aggravated DUI charge in the Laramie area. Call (307) 336-7570 to discuss your case.

Forensic Credentials That Directly Apply to Aggravated DUI Defense

Many aggravated DUI cases turn on a single number: the reported BAC. That number comes from a breath test or a blood draw, both of which involve laboratory procedures, instrument calibration, and handling protocols that can be challenged. R. Michael Vang P.C. is positioned to conduct that challenge at a technical level informed by substantial Wyoming DUI defense experience.

Mr. Vang holds the Forensic Lawyer-Scientist Designation awarded by the American Chemical Society’s Chemistry and the Law Division on June 13, 2015. That designation reflects formal training in forensic science methodology, not just familiarity with DUI law. He is currently the only Wyoming attorney to have completed the Axion Forensic Chromatography class, the Axion Forensic Drug Analysis class, and the Axion Forensic Driving Under the Influence of Drugs class. That coursework directly informs how the firm evaluates the testing procedures used to produce BAC readings in aggravated DUI cases.

In 2022, the National College of DUI Defense recognized Mr. Vang with its Trial Advocacy Award. He has also taught criminal and DUI defense to other attorneys and argued cases before the Wyoming Supreme Court and the United States Supreme Court. For clients in Laramie, that means representation by an attorney with credentials reflected at multiple levels of the legal system.

What Makes a DUI “Aggravated” Under Wyoming Law

Wyoming law identifies several circumstances that elevate a DUI beyond the standard charge. Which factor applies shapes every aspect of the defense strategy.

  • BAC of .15 percent or higher: A reading at or above this threshold triggers an aggravated designation on a first offense and requires installation of an ignition interlock device for at least six months upon conviction under Wyo. Stat. § 31-5-233.
  • Minor passenger: Driving under the influence with a passenger younger than 16 in the vehicle increases mandatory jail exposure even on a first offense.
  • Serious bodily injury: A DUI causing serious injury to another person is charged as a felony under Wyo. Stat. § 31-5-233, carrying fines between $2,000 and $5,000 and up to 10 years in prison.
  • Death of another person: Causing death while driving under the influence is charged as aggravated homicide by vehicle under Wyo. Stat. § 6-2-106, a felony carrying up to 20 years in prison.
  • Fourth offense within 10 years: A fourth DUI conviction within a 10-year lookback period is a felony in Wyoming, carrying up to seven years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

How Albany County Courts Handle These Cases

Where a case is filed depends on the charge level and the arresting agency. Citations issued by the Laramie Police Department or the University of Wyoming Police Department are typically processed through Laramie Municipal Court, while citations from the Albany County Sheriff’s Office or Wyoming Highway Patrol are handled in Albany County Circuit Court. Felony-level charges, including DUI causing serious injury, aggravated homicide by vehicle, and fourth-offense DUI, are heard by the District Court of the 2nd Judicial District, which also sits in Albany County.

There’s also a parallel process with the Wyoming Department of Transportation. Drivers have 20 days from the date of arrest to request a hearing to contest a license suspension. Missing that deadline forfeits the right to contest it. R. Michael Vang P.C. represents clients on both tracks simultaneously, defending the criminal case in court while handling the WYDOT license proceeding.

The Defense Approach for Aggravated DUI Charges

The forensic training that distinguishes R. Michael Vang P.C. isn’t incidental to aggravated DUI defense. When the charge rests on a BAC of .15 percent or higher, the reliability of that number is the core issue. Mr. Vang’s Forensic Lawyer-Scientist designation enables the firm to evaluate laboratory protocols and cross-examine government witnesses about potential testing errors, calibration issues, or contamination that could affect the reported result.

The firm also examines the legality of the traffic stop itself. A stop not supported by reasonable suspicion can affect the admissibility of everything that followed. Under Wyoming’s implied consent law, refusing to submit to chemical testing no longer triggers an automatic license suspension for most drivers, though law enforcement can seek a warrant to compel a blood draw. Continued refusal after a warrant can lead to a separate charge for interference with a peace officer. Commercial driver’s license holders still face a one-year disqualification for refusing to test. That combination of consequences makes early legal involvement especially important.

University of Wyoming students and individuals who hold professional licenses face consequences that reach beyond the criminal court process. Academic standing, professional licensing boards, and background check implications can all be affected by an aggravated DUI charge, independent of how the criminal case resolves.

Start with a Free Consultation

An aggravated DUI charge moves quickly through the Albany County court system, and the 20-day WYDOT deadline runs from the date of arrest. R. Michael Vang P.C. offers a free initial consultation to review the circumstances of the arrest, explain the applicable charges and penalties, and outline a defense strategy. Call (307) 336-7570 to schedule your consultation with R. Michael Vang P.C..

  • “Mr. Vang is an outstanding attorney.”
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  • DUI Defense Lawyers Association
  • ASC
  • ASC-CHAL
  • Martindale AV Peer Review
  • Avvo 10.0
  • National College for DUI Defense

Fighting to Protect Your Rights

  • Teaches Other Attorneys DUI Law
  • Over 27 Years of Experience
  • Initial Consultation is Always Free
  • Specializes in Criminal & DUI Cases

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