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R. Michael Vang
also known as Mike Vang, Michael Vang
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About R.
Biography
- I was fortunate to obtain a debate scholarship from the University of Wyoming that paid for my undergraduate degree, I was 1 of 2 college debaters named to the U.S. Debate team, which competed in Great Britain in 1991. I practice in all Wyoming state courts, where 90% of my practice is dedicated to DUI defense. I frequently present lectures concerning DUI laws to other attorneys and have 31 reproted criminal cases to the Wyoming Supreme Court.
Mr. Vang has handled criminal cases for over 29 years and teaches other attorneys how to handle DUI and criminal cases. On July 14, 2022, Mr. Vang was awarded the National College of DUI Defense Trial Advocacy Award. Mr. Vang is certified by the American Chemical Society as a Lawyer-Scientist.
Mr. Vang has obtained numerous dismissals and not guilty verdicts in criminal cases ranging from the violation of obscenity laws to first degree arson and attempted murder. Mr. Vang is certified as a lawyer-scientist by the American Chemical Society and understands the use of science in court.
Mr. Vang's practice is dedicated to DUI and criminal defense. Mr. Vang teaches other attorneys how to handle DUI and implied consent cases. Mr. Vang has 35 reported cases before the Wyoming Supreme Court, and Mr. Vang often asserts new legal issues that have not been raised before in Wyoming.
Mr. Vang was able to convince the Wyoming Legislature that it should not create a no tolerance DUID law involving alleged drug impairment, because drugs are not the same as alcohol, when it comes to proving impairment based upon a chemical testing level.
Mr. Vang has had numerous drug cases dismissed for failing to prove a valid reason to detain and search the person accused of a drug crime and to prove the alleged drug was not a drug recognized by Wyoming law. Mr. Vang is certified by the American Chemical Society as a Lawyer-Scientist.
Practice Areas
4
Practice Areas
DUI and DWI
85%
31 years
Cannabis Law
5%
Criminal Defense
5%
31 years
Drug Crime
5%
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Licenses
Licensed in Wyoming for 30 years
State: Wyoming
Acquired: 1995
No misconduct found
Location
R. Michael Vang P.C.
(307) 460-7338
Fax
1050 N. 3rd Street, Suite B-2, P.O. Box 1186, Laramie, WY, 82073-1186
rmichaelvangpc.com/Online Presence
Other places you can find R. online.
R. Michael Vang's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 19 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Chad | November 18, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Amazing Technical and Gifted Lawyer
Mr Vang and his team were tremendous and professional. When explaining my case and demonstrating his technical skills on the matter I felt very comfortable that my case was in good hands. With a successful outcome to my case those skills proved accurate and impressive. I am genuinely thankful for he ...
Posted by Kara | November 17, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Amazing Attorney
Mr. Vang is an incredible attorney. He is very personable and professional. His knowledge of the law is amazing. He uses science plus logic and law to achieve the best possible outcome. Just an outstanding attorney and person. I would recommend Mr. Vang to anyone looking for the very best. I ab...
Posted by anonymous | November 10, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Amazing Lawyer
Mr. Vang was a massive help with everything. He was great at responding to emails and helping me understand everything happening in my case.
Posted by Edella | November 7, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Best lawyer in Wyoming
So I would highly recommend Mr. Vang to anybody who needs his service. He is very professional. He knows his job well. I would recommend this lawyer a million times over.
Posted by anonymous | June 28, 2024 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
He knows the law!
Mike Vang provided me excellent representation when an other attorney could not get the job done. He is experienced, professional, respectful, and knows the law. He made himself available to address any of my questions or concerns within 24 hours. If you need legal representation no need to look fu...
R. Michael Vang's Lawyer Endorsements
"Mike is a fantastic lawyer"
"Mike is my go-to lawyer for constitutional and other questions about DUI / DWI cases. He is as smart as anyone I know and works tirelessly to ensure his clients' constitutional rights are not violated. Mike also has regular wins in front of juries on DUI / DWI cases. His hard work and intelligence pay off time and again in solid outcomes for his clients. I absolutely endorse Mike and regularly refer my Wyoming clients his way."
"I know Mr. Vang to be a strong advocate for his clients, as well as, a trustworthy, compassionate and knowledgeable attorney. The combination of empathy and ability sets Mr. Vang apart from any other attorney practicing in the area of DWI defense that I've had the pleasure of knowing."
"Mike Vang is the exact kind of attorney you want in a DUI or criminal case. He is zealous and thorough, has a fantastic understanding of the science, and is extremely creative and determined. I have seen his work and he is a credit to the profession. I am proud to endorse Michael Vang and to recommend him to anyone who needs criminal defense services in Wyoming."
