About Big Horn County

Big Horn County is located in north-central Wyoming, nestled between the towering Big Horn Mountains to the east and the Bighorn Basin's sweeping high desert terrain to the west. The county encompasses approximately 3,137 square miles of dramatically varied landscape, from rugged canyon country carved by the Bighorn River to fertile irrigated farmland along the river valleys. This geographic diversity gives Big Horn County a distinct character that blends the grandeur of the American West with the practicality of a working agricultural community. Travelers passing through on US Highway 20 or State Highway 789 encounter small towns surrounded by wide-open spaces, where ranches stretch to the horizon and the Big Horn Mountains provide a constant, stunning backdrop. With a population of approximately 11,521 residents, Big Horn County is a close-knit community where neighbors know each other and local institutions matter. The county seat of Basin, situated along the Bighorn River, serves as the administrative and legal hub of the county, housing key government offices and courts. Other communities in the county include Greybull, Lovell, Cowley, Burlington, and Manderson, each contributing to the county's social and economic fabric. The relatively modest population spread across such a large geographic area means that residents often travel considerable distances to access government services, healthcare, and legal assistance. The economy of Big Horn County is rooted in agriculture, energy production, and small business. Farming and ranching have defined the region for over a century, with sugar beets, barley, hay, and livestock among the primary agricultural products. Oil and gas extraction also plays a significant role, as the Bighorn Basin sits atop substantial hydrocarbon reserves that have supported energy sector employment for decades. Tourism contributes to the local economy as well, with visitors drawn to the Big Horn Mountains for hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation. The combination of agricultural tradition and energy industry presence shapes the daily lives, livelihoods, and legal needs of Big Horn County residents.

Practice Areas in Big Horn County

Criminal Law
Criminal Law
Charges, arrests, bail and criminal trials.
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DUI
DUI
DUI charges, licence suspension and reinstatement.
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Family Law
Family Law
Divorce, custody, property and support.
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Immigration Law
Immigration
Visas, green cards, deportation and citizenship.
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Traffic Law
Traffic Law
Traffic violations, licence matters and offences.
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Employment Law
Employment Law
Wrongful termination, discrimination, disputes.
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Courts in Big Horn County

Big Horn County is served by the Fifth Judicial District Court of Wyoming, which handles felony criminal cases, civil matters involving amounts over $50,000, domestic relations and family law cases including divorce and child custody, and probate matters. The Fifth Judicial District Court for Big Horn County is located at the Big Horn County Courthouse at 420 W. C Street, Basin, Wyoming 82410. In addition to the district court, Big Horn County has a circuit court that handles misdemeanor criminal cases, civil cases involving smaller amounts, and initial appearances in criminal proceedings. Wyoming's circuit courts replaced the former justice of the peace system and serve as the first point of contact for many residents with the judicial system. A court clerk's office at the county courthouse assists residents with filings, records requests, and procedural information for both courts.

Federal vs State Jurisdiction in Big Horn County

Big Horn County falls within the jurisdiction of the United States District Court for the District of Wyoming, which is a single federal district covering the entire state with its main courthouse located in Cheyenne and additional facilities in Casper and other locations. Federal courts handle matters involving federal law, constitutional questions, disputes between citizens of different states involving amounts over $75,000, immigration matters, and federal criminal charges such as those involving federal drug statutes or crimes occurring on federal land. The significant presence of Bureau of Land Management and other federally administered lands in and around Big Horn County means that federal jurisdiction can be relevant for ranchers, energy companies, and outdoor recreationists operating on public lands. For the vast majority of everyday legal matters — including traffic violations, divorce, property disputes, criminal misdemeanors, and contract disagreements among Wyoming residents — the state courts in Basin are the appropriate venue, and Wyoming state law governs the outcome.

