What does Wyoming's constitution say about bail?

• A. Bail is always granted in all cases.
• B. Bail cannot be set above $1000.
• C. It Prohibits excessive bail and ensures reasonable conditions to secure appearance.
• D. Bail is not protected.

Answer: (C)

Wyoming’s constitution protects individuals from being held or charged with punishment before a conviction by saying bail must not be excessive and that reasonable conditions can be used to secure the defendant’s appearance in court. This means judges can set bail to ensure the defendant returns for trial, but the amount cannot be unreasonably high relative to the offense and the defendant’s means. At the same time, the state may impose reasonable release conditions—such as reporting requirements or supervised release—to secure appearance, rather than locking someone up unnecessarily. It does not promise bail in every case, nor does it peg bail to a fixed dollar amount. That balance—no excessive bail plus permissible, reasonable conditions to secure appearance—best captures the provision.