"I endorse this lawyer. We are members of the National College of DUI Defense Lawyers and share information on a list serve. I find his answers to DUI defense questions and DUI science answers posted on the list serve very insightful and I look forward to reading his responses. I highly recommend this attorney"
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I highly recommend this lawyer. Mr. Vang is a national leader in DWI/DUI defense. Not only does he pioneer new and innovative defenses, but he provides his clients top notch services."
"I have known Mike for several years now after meeting at a week long class, where he and I were lab partners. Mike is dedicated to his clients defense, persistent in his advance of his clients cause, and one of the most creative advocates i have had the pleasure of working with. Mike is generous in his work product, and if you are facing a DUI in his jurisdiction, there is no one better."
"Without reservation I endorse this lawyer. I have known Michael Vang for over a decade and enthusiastically endorse him as the "go to" DUI/DWI attorney in Wyoming. Michael and I met through our connection to the best DUI defense organizations in the country. I see Michael throughout the year at the best national DUI seminars as a speaker and an attendee. I especially enjoy strategizing with Michael because he cares about his clients and is passionate about what he does for a living. Michael continues to amaze me with the innovative legal arguments he creates and uses in his practice. He also challenges the statutes being used against his clients in the appellate courts with creative ideas and attacks. Michael is known throughout the national DUI community as one of the best of the best, period! I make no bones about my endorsement of Michael Vang as the only referral I make in Wyoming. Tell Michael that the "DWI Dude" sent you."
"Michael Vang is one of the brightest people I know. If I have a tough question I always want to hear what Michael thinks. Every time I go to a great seminar to learn more about this area of law, Michael is there. He is usually a speaker because the rest of us want to learn from him. I give Michael my highest endorsement. Michael is the go to guy in Wyoming."
"I endorse this lawyer. Very skilled and knowledgeable and not afraid to aggressively defend his clients. Mike is known for obtaining very good results for his clients."
"I have known Attorney Vang for over 8 years. I can personally attest to his legal abilities, his trial capabilities as well as his guts. He stands up to the government on a daily basis. He uses his reputation, knowledge and experience to minimize or eliminate negative consequences that face a citizen among us who has been accused of a crime. I trust him. You will too."
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Experience
Honors
2022
NCDD Trial Advocacy Award, National College for DUI Defense
2016
Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2015
The ACS-CHAL Forensic Lawyer-Scientist Designation, American Chemical Society-Division of Chemistry and the Law (ACS-CHAL)
Work Experience
2015 - Present
Attorney, R. Michael Vang P.C.
2009 - 2015
Attorney-Shareholder, Fleener & Vang, LLC
2001 - 2009
Attorney-Shareholder, Brown & Hiser
1995 - 2001
Attorney-Partner, Kirkwood, Nelson and Vang
Associations
2021 - Present
National College of DUI DefenseCo-chair - Amici & Research Committee
2015 - Present
DUI Defense Lawyers AssociationFounding Member
2007 - Present
National College of DUI DefenseWyoming State Delegate
2000 - Present
National College of DUI DefenseSustaining Member
1997 - Present
Wyoming Trial Lawyers AssociationMember
1995 - Present
Wyoming State BarMember
2015 - 2021
DUI Defense Lawyers AssociationChairman - Amici Committee
1997 - 2000
National College of DUI DefenseMember
Sample of Legal Cases
Johnson v. State ex rel WYDOT, 2020 WY 19, 458 P.3d 40 (Wyo. 2020)
Remanded for further proceedings
Hardman v. State, 2020 WY 11, 458 P.3d 1223 (Wyo. 2020)
Conviction Affirmed
Wofford v. City of Laramie, 2016 WY 59, 375 P.3d 740 (Wyo. 2016)
Held that the City of Laramie's Aggravated Offender Ordinance was preempted by Wyoming law
Walters v. WYDOT, 2013 WY 59, 300 P.3d 879 (Wyo. 2013)
Issue could only be raised in criminal proceeding, where it is still pending
Cotton v. McCulloh, 2005 WY 159, 125 P.3d 252 (Wyo. 2005)
Client prevailed on claim attorney could not collect fees under a contingent fee agreement, which are not allowed in divorce and custody cases
Glasrud v. City of Laramie, 1997 WY 27, 934 P.2d 1242 (Wyo. 1997)
Holding that an implied consent suspension does not violate double jeopardy because it is not "punitive" and serves remedial purpose of getting intoxicated driver's off the road
Saulcy Land Co. v. Jones, 1999 WY 95, 983 P.2d 1200 (Wyo. 1999)
Court recognizes condition precedent UCC law and holds seller breached contract and Broker breached fiduciary duties by releasing client's earnest money, where buyer unable to perform condition precedent.
