About Lincoln County

Lincoln County is a sprawling, rugged county located in the southwestern corner of Wyoming, sharing borders with Idaho and Utah. Covering approximately 4,069 square miles, the county encompasses a dramatic landscape of high mountain ranges, deep river valleys, and wide-open sagebrush plains. The Salt River Range and Wyoming Range dominate much of the terrain, while the Star Valley — a fertile agricultural corridor — runs through the heart of the county, offering a striking contrast to the surrounding wilderness. The region is home to several small, tight-knit communities, each with its own distinct character shaped by generations of ranching, mining, and frontier tradition. With a population of approximately 19,581 residents, Lincoln County is a relatively sparsely populated area where neighbors often know one another and community ties run deep. The county seat of Kemmerer, situated in the eastern part of the county, holds a special place in American retail history as the site of James Cash Penney's first Golden Rule Store, the forerunner of the modern JCPenney chain. Afton, located in Star Valley, serves as the county's largest community and functions as a regional hub for commerce, healthcare, and services in the western portion of the county. The economy of Lincoln County is built on a diverse foundation that includes energy extraction, agriculture, tourism, and small business enterprise. The Kemmerer region has long been associated with coal mining and fossil fuel industries, including the nearby Naughton Power Plant and active coal operations. Star Valley's agricultural heritage continues through dairy farming, cattle ranching, and hay production. Outdoor recreation is a growing economic driver, with world-class hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, and access to Bridger-Teton National Forest attracting visitors from across the region. This blend of traditional industries and emerging tourism creates a dynamic, if sometimes challenging, economic environment for Lincoln County's residents and businesses alike.

Practice Areas in Lincoln 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 Lincoln County

Lincoln County is served primarily by the Ninth Judicial District Court of Wyoming, which handles felony criminal cases, civil matters involving significant dollar amounts, domestic relations cases including divorce and child custody, and juvenile matters. The Ninth Judicial District covers Lincoln County along with Sublette and Teton counties, with court sessions held at the Lincoln County Courthouse located at 925 Sage Avenue in Kemmerer, Wyoming. In addition, Lincoln County has Circuit Court operations that handle misdemeanor criminal offenses, small claims cases, civil disputes under $50,000, initial appearances, and preliminary hearings in felony matters. Justice of the Peace courts and local magistrate-level functions also operate within the county to address traffic infractions, ordinance violations, and other minor matters at the community level.

Federal vs State Jurisdiction in Lincoln County

Residents of Lincoln County are subject to both Wyoming state law and federal law, with jurisdiction depending on the nature of the legal matter at hand. State courts in Lincoln County handle the vast majority of everyday legal issues, including most criminal offenses, family law disputes, contract matters, and traffic violations under Wyoming statutes. Federal matters — including immigration cases, federal criminal charges, bankruptcy filings, civil rights claims under federal law, and disputes involving federal agencies such as the Bureau of Land Management, which oversees significant public land in the county — are heard in the United States District Court for the District of Wyoming, which operates as a single federal judicial district with its main courthouse located in Cheyenne and additional proceedings held in Casper and other locations. Given the large proportion of federally managed land in and around Lincoln County, interactions with federal agencies and potential federal jurisdiction are more common here than in many other parts of the country.

Common Legal Situations in Lincoln County

Given Lincoln County's character as a rural, resource-dependent, and outdoor-recreation-oriented community, residents frequently encounter a range of legal matters reflective of that lifestyle. Traffic and motor vehicle infractions — including citations on State Highway 89 and US Highway 30, DUI charges, and issues related to commercial trucking — are among the most common legal situations residents face. Family law matters such as divorce, child custody disputes, and child support modifications arise regularly in a county where extended family networks are central to community life. Criminal defense needs, ranging from misdemeanor offenses to more serious felony charges related to drug offenses or property crimes, are also common. Employment and labor disputes — particularly those tied to the energy and mining sectors — as well as landlord-tenant issues, estate planning, probate, and disputes over agricultural land and water rights round out the legal landscape that Lincoln County residents most frequently navigate.

Why Go To Court for Lincoln County Legal Matters

Go To Court Lawyers offers Lincoln County residents reliable, accessible legal assistance regardless of where they live within this large and sometimes remote county. With a 24/7 free legal hotline, residents can get answers to pressing legal questions at any time of day or night without having to travel long distances to consult an attorney. The experienced team at Go To Court understands the unique challenges faced by rural Wyoming communities and is equipped to handle a wide variety of legal matters across both state and federal courts. With fixed-fee services coming soon, Lincoln County residents will have even greater certainty and transparency when it comes to managing the cost of their legal representation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I receive a traffic citation in Lincoln County?

If you receive a traffic citation in Lincoln County, you generally have the option to pay the fine or contest the ticket in Circuit Court. Contesting a citation may be worthwhile if a conviction could affect your driving record, insurance rates, or commercial driver's license, and speaking with an attorney before deciding how to proceed can help you understand your options.

How does child custody work in a Lincoln County divorce?

In Lincoln County, child custody matters are handled by the Ninth Judicial District Court under Wyoming law, which prioritizes the best interests of the child when determining custody and visitation arrangements. Courts may award joint or sole physical and legal custody depending on the circumstances, and either parent can request a modification of an existing custody order if there has been a material change in circumstances since the original order was entered.

Can I handle a small claims dispute in Lincoln County without a lawyer?

Yes, Lincoln County's Circuit Court has a small claims division designed for individuals to resolve disputes involving amounts up to $6,000 without necessarily needing an attorney. While you are permitted to represent yourself in small claims court, consulting a lawyer beforehand can help you understand the process, organize your evidence, and improve your chances of a favorable outcome.

What are my rights if I am arrested in Kemmerer or elsewhere in Lincoln County?

If you are arrested in Lincoln County, you have the constitutional right to remain silent and the right to have an attorney present during questioning, and you should clearly invoke these rights as early as possible. You are entitled to be informed of the charges against you, to have a prompt initial appearance before a judge, and to have an attorney appointed for you if you cannot afford one for felony charges.

How do water rights disputes work in Lincoln County, Wyoming?

Wyoming operates under the prior appropriation doctrine — often summarized as 'first in time, first in right' — meaning that water rights are allocated based on historical priority dates and are administered by the Wyoming State Engineer's Office and the Board of Control. Disputes over water rights in Lincoln County, which has significant agricultural and ranching activity dependent on irrigation, can be complex and may involve administrative proceedings as well as litigation in state court, making it advisable to work with an attorney experienced in Wyoming water law.

Neighbouring Counties

Lincoln County, Wyoming is bordered by Sublette County to the north and east, Sweetwater County to the southeast, Uinta County to the south, Rich County and Bear Lake County in Utah to the southwest, and Franklin County and Bear Lake County in Idaho to the west.