GOSHEN COUNTY – The Goshen County Circuit Court came back into session Monday morning promptly at 9 a.m. for the arraignment hearing of Colorado man, Nathan Wilderman.

Goshen County Judge, Nathaniel Hibben, presided over the proceeding, while Deputy Goshen County and Prosecuting Attorney, Colby Sturgeon, represented the state of Wyoming.

Although the defendant is a resident of Colorado Springs and currently working in Minatare, Nebraska, Wilderman was being charged with misdemeanor battery within Goshen County. The charge allegedly took place in the early morning hours of December 10, 2023, at the Maverick convenient store in Torrington.

Judge Hibben proceeded to go over both the rights of the defendant, as well as any plea the defendant wished to enter.

“You always have the right to an attorney, one that you may pay for or one that I can appoint for you,” Hibben began. “At the end of this hearing I will give you an application, which is a two-page affidavit. You have four possible pleas you may enter: guilty, not guilty, no contest, or not guilty for reason of mental illness. However, I always say you should talk to an attorney before entering that last plea. You also have the right to a bench trial, and you always have the right to a speedy trial which must take place within 180 days of today’s date. You always have the right to remain silent, no can make you testify against yourself and anything you say in or out of the court room may be used against you. And that even applies right now.”

Judge Hibben proceeded further in the direction of the Wilderman, explaining what each entered plea would in fact mean for the defendant, what constitutes battery in the state of Wyoming, as well as the initial police charge by the Torrington Police Department (TPD).

“Pleading guilty does mean you admit the charge and you are guilty of the things of which you are charged,” Hibben continued. “Anyone who pleads guilty waves the right to remain silent, and you would be required to answer questions under oath. We appreciate that most folks don’t appear in court that often, and you will have a chance to talk to a lawyer about those rights. This is a citation signed by Officer Sean Ringrose of the TPD on December 10 of 2023, at 2:28 in the morning and allegedly occurred at the Maverick convenient store in Torrington. Officer Ringrose’s charge says that you committed misdemeanor battery. A person is guilty of battery if he intentionally, knowingly or recklessly causes bodily injury to another person by physical force. It has a special definition under state law. Bodily injury means number one, a cut, abrasion or temporary disfigurement. Number two, it could mean physical pain. Or three, it could be the impairment of a bodily function or mental faculty. You have done that to another person. It is a misdemeanor with a period of imprisonment of up to six months, a fine of $750 or both, or a period of probation that exceeds the maximum jail sentence. With battery you can be sentenced for up to one year depending on other circumstances that may arise. In addition, if convicted you might be required to pay $70 in court costs, and you may also be required to pay restitution to a victim such as medical bills. You might also be responsible for paying back the state or restore value to damaged property.”

While Wilderman nodded his head in understanding, Judge Hibben proceeded to continue to make the defendant well aware of any consequences that could be dealt outside of the court if convicted.

“You should be considering other consequences,” Hibben explained. “Whether you are currently on probation or not, any criminal conviction may affect where you work or hope to in the future. A person may have to disclose a final conviction on a job application or licensing board. This is applicable now or could be in the future. I don’t know all pf your circumstances because I don’t know you, but you should be considering how a conviction would affect you both in and out of the courtroom. If you should plead guilty, we will have a sentencing and the matter will be concluded.”

Judge Hibben noted further that Wilderman currently is not on probation or out on bond, nor has any prior felony convictions.

“This is my first time in court,” Wilderman stated. “I have talked to a lawyer, and I will be pleading not guilty.” 

Prosecuting Attorney Sturgeon spoke in appreciation in the direction of Wilderman, acknowledging initiative and punctuality when arriving for his scheduled court date.

“Your Honor I would like to point out that Mr. Wilderman is traveling for work,” Sturgeon stated. “He’s been working in Nebraska from Colorado Springs, but he did show up today which is a good sign for the state. It also appears that he has been proactive in trying to contact an attorney prior to showing up today, so all of those things provide assurances at least to the state that he will show up. And with that Your Honor, I think a $1,000 unsecure bond would be appropriate.”

Judge Hibben was in concurrence with Sturgeon, while also acknowledging the importance of promptness in regard to court. 

The Circuit Court Judge had some final words of instruction for Wilderman shortly before the conclusion of the arraignment.

“If you violate any rule of the bond, then that $1,000 becomes secure, and the rules would likely be straightforward,” Hibben stated. “You are to live a law-abiding life, keep an address and keep in contact with your attorney. You will be released on $1,000 unsecure bond. As is always the case, good contact is rewarded so showing up in court on time shows that you are not a threat. I have no doubt about that.”

The court stood in recess at 9:15 a.m.