Appeal, Exceptions and New Trial

Wyo. Stat. Ann. tit. 7, ch. 12
in effect

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 7-12-101 Manner of appeal.

A defendant may appeal his conviction in any criminal case in the manner provided by the Wyoming Rules of Appellate Procedure.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 7-12-102 Right of district attorney to take exceptions; certification; rules.

The district attorney may take exceptions to any opinion or decision of the court made during the prosecution of a criminal case. Before being filed in the supreme court, the bill of exceptions shall be presented to the trial court which shall certify whether the contents of the bill are correct. If certified, the trial court shall sign the bill containing the exceptions and affix the seal of the court and the bill shall be made part of the record. The bill of exceptions shall be governed by rules as shall be promulgated by the Wyoming supreme court.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 7-12-103 Filing of bill by attorney general in supreme court.

Following certification of a bill of exceptions by the trial court as provided by W.S. 7-12-102, the attorney general may apply to the supreme court for permission to file the bill for review and decision upon the points presented. If the supreme court allows the bill to be filed, the judge who presided at the trial in which the bill was taken shall appoint a competent attorney to argue the case against the state and shall fix a reasonable fee for his service to be paid out of the treasury of the county in which the bill was taken.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 7-12-104 Decision of supreme court upon bill.

(a) If the bill of exceptions is allowed to be filed, the supreme court shall render a decision on each point presented. (b) The decision of the supreme court shall determine the law to govern in any similar case which may be pending at the time the decision is rendered, or which may afterwards arise in the state, but shall not reverse nor in any manner affect the judgment of the court in the case in which the bill of exceptions was taken.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 7-12-201 Disposition of defendant.

(a) If the judgment of conviction of any defendant committed to a state penal institution is reversed on appeal, the clerk of the supreme court shall forward to the department of corrections and to the administrator of the institution a certified copy of the court's mandate directing the defendant's discharge or a new trial. (b) Upon receipt of the mandate the director of the department of corrections shall direct the administrator either to discharge the defendant or return the defendant to the county jail of the county in which the defendant was convicted to be held in the custody of the sheriff pending a new trial.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 7-12-303 New trial; motion for post-conviction testing of DNA; motion contents; sufficiency of allegations, consent to DNA sample; definitions.

(a) As used in this act: (i) "DNA" means deoxyribonucleic acid; (ii) "Movant" means the person filing a motion under subsection (c) of this section; (iii) "This act" means W.S. 7-12-302 through 7-12-315. (b) Notwithstanding any law or rule of procedure that bars a motion for a new trial as untimely, a convicted person may use the results of a DNA test ordered pursuant to this act as the grounds for filing a motion for a new trial. (c) A person convicted of a felony offense may, preliminary to the filing of a motion for a new trial, file a motion for post-conviction DNA testing in the district court that entered the judgment of conviction against him if the movant asserts under oath and the motion includes a good faith, particularized factual basis containing the following information: (i) Why DNA evidence is material to: (A) The identity of the perpetrator of, or accomplice to, the crime; (B) A sentence enhancement; or (C) An aggravating factor alleged in a capital case. (ii) That evidence is still in existence and is in a condition that allows DNA testing to be conducted; (iii) That the chain of custody is sufficient to establish that the evidence has not been substituted, contaminated or altered in any material aspect that would prevent reliable DNA testing; (iv) That the specific evidence to be tested can be identified; (v) That the type of DNA testing to be conducted is specified; (vi) That the DNA testing employs a scientific method sufficiently reliable and relevant to be admissible under the Wyoming Rules of Evidence; (vii) That a theory of defense can be presented, not inconsistent with theories previously asserted at trial, that the requested DNA testing would support; (viii) That the evidence was not previously subjected to DNA testing, or if the evidence was previously tested one (1) of the following would apply: (A) The result of the testing was inconclusive; (B) The evidence was not subjected to the testing that is now requested, and the new testing may resolve an issue not resolved by the prior testing; or (C) The requested DNA test would provide results that are significantly more accurate and probative of the identity of the perpetrator or accomplice. (ix) That the evidence that is the subject of the request for testing has the potential to produce new, noncumulative evidence that will establish the movant's actual innocence. (d) The court may not order DNA testing in cases in which the trial or a plea of guilty or nolo contendere occurred after July 1, 2008 and the person did not request DNA testing or present DNA evidence for strategic or tactical reasons or as a result of a lack of due diligence, unless the failure to exercise due diligence is found to be a result of ineffective assistance of counsel. A person convicted on or before July 1, 2008 shall not be required to make a showing of due diligence under this subsection.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 7-12-304 Service of process; response by the state; preservation of evidence.

