The Honorable Seventh Judicial Circuit Court Judge Kevin Taheri presides at initials on 9/14/23 (Gregory Hirst, Oil City News)

CASPER, Wyo. — Provided below are the defendants and charges from appearances in Natrona County Circuit Court on Thursday, Sept. 14. 

The Honorable Seventh Judicial Circuit Court Judge Kevin Taheri presided, while Assistant District Attorney Sam Forshner 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 may be imposed at sentencing. 

Felonies and engrossed misdemeanors (pleas not entered in circuit court)

  • Daniel Hemmer, 40 – Forgery x6, theft: under $1,000, interference
    • $10,000 cash or surety bond

No contest and guilty pleas

  • Ross Lopez, 39 – Probation revocation
    • Six months imposed, review upon application to Adult Drug Court
  • Michael Davis, 26 – Probation revocation
    • 21 days imposed
  • Andy Mireles, 30 – Probation revocation
    • 30 days imposed

Not guilty pleas

  • Peyton Owens, 23 – Domestic battery
    • $250 cash or surety bond
  • Bryant Craven, 44 – Possession of methamphetamine, possession of fentanyl
    • $2,000 cash or surety bond
  • Kenneth Spears, 62 – Failure to appear for docket call on DUI
    • Renewed not guilty plea
    • New $500 cash or surety bond
  • Antonio Vera, 30 – Probation revocation
    • $1,000 cash-only bond