Bill > HB0052

This bill creates a new law (W.S. 7-12-105) that establishes the state's right to appeal in criminal cases under specific circumstances. The bill allows the state to appeal as a matter of right in eleven different scenarios, including dismissal of indictments, suppression of evidence, orders granting new trials, withdrawal of guilty pleas, and orders related to defendant competency or mental capacity. These scenarios cover a wide range of judicial decisions that could potentially impact the prosecution of a criminal case. Additionally, the bill provides the state with the ability to seek discretionary appellate review of certain interlocutory orders (preliminary court decisions) before legal jeopardy attaches, which means before a defendant is formally put at risk of conviction. The law is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and represents a significant expansion of the state's ability to challenge court decisions in criminal proceedings, potentially giving prosecutors more tools to contest judicial rulings they believe are incorrect or problematic.

Justice

Judiciary (Joint)

https://www.wyoleg.gov/Legislation/2025/HB0052