CASPER, Wyo. — Provided below are the defendants and charges from appearances in Natrona County Circuit Court on Thursday, Nov. 14.
The Honorable Seventh Judicial Circuit Court Judge Brian Christensen presided while Assistant District Attorney Brandon Rosty represented the state.
All persons entering not guilty pleas or charged with felonies are presumed innocent until convicted or pleading guilty. Official charges are subject to change by the Natrona County District Attorney’s Office.
Pleas on felony charges are not entered in circuit court, though bond conditions are set.
A bail bondsman can post a surety bond, typically requiring 10–15%.
A “personal recognizance” or “signature” bond means there is no money required to get out, but the defendant could owe the full amount if they fail to appear.
Factors affecting bond and sentencing include the nature of the crime, the weight of the evidence, the defendant’s criminal history and their ties to the community.
The standard of evidence differs in probation revocations. The state is only required to prove the allegations in an affidavit for revocation “to a preponderance of the evidence.”
The defendant can admit and have the underlying sentenced imposed or resuspended. The defendant can also deny and seek representation at a contested hearing, and a new bond is set.
For purposes of this document, admissions and denials are represented as guilty and not guilty pleas, respectively.
Standard fees typically include $150 to the Crime Victims Compensation Fund, $70 in court costs and $50 to Drug Court assessment. Additional fines or restitution may be imposed at sentencing.
Felonies and engrossed misdemeanors
- Harlan Taylor, 32 — Possession of a controlled substance: third or subsequent upon conviction
- $7,500 cash or surety bond
No contest and guilty pleas
- Kurtis Kellch, 34 – Possession of methamphetamine (change of plea)
- One year suspended, one year supervised probation
- Kayla Riley, 29 – Possession of methamphetamine (change of plea)
- One year suspended, one year supervised probation
Not guilty pleas
- James Severson, 49 – Criminal trespass x4, domestic battery, property destruction: under $1,000
- $2,000 cash or surety bond
- Jason Martinez, 46 – Missed docket call for DUI: second in 10 years
- $1,000 cash or surety bond
- Thad Duke, 51 – Criminal entry, possession of methamphetamine
- $2,500 personal recognizance bond