(a) Notice of the motion filed under W.S. 7-12-303(c) shall be served upon the district attorney in the county in which the conviction occurred and, if applicable, the governmental agency or laboratory holding the evidence sought to be tested. (b) The district attorney who is served shall within sixty (60) days after receipt of service of a copy of the motion, or within any additional period of time the court allows, answer or otherwise respond to the motion requesting DNA testing. (c) The district attorney who is served may support the motion requesting DNA testing or oppose the motion with a statement of reasons and may recommend to the court, if any DNA testing is ordered, that a particular type of testing should be conducted, or object to the proposed testing laboratory, or make such other objections, recommendations or requests as will preserve the integrity of the evidence, including, but not limited to, requests for independent testing by the state or procedures in the event that the proposed testing will deplete the DNA sample. (d) If a motion is filed pursuant to W.S. 7-12-303(c), and the motion asserts the evidence is in the custody of the state or its agents, the court shall order the state to preserve during the pendency of the proceeding all material and relevant evidence in the state's possession or control that could be subjected to DNA testing and analysis. The state shall prepare an inventory of the evidence and shall submit a copy of the inventory to the movant and to the court. If the state determines that the evidence is no longer available, the state shall notify the court and the movant of the loss or destruction of the evidence and explain its loss or destruction. The state shall provide copies of chain of custody documentation or other documents explaining the loss or destruction of the evidence. After a motion is filed under W.S. 7-12-303(c), prosecutors in the case, law enforcement officers and crime laboratory personnel shall cooperate in preserving material and relevant evidence and in determining the sufficiency of the chain of custody of the evidence which may be subject to DNA testing.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 7-12-305 Review by the court; hearing on motion, findings; order.

(a) If the court determines that a motion is filed in compliance with the requirements of W.S. 7-12-303(c) and the state has had opportunity to respond to the motion, the court shall set a hearing for not more than ninety (90) days after the date the motion was filed. If the court finds that the motion does not comply with the requirements of W.S. 7-12-303(c), the court may deny the motion without hearing. (b) The hearing under subsection (a) of this section shall be heard by the judge who conducted the trial that resulted in the movant's conviction unless the judge is unavailable. (c) The movant and the state may present evidence by sworn and notarized affidavits or by testimony; provided, however, any affidavit shall be served on the opposing party at least fifteen (15) days prior to the hearing. (d) The movant shall be required to present a prima facie case showing that the evidence supports findings consistent with the facts asserted under W.S. 7-12-303(c) and DNA testing of the specified evidence would, assuming exculpatory results, establish: (i) The actual innocence of the movant of the offense for which the movant was convicted; or (ii) In a capital case: (A) The movant's actual innocence of the charged or uncharged conduct constituting an aggravating circumstance; or (B) A mitigating circumstance as a result of the DNA testing. (e) If the court finds that the movant has presented a prima facie case showing that the evidence supports findings consistent with W.S. 7-12-303(c) and the evidence would establish actual innocence, the court may order testing, subject to W.S. 7-12-306.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 7-12-306 Designation of testing laboratory.

(a) If the court orders DNA testing pursuant to W.S. 7-12-305(e), the DNA test shall be performed by the Wyoming state crime laboratory unless the movant establishes that the state crime laboratory has a conflict of interest or does not have the capability to perform the necessary testing. (b) If the court orders that the DNA testing under W.S. 7-12-305(e) shall be conducted by a laboratory other than the state crime laboratory, the court shall require that the testing be performed: (i) Under reasonable conditions designed to protect the state's interests in the integrity of the evidence; (ii) By a laboratory that: (A) Meets standards that at minimum comply with the standards of the DNA advisory board established pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 14131; and (B) Is accredited by the American society of crime laboratory directors accreditation board.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 7-12-307 Discovery.

(a) If the DNA evidence being tested under this act has been previously subjected to DNA analysis by either the state or defense prior to the hearing conducted under W.S. 7-12-305, the court may order the state or defense to provide each party and the court with access to the laboratory reports prepared in connection with the DNA analysis, as well as the underlying data and laboratory notes. If DNA or other analysis was previously conducted by either the state or defense without the knowledge of the other party, all information relating to the testing shall be disclosed by the motion filed under W.S. 7-12-303(c) or any response thereto. (b) The results of any DNA testing ordered under W.S. 7-12-305(e) shall be fully disclosed to the movant, the district attorney, the attorney general and the court. If requested by any party, the court shall order production of the underlying laboratory data and notes or chain of custody documents.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 7-12-308 Right to counsel.