Calif. Cas. & Fire Ins. Co. v. Brinkman, 50 F. Supp.2d 1157 (D. Wyo. 1999)
Court denied insurers declaratory judgment request to have PIP coverage declared void on constitutional grounds and allowing insured to proceed to trial with insurance bad faith claim.
Smith v. WYDOT, 2000 WY 185, 11 P.3d 931 (Wyo. 2000)
Although Court agreed that field sobriety maneuvers were scientific, held they were admissible in implied consent hearing without a Daubert hearing, because lower standard of proof than criminal case. Client acquitted by jury of underlying DUI charge.
Mogard v. City of Laramie, 2001 WY 88, 32 P.3d 313 (Wyo. 2001)
Held implied consent advisement process was part of administrative suspension procedure and not a "critical stage" in the criminal process
Dods v. State, 2010 WY 133, 240 P.3d 1208 (Wyo. 2010)
Although Court agreed that failure to maintain single lane statute did not require driving with perfection and allowed for minor deviations outside line, held that facts were sufficient to support traffic violation in this particular case.
Elliott v. State, 2011 WY 32, 247 P.3d 501 (Wyo. 2011)
Held rulings of trial court in criminal proceeding can be binding in implied consent hearing but not the other way, because of lack of privity of parties in implied consent and fact state has no right to appeal adverse ruling in implied consent hearing
Vasco v. WYDOT, 2011 WY 100, 253 P.3d 515 (Wyo. 2011)
Although probable cause and exclusion of evidence under 4th Amendment can be raised in implied consent case, finding substantial evidence to support legality of encounter and ultimate DUI arrest.
Orchard v. WYDOT, 2011 WY 145, 262 P.3d 197 (Wyo. 2011)
Suspension upheld on appeal
Espinoza v. WYDOT, 2012 WY 101, 280 P.3d 1226 (Wyo. 2012)
Suspension upheld on appeal but DUI charge amended to traffic violation
Romsa v. WYDOT, 2012 WY 146, 288 P.3d 695 (Wyo. 2012)
Held substantial evidence in record to allow admission of breath test for implied consent case, which has lower standard of proof than criminal case. Chemical test result was suppressed in underlying DUI case.
Sandoval v. WYDOT, 2012 WY 160, 291 P.3d 290 (Wyo. 2012)
Holding constitutional claims could only be raised in criminal proceeding and declaratory judgment action. Municipal Ordinance held preempted in underlying criminal case.
Regan v. WYDOT, 2012 WY 161, 292 P.3d 849 (Wyo. 2012)
Constitutional issues cannot be raised in driver's license hearing
Education
1994
University of Wyoming College of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1990
University of Wyoming
BS - Bachelor of Science
Speaking Engagements
2021
National College of DUI Defense
Confronting the Legal Fiction of ‘Implied Consent’ in a DUI Case
2020
Wyoming Trial Lawyers Association
2020 Update: Admitting a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Measurement in a DUI Case Involving Either Blood or Breath Testing in Wyoming
2018
Wyoming Trial Lawyers Association 2018 Convention
Does special training make law enforcement competent to verify alcohol and/or drug impairment and can We “Trust” the final chemical testing measurements used to confirm impairment?
2016
Proving Marijuana Impairment
Proving Marijuana Impairment: Green Tongue and Other Myths Propagated to Prove Marijuana Impairment
2016
DWUI Cases in Wyoming – Representing people accused of impaired driving, who are required to provide blood
Wyoming DUI and implied consent law 2016 update
2015
Wyoming Trial Lawyers Association
Demanding Complete Discovery and a Daubert Hearing to Determine the Scientific Validity of a Chemical Test Result in a DUI case
2015
NCDD Wyoming Public Defender Training Course
PRETRIAL MOTION PRACTICE TO HELP YOU WIN YOUR DRIVING WHILE UNDER THE INFLUENCE (DWUI) CASES:
2015
2014
Wyoming Trial Lawyers Association
Trends in Raising Constitutional Claims in Implied Consent & DWUI Cases (October 9, 2014)
2013
Wyoming Trial Lawyers Association: Annual Convention
Fundamentals, Short comings and Legal Challenges to Drug Recognition Expert/Evaluator (DRE) evidence
2013
Wyoming Trial Lawyers Association
Defending People in Impaired Driving Cases Who are Accused of being Over the Legal Limit
2012
Wyoming Trial Lawyers Association
Attacking the Admissibility of Chemical Test Results in Implied Consent and DWUI Cases (Nov. 29, 2012)
2011
Wyoming Trial Lawyers Association
2011 Wyoming DWUI Legislative Session Update (Mar. 31, 2011)
2011
Wyoming State Bar
2011 Wyoming DWUI Law Update and Overview
2008
North Carolina Advocates for Justice
DWI: Winning With Motions and Preparing for the New Breath Machine (2008)
Languages
English