CHEYENNE, WY — A new bill introduced in the Wyoming House of Representatives could offer significant legal and financial relief to individuals who lawfully defend themselves and are later cleared of criminal charges. House Bill 0014 (HB0014), titled Protecting Self-Defense-Reimbursement and Amendments, was officially received for introduction on January 9, 2026.
Sponsored by a coalition of representatives and senators, HB0014 seeks to reinforce the rights of individuals who use reasonable defensive force under Wyoming’s self-defense statutes by providing two major protections: full reimbursement of legal costs and automatic eligibility for record expungement following acquittal or dismissal of charges.
Reimbursement for Self-Defense Cases
Under the newly proposed W.S. 6‑2‑604, individuals who are found not guilty, have charges dismissed, or are released from prosecution due to lawful self-defense would be eligible to recover reasonable legal expenses. These include bail, attorney fees, loss of time, and costs associated with pursuing expungement. The reimbursement must be authorized by the court in the jurisdiction where the charges were filed.
Additionally, the bill ensures that petitioners are not required to pay filing fees when seeking reimbursement. If the court determines eligibility, it is also tasked with calculating and awarding the appropriate reimbursement amount.
While this reimbursement is not considered an independent cause of action, the legislation leaves open the possibility of pursuing claims under the Wyoming Governmental Claims Act if an individual feels the reimbursement was denied or insufficient.
Record Expungement for Lawful Self-Defense
Section 6‑2‑605 of the bill mandates that individuals cleared on self-defense grounds are entitled to have all related records expunged. Upon acquittal, courts are required to inform defendants of their right to immediate expungement.
Petitions for expungement must include identifying information, a sworn statement of eligibility, and a request for an order to expunge all associated records. Prosecutors and law enforcement have 20 days to object to the petition; if no objection is raised, the court may summarily approve the expungement. There is also no filing fee for expungement petitions.
Once granted, the individual is legally considered to have never been arrested or prosecuted, and may affirm this under oath.
Expanded Legal Definitions and Jury Instructions
HB0014 also clarifies language within existing Wyoming statutes (W.S. 6‑2‑601 and 6‑2‑602), defining terms such as “criminal prosecution” and “record,” and confirming that self-defense includes protection of real or personal property.
A new requirement would also instruct juries in self-defense cases to issue a special verdict form, explicitly stating whether the acquittal was based on the reasonable use of defensive force. This procedural update ensures clarity in determining eligibility for reimbursement and expungement.
A Step Forward for Due Process
If passed, HB0014 would immediately become law, offering strong protections for Wyoming residents who act in legitimate self-defense. By reducing the legal and financial consequences of a justified use of force, the bill supports both the spirit and letter of Second Amendment rights.
This legislation reinforces a key principle of justice: no one should face lasting legal or financial ruin for lawfully defending themselves or others. HB0014 affirms that when citizens act within the bounds of the law, the system should protect—not penalize—them.
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