Eric Hunt / Wikimedia Commons
Why It Matters
A sitting Wyoming state representative facing a DUI charge is heading toward a jury trial just weeks after a primary election fight, raising questions about the future of his legislative seat and his standing within the Wyoming Freedom Caucus. The case has drawn additional attention after a judge ruled some of the prosecution’s key evidence inadmissible.
What Happened
Rep. Bill Allemand, a two-term Republican representing House District 58 and a member of the Wyoming Freedom Caucus, was arrested on December 28 at a Buffalo gas station following a traffic stop initiated at approximately 12:37 p.m. The stop was prompted by a REDDI — Report Every Drunk Driver Immediately — call from another driver.
A Johnson County Sheriff’s deputy observed Allemand abruptly stop short of striking a passing vehicle at an intersection before pulling him over. During the encounter, Allemand told the deputy he had consumed “probably two beers” before being stopped and acknowledged he drinks beer while driving on interstates to manage anxiety. The deputy placed him in handcuffs, citing the presence of a firearm in the vehicle as a safety concern. Allemand was subsequently charged with driving under the influence.
The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office released approximately one hour of bodycam footage from the stop. Allemand said the video backs up his account of the incident. “It shows that I was not drunk. It shows how I was treated by law enforcement,” he said in a public statement. He also pushed back on what he characterized as unfair pretrial attention, saying, “They don’t think they can win in court, so they’re trying me in the media.”
Key Ruling Before Trial
On June 19, Magistrate Judge Jeremy Kisling issued a significant ruling with potential consequences for the prosecution’s case. The judge found that statements Allemand made while handcuffed and detained — without having first been read his Miranda rights — are inadmissible at trial. However, Judge Kisling also ruled that the initial traffic stop itself was lawful, leaving the core DUI charge intact.
The exclusion of those statements narrows the evidence prosecutors can present, which may explain Allemand’s confidence heading into trial.
By the Numbers
- Dec. 28: Date of the traffic stop and arrest in Buffalo, Wyoming
- 12:37 p.m.: Approximate time of the stop
- 2: Number of beers Allemand said he consumed prior to the stop
- June 19: Date of the judge’s Miranda ruling
- August 18: Upcoming GOP primary election date
- September: Scheduled month for jury trial
Political Stakes
Allemand is running for a third term representing House District 58 and faces a competitive primary challenge from Bar Nunn Mayor Peter Boyer on August 18. A Democratic candidate, Keenan Morgan, awaits in the general election.
The timing of the trial — scheduled for September, after the primary — is not accidental. Allemand had pushed to have the trial held in May, before the height of election season, but had also previously sought a delay when proceedings conflicted with the legislative budget session. The September date means voters in the GOP primary will cast their ballots before a verdict is reached.
What’s Next
With the jury trial set for September and the primary election approaching on August 18, the next several weeks will be critical for Allemand on two fronts. He will need to secure his party’s nomination while the DUI charge continues to draw public scrutiny. The admissibility ruling likely shifts momentum somewhat in his favor heading into trial, but a conviction — should it come — could have consequences for any legislative future beyond November.
For related Wyoming law enforcement and government coverage, see the Laramie County Sheriff’s response to an ACLU lawsuit over ICE immigration agreements and recent reporting on record falsification claims at the Wyoming Boys School.
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