Protect Your Fishing And Hunting Privileges With Our Fish And Wildlife Violation Defense Attorneys
Florida is a beautiful state for hunting, fishing and other activities pertaining to wildlife. However, if you are convicted of a fishing and wildlife violation, your license is at risk. For serious charges, you may even face jail time.
When this is at stake, you need Lindsey, Ferry & Parker, P.A. Our team of three attorneys includes board-certified trial lawyers who have experience getting excellent results for their clients. They handle a variety of fish and wildlife violations in Maitland, Orlando and Central Florida, including:
- Harming, hunting, or killing protected animals or fish
- Exceeding the legal limit for specific species
- Fishing/hunting
- Out of season
- Without a license or permit
- On an expired license or permit
- On a suspended license or permit
Do not underestimate the severity of a fishing and hunting offense; seek immediate defense counsel from us so that we can stand up for your rights.
What Are The Florida Laws That Affect Fishing And Hunting?
Florida Statute sections 379.401, 379.504 and 403.161 form the violations led by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). These violations are arranged into three main types:
- Civil penalties for noncriminal offenses.
- Criminal penalties for criminal offenses.
- Guidelines that include the suspension, revocation, or forfeiture of licenses and permits associated with the FWC.
Under section 6 of the above statute, the court can enforce a suspension or forfeiture if someone is convicted of a violation or felony under FWC codes.
The FWC has its own law enforcement division that works under them. Officers investigate any suspected or illegal activities and will pursue any violations of their guidelines. Additionally, they enforce federal regulations related to boat safety.
What Are The Levels Of Fish And Wildlife Offenses In Florida?
The FWC classifies fish and wildlife offenses into four levels, each carrying its own potential charges. (All examples are included but not limited to:)
- Level one violation: Classified as a noncriminal infraction, usually results in a citation. It includes:
- Hunting/fishing/trapping without a license
- Deer hunting without proper hunting clothing
- No quota permit or hunting zone assignment violation
- Vessel sizes or motor regulations on bodies of water managed by the FWC
- Possession of captive wildlife without the required free permit
- Infraction violation of the Florida litter law
- Level two violation: Classified as a misdemeanor. This involves:
- Unlawfully taking small game or any saltwater finfish, shellfish or crustaceans
- Feeding or enticement of alligators or crocodiles
- Molesting endangered/threatened species
- Taking protected wildlife species (i.e., migratory birds)
- Using traps other than those provided by Florida law
- Possessing wildlife animals without the necessary permitting
- Boating under the influence (BUI)
- Misdemeanor violation of the Florida litter law
- Level three violation: Classified as a misdemeanor. Activities include:
- Illegal sale or possession of alligators
- Unlawful taking of a quantity of saltwater species or taking with prohibited gear
- Taking game or fish with a suspended or revoked license
- Illegal importation of exotic marine life
- Unlawful possession, transportation, or sale of commercial quantities of game fish, saltwater species, or freshwater fish
- Illegal take and possession of deer or wild turkey
- Falsification of applicant information for possession of captive wildlife
- Level four violation: Classified as a third-degree felony. Felony acts include:
- Level Trap robbing (lobster, stone crab, etc.)
- Any form of creation, reproduction or forgery of an FWC-sanctioned recreational license, or possession of the said license without proper authorization
- Taking/killing an endangered/threatened species
- Unlawfully killing, injuring, possessing, or capturing of alligators or other crocodilians or their eggs
- Felony boating under the influence (BUI)
One of the most common mistakes that you can make if you receive a citation or a charge is to ignore it. Turning away and hoping for the best will rarely end in your favor. Instead, take control with the help of our defense attorneys.
Speak To A Maitland Fishing And Wildlife Lawyer Immediately
Do not make the mistake of failing to secure an aggressive defense against FWC violations. Lindsey, Ferry & Parker, P.A., can offer the defense you need. To schedule a free initial consultation, call 407-278-7692 or contact us online.