Lawmaker Unveils Bill To Prevent DUI Charges For Drunk Horseback Riding
A state representative from Casper wants to keep people from being charged with drunk driving if they’re drunk while riding a horse, mule or donkey. The bill made one defense attorney laugh and left prosecutors wondering if a specific case inspired it.
A Republican state representative from Casper wants to keep people from being charged with drunk driving if they’re drunk while riding a horse, mule or donkey.
That’s the indication of a proposed bill unveiled Thursday on the Wyoming Legislature’s website by primary sponsor Rep. Julie Jarvis.
Mike Vang, a Laramie-based defense attorney who specializes in DUI cases, said he found the maneuver interesting and funny.
Johnson County’s top prosecutor said he was curious to know what prompted the legislation, since neither he nor the two deputy attorneys then standing in his office — with nearly 50 years’ experience between them — had never charged anyone for drunkenly riding a horse.
Jarvis did not respond by publication to a voicemail request for comment and context.
If the Legislature passes the bill, it would become law July 1.
It would specify that the state’s DUI statutes use that law section’s definition of “vehicle,” but with the caveat that “’vehicle’ does not include horses, mules or other equines when ridden by a person.”
Technically, equines include zebras too, but those aren’t common ranch stock in the Cowboy State.
Don’t Ride Your Horse To The Bar
“I find it quite humorous,” said Vang.
He noted that the concept of “implied consent” — that law enforcement officers can pull a suspect’s biological matter upon probable cause of intoxicated driving — only applies when a person is control of a motor vehicle; and the motor vehicle is on a public street or highway.
The chemical test results pulled from that matter are “always the most prejudicial evidence” in DUI cases, said Vang, meaning that’s the evidence most likely to hurt the defendant’s case.
But even if riding a horse to and from a bar looks like an alternative under this bill, if it passes, Vang urged caution.
Firstly, he said with a laugh, don’t ride the horse into the bar: “You’ll get a trespass.”
Secondly, the allegedly drunk horse-back cowboy may face public intoxication ordinances, reckless endangering or other charges, said Vang.
“Don’t bring your horse drunk to the bar. It’s not a good idea,” he added.
They’re Doing What?
Johnson County Attorney Tucker Ruby voiced surprise at the bill, and said it sounds like a specific case prompted it.
“I don’t understand the utility of putting that in the statute unless there’s a specific case that was so egregious it needs to be mentioned,” said Ruby. “(My deputies and I) have never heard of a case, and have never done it ourselves.”
Ruby said he believes Wyoming’s law books need to be “cleaned up,” not amplified with more laws.
He also touted the value of locally-elected prosecutors using their own discretion in unique cases.
“I know most of the prosecutors in the state,” he said. “I know most of the elected officials that run these offices and I trust them to make an informed, good decision that’s appropriate in the circumstances — and I don’t think that change is necessary.”
Fremont County Attorney Micah Wyatt echoed that in part, saying that, “Legislators are, of course within their rights to address statutorily any issue they see as important enough to spend legislative time on.”
But, he added, prosecutors in his office would consider it a stretch to charge someone for DUI by horse.
5th annual Jack Wheeler Memorial Golf Tournament raises money for high school seniors, awareness for drunk driving
Caleb Yauger, News4JAX reporter
Carlos Acevedo, News4JAX photojournalist, Jacksonville
5th annual Jack Wheeler Memorial Golf Tournament raises awareness for drunk driving
121Play Video
5th annual Jack Wheeler Memorial Golf Tournament raises awareness for drunk driving
NOW PLAYING
Beachside’s Sofia Rivera leads Varsity 4 All-News4JAX girls golf team
High school wrestler determined to return to mat after suffering severe spinal injury during match
Courtside for a Cause: KATE KUP Triple Tennis Tournament
Extended Interview: High school wrestler shares story after suffering spinal injury on the mat
Ribault High School biology teacher named 2026 Vystar Duval County Teacher of the Year
Family aims to raise $1M for Jacksonville mom paralyzed after December crash
Drunk Driving: DUI deaths on the rise nationwide
Local golf tournament Friday supports Tunnel to Towers Foundation
Family hopes to help others with golf tournament to honor son
RAW: Mother of high school senior gunned down at Burger King shares important message for community
Make it Happen Foundation 2 Mile Run – Community event supporting seniors and home repair
High school senior killed at Westside Burger King was set to join Marines after graduation
Local clinic offers new services to patients with ADHD
JWB Cares Annual Charity Golf Tournament
Tax season 2026: Deductions and tax credits see increases, including a new senior deduction
Detective David White Memorial Golf Tournament
Local organization hosting golf tournament to raise funds for people with Parkinson’s
Golf tournament supports lunch program
Edgewood Coin – History in Murray Hill for Decades
ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. – Family and friends gathered for the 5th annual Jack Hamilton Wheeler Memorial Golf Tournament on Saturday.
RELATED: Friends remember Creekside High senior killed in DUI crash
It’s a story about love, loss, and remembrance. Despite the hardship for the family, they have been able to help students thrive beyond high school.
“So loving and friendly,” Winslow and Cat Wheeler, Jack’s parents, said. “You’d hear him coming from a mile away because his laugh was so huge.”
Other family members said once he got into a laughing fit and couldn’t stop, he’d run out of breath and it became a silent laugh.
They shared unforgettable memories of Jack at the 5th annual memorial golf tournament held in his name.
“The support that we have received from this community is immeasurable,” the Wheeler family said. “This community lifted us when we couldn’t stand.”
In 2019, Jack Wheeler, only 18 years old at the time, died in a crash. He was a passenger in a car when it left the road and hit a tree. Police said Wheeler was thrown from the car and later died at the hospital. A 16-year-old was driving under the influence.
RELATED: Drunk Driving: DUI deaths on the rise nationwide
The motto they like to say is “Live like Jack.” He was a senior at Creekside High School: he had a 4.3 GPA, was an athlete, and had plans to attend either FSU or UCF. He even told people he was considering being a nurse.
“So we’re kind of in a way sending Jack to college with all these kids,” his parents said.
Since the Jack Wheeler Foundation was established in 2020, it has awarded over $50,000 worth of scholarships to high school seniors who need assistance with college expenses.
“It’s definitely cool to just kind of see how this has all sustained over time too, it’s all the people that kinda still come around every year and lend us all these hands and everything,” the Wheeler family said.
The golf tournament held at South Hampton Golf Club raises money, but also spreads awareness for drunk driving and wearing a seatbelt.
“There’s a lot of pressure when you’re growing up too, ‘oh it’s fine, get in the car with someone, they’ve only had a couple of drinks,’ but don’t be afraid to speak up and listen to that voice in the back of your head like, ‘oh, I don’t think this is safe,’” the parents said.
Beyond the accomplishments, he was loved deeply by his friends and family, and he was known as a respectful, compassionate, and outgoing kid.
“Don’t drink and drive,” they said. “Don’t do it. If our message and our philanthropy can save one life and spare one family, from this kind of ordeal, then mission accomplished.”
