Why It Matters
A sitting Wyoming state representative faces a felony DUI charge stemming from a December traffic stop, with his legal defense now centered on body camera footage he says proves his sobriety. The case enters a critical phase as Allemand prepares for a September jury trial while simultaneously running for a third legislative term in a contested Republican primary.
What Happened
Rep. Bill Allemand was arrested on December 28 at a Buffalo gas station following a traffic stop initiated by a REDDI (Report Every Drunk Driver Immediately) call. A Johnson County Sheriff’s deputy observed Allemand abruptly brake short of a passing vehicle at an intersection, prompting the stop at approximately 12:37 p.m.
During the encounter, Allemand told the deputy he had consumed “probably two beers” before the stop. He was subsequently charged with DUI. The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office released approximately one hour of body camera footage from the incident, which Allemand’s legal team says undermines the charge.
Represented by attorney Michael Vang, Allemand has characterized the footage as exculpatory. “It shows that I was not drunk. It shows how I was treated by law enforcement,” Allemand said, adding that prosecutors lack confidence in their case. “They don’t think they can win in court, so they’re trying me in the media,” he stated.
Allemand described his characteristically slow speech patterns as his normal manner of communication rather than a sign of impairment. He also revealed that he drinks beer while driving on interstate highways to manage driving anxiety, and noted that he operates a small trucking company.
At the scene, deputies handcuffed Allemand citing the presence of a firearm in the vehicle and the running engine. A firearm was visible on Allemand’s hip, with a second firearm found on the vehicle’s front seat.
By the Numbers
December 28 — date of traffic stop and arrest
12:37 p.m. — approximate time of stop
One hour — duration of body camera footage released by sheriff’s office
Two terms — number of legislative sessions Allemand has served representing House District 58
September — scheduled month for jury trial
Legal Rulings and Election Timeline
Magistrate Judge Jeremy Kisling issued a ruling on June 19 that shapes the legal landscape for Allemand’s defense. The judge ruled that Allemand’s responses to questioning while detained before his arrest were inadmissible because law enforcement had not read him his Miranda rights. However, Kisling found the traffic stop itself lawful and determined that officers had both reasonable suspicion and probable cause to detain Allemand.
Allemand and his attorney had requested a delay in the trial date to accommodate a conflict with the Wyoming legislative budget session. A jury trial is now set for September, following Allemand’s earlier unsuccessful attempt to schedule trial in May.
Allemand faces two electoral challenges. In the Republican primary on August 18, he will compete against Peter Boyer, the mayor of Bar Nunn. Should he prevail in that contest, he would face Democrat Keenan Morgan in the November general election.
Zoom Out
DUI cases involving public officials have generated scrutiny across the country, particularly when body camera footage becomes central to the defense. The intersection of law enforcement video evidence, prosecutorial strategy, and electoral politics has become increasingly common in state legislatures, where members must balance active campaigns against ongoing legal proceedings.
What’s Next
The GOP primary election is set for August 18, meaning Allemand will face Boyer while the DUI charge remains unresolved. The September jury trial will determine the outcome of the criminal case, potentially affecting his November general election prospects against Morgan. Allemand’s continued assertion that the body camera evidence supports his innocence will likely be tested in court, where jurors will evaluate the footage directly.