A convicted person is entitled to counsel during a proceeding under this act. Upon request of the person, the court shall appoint counsel for the convicted person if the court determines that the person is needy and the person wishes to submit a motion under W.S. 7-12-303(c). Counsel shall be appointed as provided in W.S. 7-6-104(c)(vii).

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 7-12-309 Costs of testing.

(a) The person filing a motion under W.S. 7-12-303(c) shall bear the cost of the DNA testing unless: (i) The person is serving a sentence of imprisonment; (ii) The person is needy; and (iii) The DNA test supports the person's motion. (b) In the case of a person meeting the criteria specified in paragraphs (a)(i) through (iii) of this section, the costs of testing shall be paid by the state.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 7-12-310 Order following testing.

(a) If the results of the DNA analysis are inconclusive or show that the movant is the source of the evidence, the court shall deny any motion for a new trial based upon the DNA evidence and shall provide the results to the board of parole. (b) If the results of the DNA analysis are consistent with assertions contained in the movant's motion, the court shall set the matter for hearing on the motion for a new trial. (c) Upon the stipulation of both parties or a motion for dismissal of the original charges against the movant by the state in lieu of a retrial, the court shall: (i) Vacate the movant's conviction consistent with the evidence demonstrating the movant's actual innocence; (ii) Issue an order of actual innocence and exoneration; and (iii) Issue an order of expungement. (d) In the event a retrial is pursued and conducted and the movant is acquitted at the retrial, the court shall: (i) Issue an order of actual innocence and exoneration; and (ii) Issue an order of expungement.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 7-12-311 Victim notification.

Following any motion filed under this act, the district attorney shall provide notice to the victim that the motion has been filed, the time and place for any hearing that may be held as a result of the motion, and the disposition of the motion. For purposes of this section, "victim" means as defined in W.S. 1-40-202(a)(ii).

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 7-12-312 Rights not waived; refiling of uncharged offenses.

(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the right to file a motion under W.S. 7-12-303(c) shall not be waived. The prohibition against waiver of the right provided under this section applies to, but is not limited to, a waiver that is given as part of an agreement resulting in a plea of guilty or nolo contendere. (b) If a movant is granted a new trial under this act, any offense that was dismissed or not charged pursuant to a plea agreement that resulted in the conviction that has been set aside as a result of this act may be refiled by the state.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 7-12-313 Appeal.

(a) An order granting or denying a motion for DNA testing filed under W.S. 7-12-303(c) shall not be appealable, but may be subject to review only under a writ of review filed by the movant, the district attorney or the attorney general. The petition for a writ of review may be filed no later than twenty (20) days after the court's order granting or denying the motion for DNA testing. (b) Any party to the action may appeal to the Wyoming supreme court any order granting or denying a motion for a new trial under W.S. 7-12-310(b).

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 7-12-314 Subsequent motions.

The court shall not be required to entertain a second or subsequent motion under W.S. 7-12-303(c) on behalf of the same movant, except where there is clear and compelling evidence that the evidence sought to be tested was wrongfully withheld from the movant by the state or its agents.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 7-12-315 Consensual testing.

Nothing in this act shall be interpreted to prohibit a convicted person and the state from consenting to and conducting post-conviction DNA testing without filing a motion under W.S. 7-12-303(c). Notwithstanding any other provision of law governing post-conviction relief, if DNA test results are obtained under testing conducted upon consent of the parties and the results are favorable to the convicted person, the convicted person may file, and the court shall adjudicate, a motion for a new trial based on the DNA test results.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 7-12-401 Short title.

This act shall be known and may be cited as the "Post-Conviction Determination of Factual Innocence Act."

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 7-12-402 Definitions.

