New trial; motion for post-conviction testing of DNA; motion contents; sufficiency of allegations, consent to DNA sample; definitions.
Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 7-12-303
in effect(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.
Source: WY Statutes (Official Site)URL: https://wyoleg.gov/statutes/compress/title07.pdfFetched: 10/4/2026