Snohomish County Fish & Wildlife Violation Defense Attorney
Fish & Wildlife Violations in Washington
Were you arrested on suspicion of violating the Fish and Wildlife Enforcement
Code in Washington? This code outlines numerous fish and wildlife offenses
and the various penalties associated with each violation. If you have
been arrested or charged with a fish and wildlife violation, your first
step should be to contact a member of my legal team. We will do everything
in our power to provide the best defense in your case. We are experienced
in defending all fish and wildlife violations including unlawful recreational
fishing, unlawful hydraulic activity, unlawful hunting of big game, bear
baiting, unlawful hunting of wild animals, waste of fish and wildlife,
unlawful use of department lands, and hunting while intoxicated.
The laws regarding fishing and hunting are extensive and are among the
most complex in the State of Washington. Due to this fact, you may be
accused of a violation when you did not even realize you were breaking
the law. In order to have the best chance of getting your charges reduced
or even dismissed, you should have a defense attorney on your side who
is experienced with these laws.
Common Fish and Wildlife Offenses
Unlawful Recreational Fishing
One of the most common wildlife offenses is unlawful recreational fishing
(RCW 77.15.370 and RCW 77.15.380). Unlawful recreational fishing can either
be a misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor offense depending on the circumstances.
For example, if you are accused of taking twice the legal limit of fish
or fishing in a fishway you could be charged with unlawful recreational
fishing in the first degree, a gross misdemeanor.
Unlawful Hunting of Big Game
Another common charge in Washington is unlawful hunting of big game (RCW
77.15.410). Unlawful hunting of big game is either a gross misdemeanor
or a class C felony offense depending on the alleged facts of the case.
A conviction for unlawful hunting of big game will result in a suspension
of your hunting rights. If convicted of a big game violation that resulted
in the death of a big game animal, you will also be required to pay a
hefty criminal wildlife penalty and you will be unable to restore your
hunting rights until the penalty is paid in full.
Waste of Fish and Wildlife
You can be charged with waste of fish and wildlife (RCW 77.15.170) if you
kill, take, or possess fish or wildlife and recklessly allow the fish
or wildlife to be wasted. This charge often results when a person kills
fish or wildlife and then abandons the kill. The penalties depend on the
value of the wasted fish or wildlife. A gross misdemeanor conviction for
waste of fish and wildlife carries with it a one-year fishing or hunting
license suspension.
Unlawful Hydraulic Project Activities
Another common violation is unlawful hydraulic project activities (RCW
77.15.300). This violation occurs when you conduct a hydraulic project
without a requisite permit, in violation of a permit, or in violation
of the hydraulic code (RCW 77.55). Unlawful hydraulic project activities
is a gross misdemeanor offense.
More questions? Talk to a Lynnwood fishing violation lawyer!
If you thought that you were following all of the guidelines yet were still
charged with a fish and wildlife violation, you should talk to a Snohomish
County criminal defense lawyer from my team at the Law Office of Lance
R. Fryrear. Need a lawyer for your criminal case in Lynnwood, WA? I have
experience in every area of criminal law and my experience as a former
prosecutor will give you a unique edge in court. I will do everything
in my power to stand up for your rights and fight to get your best resolution.
Whether you were falsely accused or know you make a mistake, I will be
there with you every step of the way.
Contact a Snohomish County fish and wildlife defense attorney
from our legal team today at (425) 224-7075 to schedule your free case
evaluation!