(a) As used in this act: (i) "Bona fide issue of factual innocence" means that the newly discovered evidence presented by the petitioner, if credible, would clearly establish the petitioner's factual innocence; (ii) "Factual innocence" or "factually innocent" means a person: (A) Did not engage in the conduct for which he was convicted; (B) Did not engage in conduct constituting a lesser included or inchoate offense of the crime for which he was convicted; and (C) Did not commit any other crime arising out of or reasonably connected to the facts supporting the indictment or information upon which he was convicted. (iii) "Forensic science" is the application of scientific or technical practices to the recognition, collection, analysis and interpretation of evidence for criminal and civil law or regulatory issues; (iv) "Newly discovered evidence" means evidence that was not available to the petitioner at trial or during the resolution by the trial court of any motion to withdraw a guilty plea or motion for new trial and which is relevant to the determination of the issue of factual innocence, including: (A) Evidence that was discovered prior to or in the course of any appeal or post-conviction proceedings that served in whole or in part as the basis to vacate or reverse the petitioner's conviction; (B) Evidence that supports the claims within a petition for post-conviction relief under W.S. 7-14-101 through 7-14-108 that is pending at the time of the court's determination of factual innocence under this act; or (C) Relevant forensic scientific evidence that was not available at the time of trial or during the resolution by the trial court of any motion to withdraw a guilty plea or motion for new trial, or that undermines forensic evidence presented at trial. Forensic scientific evidence is to be considered as "undermined" if new research or information exists that repudiates: (I) The foundational validity of the challenged evidence or testimony. "Foundational validity" means the reliability of the method to be repeatable, reproducible and accurate in a scientific setting; or (II) The applied validity of the method or technique. "Applied validity" means the reliability of the method or technique in practice. (v) "This act" means W.S. 7-12-401 through 7-12-407.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 7-12-403 Petition for exoneration based on factual innocence; conduct of proceedings.

(a) A person who has been convicted of a felony offense may petition the district court in the county in which the person was convicted for a hearing to establish that the person is factually innocent of the crime or crimes of which the person was convicted. (b) The petition shall contain an assertion of factual innocence under oath by the petitioner and shall aver, with supporting affidavits or other credible documents, that: (i) Newly discovered evidence exists that, if credible, establishes a bona fide issue of factual innocence; (ii) The specific evidence identified by the petitioner establishes innocence and is material to the case and the determination of factual innocence; (iii) The material evidence identified by the petitioner is not merely cumulative of evidence that was known, is not reliant solely upon recantation of testimony by a witness against the petitioner and is not merely impeachment evidence; (iv) When viewed with all other evidence in the case, whether admitted during trial or not, the newly discovered evidence demonstrates that the petitioner is factually innocent; and (v) Newly discovered evidence claimed in the petition is distinguishable from any claims made in prior petitions. (c) The court shall review the petition in accordance with the procedures in W.S. 7-12-404, and make a finding whether the petition has satisfied the requirements of subsection (b) of this section. If the court finds the petition does not meet all the requirements of subsection (b) of this section, it shall dismiss the petition without prejudice and send notice of the dismissal to the petitioner, the district attorney, and the attorney general. (d) The petition shall also contain an averment that: (i) Neither the petitioner nor the petitioner's counsel knew of the evidence at the time of trial or sentencing or in time to include the evidence in any previously filed post-trial motion or post-conviction petition, and the evidence could not have been discovered by the petitioner or the petitioner's counsel through the exercise of reasonable diligence; or (ii) A court has found ineffective assistance of counsel for failing to exercise reasonable diligence in uncovering the evidence. (e) Upon entry of a finding that the petition is sufficient under subsection (b) of this section, the court shall then review the petition to determine if subsection (d) of this section has been satisfied. If the court finds that the requirements of subsection (d) of this section have not been satisfied, it may dismiss the petition without prejudice and give notice to the petitioner, the district attorney and the attorney general of the dismissal, or the court may waive the requirements of subsection (d) if the court finds the petition should proceed to hearing and that there is other evidence that could have been discovered through the exercise of reasonable diligence by the petitioner or the petitioner's counsel at trial, and the other evidence: (i) Was not discovered by the petitioner or the petitioner's counsel; (ii) Is material upon the issue of factual innocence; and (iii) Has never been presented to a court. (f) A person who has already obtained post-conviction relief that vacated or reversed the person's conviction or sentence may also file a petition under this act in the same manner and form as described above, if no retrial or appeal regarding this offense is pending. (g) If some or all of the newly discovered evidence alleged in a petition filed under this act is biological evidence subject to DNA testing, the petitioner shall seek DNA testing pursuant to W.S. 7-19-401 through 7-19-406. Separate petitions may be filed simultaneously in the same court. (h) Except as provided in this act, and unless otherwise inconsistent with the provisions of this act, the petition and all subsequent proceedings shall be governed by the Wyoming Rules of Civil Procedure and the Wyoming Rules of Evidence and shall include the underlying criminal case number. (j) Once a petition is filed under this section, attorneys for the state, law enforcement officers and crime laboratory personnel shall preserve the evidence that is the subject of the petition and shall preserve information to determine the sufficiency of the chain of custody of the evidence.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 7-12-404 Service of process; response by state; review by the court.