Common Legal Situations in Big Horn County

Given the agricultural, rural, and energy-industry character of Big Horn County, residents most frequently encounter legal issues involving traffic violations and DUI charges on the county's rural highways, agricultural and ranch-related disputes including water rights, grazing rights, and land boundary disagreements, and oil and gas lease negotiations or royalty disputes tied to the region's active energy sector. Family law matters such as divorce, child custody, and child support are common throughout the county, as are estate planning and probate issues in a community with multigenerational family farms and ranches. Employment disputes can arise in both the agricultural and energy sectors, and landlord-tenant issues occur in the county's small towns. Criminal matters ranging from drug offenses to property crimes are handled in local courts, and residents dealing with injuries from farm equipment, vehicle accidents on rural roads, or workplace incidents in the energy industry sometimes require personal injury legal assistance.

Why Go To Court for Big Horn County Legal Matters

Go To Court Lawyers is a strong choice for Big Horn County residents who need reliable, accessible legal help in a region where legal services can be difficult to reach. The firm offers a 24/7 free legal hotline, meaning that whether you are dealing with a late-night arrest in Basin or a time-sensitive legal question during calving season on a remote ranch, professional guidance is always available. Go To Court's experienced team handles a wide range of legal matters relevant to Wyoming residents, from family law and criminal defense to civil disputes and property issues. With fixed-fee services coming soon, Big Horn County residents will have even greater clarity and peace of mind when budgeting for legal representation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do water rights disputes work in Big Horn County, and do I need a lawyer?

Wyoming operates under the prior appropriation doctrine, meaning water rights are assigned based on seniority — 'first in time, first in right' — and disputes are adjudicated through the Wyoming State Engineer's Office and the district courts. Water rights are critically important for ranchers and farmers in Big Horn County, and errors in filings or agreements can have lasting consequences for your operation. Consulting an attorney experienced in Wyoming water law is strongly advisable before entering into any agreement or dispute resolution process involving water rights.

What happens if I get a DUI on a rural highway in Big Horn County?

A DUI in Wyoming is a serious criminal offense that carries penalties including fines, license suspension, mandatory alcohol education programs, and potential jail time, even for a first offense. Your case would initially be heard in the Big Horn County Circuit Court, and depending on the circumstances, could escalate to the district court. An attorney can review the traffic stop, field sobriety testing procedures, and breathalyzer evidence to build the strongest possible defense on your behalf.

How do I file for divorce in Big Horn County?

To file for divorce in Big Horn County, you or your spouse must have been a Wyoming resident for at least 60 days, and you file your petition with the Fifth Judicial District Court at the Big Horn County Courthouse in Basin. Wyoming is a no-fault divorce state, meaning you can cite 'irreconcilable differences' without proving wrongdoing by either party. An attorney can help you navigate property division, spousal support, and especially child custody arrangements to ensure your interests and your children's wellbeing are protected throughout the process.

Can my landlord evict me without notice in Wyoming?

No — Wyoming law requires landlords to provide written notice before initiating eviction proceedings, and the required notice period depends on the reason for eviction, such as nonpayment of rent or lease violations. Landlords must follow a specific legal process through the courts, and a self-help eviction — such as changing locks or removing belongings without a court order — is illegal. If you are facing eviction in Big Horn County, speaking with an attorney promptly can help you understand your rights and any available defenses.

What should I do if I am injured while working on an oil or gas operation in Big Horn County?

If you are injured on the job in Wyoming's energy sector, you should report the injury to your employer immediately and seek medical attention, as Wyoming has a state-run workers' compensation program that provides benefits for work-related injuries. However, workers' compensation may not be your only legal avenue — if third-party negligence, defective equipment, or a contractor's actions contributed to your injury, you may have additional civil claims available to you. An attorney can evaluate the full circumstances of your injury, help you navigate the workers' compensation system, and determine whether a personal injury claim is appropriate.

Neighbouring Counties

Big Horn County is bordered by Park County to the west, Washakie County to the south, Hot Springs County to the southeast, and Sheridan County to the northeast, with the state of Montana forming its northern boundary.