Wyoming Felony Laws
Posted by Tamara
Wyoming has some very unusual felony laws. Wyoming is one of only two states where dog fighting is not a felony. However, under Wyoming law, it is a felony to gamble, including betting on a dogfight – but only if you’re a professional.
Wyoming felony laws are not the oddest, by any stretch of the imagination. In fact, nearly every state has a few odd laws. In Arizona, it’s a felony to aimlessly fire a gun into the air in celebration. In Alabama, it’s a felony to pass a stopped school bus, even if there is no traffic accident and no one is injured. In Mississippi, it’s a felony to sell untagged oysters. Not only do citizens in Florida have the right to carry concealed weapons, a proposed law in Florida would make it a felony for employers to ban guns in the workplace. In Arkansas, it’s a felony to excavate or display human remains, even for historical or educational purposes.
Originally, felonies were limited to only the most serious of crimes: murder, rape, and child molestation. Less serious offenses were misdemeanors. In ancient times, felonies were punishable by death or dismemberment, and forfeiture of all property. Today, many crimes have been promoted to felony status. In various states, felony offenses include aggravated assault, battery, arson, burglary, drug possession or distribution, embezzlement, treason, espionage and racketeering. Many of these crimes also have misdemeanor versions. Fortunately, penalties have been reduced as well, although virtually all felonies carry a minimum sentence of one year in a state or federal penitentiary.
Wyoming felony laws are no stranger than those in other states are. In California, petty thefts can be prosecuted as a felony if the accused has a history of theft. Felony convictions include stealing a single slice of pepperoni pizza from a group of children, or stealing four chocolate chip cookies. Both of these offenders were convicted and sentenced to 25 years in jail or more without parole, under California habitual offender laws. By contrast, possession of 25.9 grams of marijuana is a misdemeanor in California. Conviction carries a $100 fine, and no jail sentence.
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