Natrona County Criminal Court handles all criminal cases that are filed in Natrona County. See below for more information about criminal cases in Natrona County.
Jury by Trial Right
The US Constitution (Article 3 along with the 6th Amendment) ensures an accused defendant the right to a jury trial. This applies to crimes that have a $500 fine or a potential sentence of six months in jail (aka Serious Crimes). This right to trial by jury can also be waived by a defendant.
Natrona County Prosecutor
For criminal cases in Natrona County, the prosecutor will be a representative of Natrona County. The Natrona County prosecutor reviews all evidence and ultimately decides whether to file or dismiss charges in the case. Most of the time, the prosecutor has leeway in plea negotiations and determines how the case will be prosecuted.
Natrona County Criminal Court
Where can I get help for my Natrona County criminal case?
The 6th amendment of the United States Constitution provides a criminal defendant with the right to an attorney. As read in the miranda rights, this means that if a defendant cannot afford to hire a private attorney a legal attorney will be appointed to the defendant to represent him at no cost to the defendant. This is often a public defender. In addition, the court clerk for Natrona County will also be able to provide general information about a specific criminal case. The clerk can only provide information and is not an attorney so they cannot provide legal advice, only a licensed attorney can provide legal advice about what the best options for are for your particular case.
What happens in Natrona County at an arraignment?
In Natrona County the defendant is brought into court and informed by the judge of the charges that have been filed against them along with informing them of their rights. At this time, the defendant can plead guilty, not guilty or no contest. If the defendant pleads guilty or no contest, there will be no trial and the defendant may be sentenced immediately or at a later date. If the defendant pleads not guilty a trial date is set.
Jury Deliberations in Natrona County
In Natrona County, jury deliberations will take place in a jury trial after the prosecution and defense have presented their cases and rested. At this point, the judge will provide a list of instructions to the jury about what they are allowed and not allowed to do and what verdict options are available for them to decide. The jury will be sent to a private room to discuss the evidence presented in the case and attempt to reach a unaminous decision. When a unaminous decision is reached, the jury will inform the judge that they have reached a verdict and will return to the courtroom for the verdict to be read allowed. In the event that the jury cannot reach a unanimous verdict, the jury results in a deadlock and a mistrial is declared.
What is the Burden of Proof?
The term “Burden of Proof” means that the prosecutor is required to prove the guilt of the defendant beyond a reasonable doubt. If the prosecutor cannot provide proof of the defendants guilt, then the judge or jury in a trial must find the defendant not guilty. In the United States the principle innocent until proven guilty derives from this that the defendant is assumed innocent and the prosecution has the burden of proving beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant is guilty.
The Right to Counsel
The Fifth and Sixth Amendments to the U.s. Constitution give defendants in criminal cases the right to counsel/attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney one will be appointed to represent you. Like other rights a defendant has, this one can be waived as well and alternatively you can choose to represent yourself.
Natrona County Criminal Court locations
Criminal proceedings take place in the Natrona County Criminal Courts. A list of the criminal courts are located here.
Appealing a guilty verdict
A defendant may appeal a guilty verdict to an appellate court. This is not a request to have another trial, but a request for an appellate court to review the case and determine that it was handled in a correct legal manner. There are a number of outcomes in an appeal including an upholding of the conviction, a finding that errors were made resulting in a retrial or resentencing or possibly a complete disimissal of all charges.
Can I request a Plea Agreement?
In Natrona County you may be able to enter into a plea agreement depending upon the severity of the charges. It is also dependant upon the prosecution willing to accept a plea agreement. You can ask your attorney to attempt to negotiate a plea agreement with the prosecution to avoid having a jury trial along with the potential for a more serious sentence. Approximately 9 out of 10 criminal cases usually end in a plea agreement.
Required Court Appearances in Natrona County
Any required court appearances in Natrona County Criminal Court must be attended by the defendant. Failure to appear in court at your required date and time may result in the judge issuing an arrest warrant.
Sentencing in Natrona County
In Natrona County if the defendant is found guilty (by trial or plea), the defendant will be sentenced. This sometimes occurrs immediately after being found guilty, but can also take place at a later date. In most instances, a judge will impose the sentence that is requested by the prosecution, but they also have the descretion to impose a different sentence.
Natrona County Criminal Court Locations
-
Natrona County District Court
Address: 115 North Center Street, Suite 100, Casper, WY 82601
Phone: 307-235-9243 Fax: 307-235-9493 -
Natrona County Circuit Court
Address: 115 North Center Street, Suite 400, Casper, WY 82601
Phone: 307-235-9266 Fax: 307-235-9331 -
Bar Nunn Municipal Court
Address: 4820 North Wardwell Industrial Avenue, Bar Nunn, WY 82601
Phone: 307-237-7269 -
Casper Municipal Court
Address: 200 North David Street, Casper, WY 82601
Phone: 307-235-8267 Fax: 307-235-8405 -
Edgerton Municipal Court
Address: 311 North 2nd Street, PO Box 407, Edgerton, WY 82635
Phone: 307-437-6763 -
Evansville Municipal Court
Address: 235 Curtis Street, Evansville WY 82636
Phone: 307-235-1282 -
Midwest Municipal Court
Address: 531 Peake Street, Midwest, WY 82643
Phone: 307-437-6513 -
Mills Municipal Court
Address: 704 4th Street, Mills, WY 82644
Phone: 307-472-2827