Wyoming Cocaine Laws

The possession, sale, or trafficking of cocaine is a felony crime in most states. Possession of even a small amount of the drug can lead to a year and or a $1,000 fine in Wyoming. This article explains Wyoming's drug classifications, where cocaine falls in the state's drug schedule, and the penalties associated with cocaine charges in the state of Wyoming.

Wyoming Drug Classifications

Wyoming’s cocaine laws resemble most other states’ laws. Cocaine is illegal in all 50 states and is a controlled substance under federal law as well. The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) classifies all drugs and medications according to their type, medical use, and risk of abuse. Wyoming’s Controlled Substances Act (Wyoming Statutes 35-7-1001 et seq.) mirrors the CSA.

A drug’s category or “schedule” determines the penalties for possession and distribution.

• A Schedule I drug is viewed as having no medical use, high abuse risk, and typically comes with the highest penalties. Examples include heroin and LSD. Wyoming also categorizes marijuana (spelled "marihuana" in the state statutes) as a Schedule I drug.

• Schedule II drugs have an accepted medical use but a high risk of abuse or physical dependence. For example: hydrocodone, codeine, and morphine are Schedule II drugs in Wyoming.

• Schedule III substances are those with low to moderate risk of dependence and an accepted medical use, such as anabolic steroids.

• Schedule IV drugs have a low potential for abuse but some risk of physical or psychological dependence, such as tramadol.

• Schedule V substances have a low potential for abuse and typically are products that contain narcotics, such as cough syrup with codeine.

Cocaine is a Schedule II drug. It has some medical uses despite its high risk of abuse and dependence. Both legal and illegal drugs are included in the controlled substances schedule. Prescription drugs, such as hydrocodone (Oxycontin), need a doctor’s signature for a user to have them.

Cocaine Charges in Wyoming

Most types of Schedule I and Schedule II drug possession charges are felonies. The amount of a controlled substance determines the severity of a simple possession charge. Crack cocaine, the crystallized form of cocaine, weighs more than the powdered form. Wyoming law does not discriminate between the two types except in small amounts for personal use.

• Less than 3 grams of cocaine or .5 grams of crack cocaine is a misdemeanor

• More than 3 grams of cocaine or .5 grams of crack cocaine is a felony

Possession or sale of drug paraphernalia is also a misdemeanor. Paraphernalia is not defined in Wyoming statutes, and law enforcement may use the charge as probable cause for a search.

Wyoming does not have a separate statute for drug trafficking (the sale of drugs across state lines). Trafficking is a federal drug offense. Transporting drugs into or out of Wyoming will lead to federal prison time and a lengthy criminal record.

Penalties for Cocaine in Wyoming

Someone charged with possession of a small amount of cocaine or other drugs for personal use may ask for probation and discharge. First offenders can receive deferred adjudication if they complete a term of probation, including any other requirements the judge wishes to impose. This option is only available to first offenders. Subsequent offenses typically receive double penalties.

The state also increases penalties if a person is caught selling cocaine to minors. Adults who sell drugs to minors can expect double penalties, and juveniles must complete community service, drug rehabilitation, and six months of drug testing, in addition to other penalties. Courts increase the sentences if the sale occurs within 500 feet of a school.

The manufacture or sale of any Schedule I or Schedule II narcotic drug is a felony and will result in a prison sentence of up to 20 years in prison and a fine of $25,000. Cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl are “narcotic drugs.”

Get Legal Advice from a Wyoming Criminal Defense Attorney

If you’re facing drug charges in Wyoming, you need legal advice from a Wyoming criminal defense lawyer who knows the state drug laws. Contact a lawyer right away and avoid jail time or worse in your Wyoming drug possession case.