(a) A person filing a petition under this act shall serve notice and a copy of the petition upon the office of the district attorney where the conviction was obtained and upon the Wyoming attorney general. (b) The assigned district judge shall conduct an initial review of the petition. If it is apparent to the court that the petitioner is merely relitigating facts, issues or evidence presented in previous proceedings or presenting issues that appear frivolous or speculative on their face, the court shall dismiss the petition, state the basis for the dismissal and serve notice of dismissal upon the petitioner, the district attorney and the attorney general. If, upon completion of the initial review, the court does not dismiss the petition, it shall order the district attorney to file a response to the petition. (c) The district attorney shall, within one hundred twenty (120) days after receipt of the court's order requiring a response, or within any additional period of time the court allows, answer or otherwise respond to the petition and serve the same upon the petitioner and the attorney general. (d) After the time for response by the district attorney has passed, the court shall order a hearing if it finds the petition meets the requirements of W.S. 7-12-403 and finds there is a bona fide and compelling issue of factual innocence regarding the charges of which the petitioner was convicted. No bona fide and compelling issue of factual innocence exists if the petitioner is merely relitigating facts, issues or evidence presented in a previous proceeding or if the petitioner is unable to identify with sufficient specificity the nature and reliability of the newly discovered evidence that establishes the petitioner's factual innocence. (e) Within thirty (30) days after the date the district attorney responds to the petition, the petitioner may reply. Within thirty (30) days after the time for petitioner to reply has passed, the court shall consider the petition and any response and enter an order either denying the petition or granting a hearing on the petition. The court may not grant a hearing during the period in which criminal proceedings in the matter are pending before any trial or appellate court, unless stipulated to by the parties. (f) If the court grants a hearing, both the hearing and the final order following the hearing shall occur and be entered within one hundred fifty (150) days after the last day for the petitioner to reply to the district attorney's response to the petition, unless for good cause the court determines additional time is required. (g) If the court sets a hearing on the petition and evidence is in the custody of the state or its agents, upon request of the petitioner, the court shall order the state to preserve all material and relevant evidence in the state's possession or control during the pendency of the proceeding. (h) Upon motion, the court may order forensic testing of any available evidence. (j) If the court orders forensic testing under subsection (h) of this section, the testing shall be performed by the Wyoming state crime laboratory unless the movant establishes that the state crime laboratory has a conflict of interest or does not have the capability to perform the necessary testing. (k) If the court orders that forensic testing under subsection (h) of this section shall be conducted by a laboratory other than the Wyoming state crime laboratory, the court shall require that the testing be performed by a laboratory that is accredited by the American society of crime laboratory directors accreditation board, ANSI-ASQ national accreditation board or a successor accrediting body. (m) The movant shall bear the cost of forensic testing ordered under subsection (h) of this section unless the court determines the movant is needy and the forensic testing supports the movant's petition for exoneration, in which case the court shall order the state to bear the cost of the forensic testing. (n) If the parties stipulate the evidence establishes the petitioner is factually innocent, the court may find the petitioner is factually innocent without holding a hearing. If the state will not stipulate the evidence establishes the petitioner is factually innocent, no determination of factual innocence may be made by the court without first holding a hearing. (o) Upon stipulation of the parties or the state's motion for dismissal of the original charges against the petitioner, the court shall vacate the petitioner's conviction, issue an order of factual innocence and exoneration and order expungement of the records of the original conviction. (p) If, after a hearing, the court determines that the petitioner has proven his factual innocence by clear and convincing evidence, the court shall issue an order of factual innocence and exoneration and shall order expungement of the records of the original conviction.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 7-12-405 Appointment of counsel.

The court may appoint counsel for a petitioner upon a determination that the petition is not subject to summary dismissal and the petitioner is needy. Counsel shall be appointed as provided in W.S. 7-6-104(c)(vii).

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 7-12-406 Victim notification.

Following any petition filed under W.S. 7-12-403, the district attorney shall make reasonable efforts to provide notice to the victim that the petition has been filed, the time and place for any hearing that may be held as a result of the petition and the disposition of the petition. For purposes of this section, "victim" means as defined in W.S. 1-40-202(a)(ii).
Source: WY Statutes (Official Site)URL: https://wyoleg.gov/statutes/compress/title07.pdfFetched: 10/4/2026

Starting a business in Wyoming? Wyoming LLC guide: costs and requirements