WA Unlawful Recreational Fishing Attorney
Have you been cited for Unlawful Recreational Fishing? Your wildlife license could be in Jeopardy!
In Washington, unlawful recreational fishing might seem like a small offense, but it can have lasting impacts on your life. Do not face this charge alone. Let Weber Law help you today!
Washington Unlawful Recreational Fishing Charges and Penalties
What is Unlawful Recreational Fishing?
Unlawful recreational fishing is split into two separate degrees of offenses.
First degree unlawful recreational fishing is when a person:
(1) Takes or possesses two times or more than the bag limit or possession limit of fish or shellfish allowed by any rule of the director or commission setting the amount of food fish, game fish, or shellfish that can be taken or possessed for noncommercial use;
(2) The person fishes in a fishway;
(3) The person shoots, snags, dipnets, or stones fish or shellfish in state water;
(4)The person is in possession or fishes for a fish listed as a threatened or endangered species; or
(5) The person possesses a white sturgeon, green sturgeon, or wild salmon.
Second degree unlawful recreational fishing is when a person:
(1) The person fishes for fish or shellfish and has not purchased the appropriate fishing or shell fishing license; or
(2) the person owns a fishing license but does not have it in possession while fishing.
What is the Punishment?
Attempting to elude a police officer is a class C felony.
A class C felony is punishable by imprisonment for up to five years, a fine of up to $10,000.00, or both.
If you are convicted of attempting to elude a police officer, your license could be revoked or suspended.
As the sentence can vary so much it is important to have knowledgeable legal counsel who can advocate for the lowest sentence possible for you.
Even as a Defendant of a Crime, you still have Rights! Make sure yours were not violated!
Unlawful recreational fishing in the first degree is a gross misdemeanor. Additionally, the person will be required to pay a fine for each fish taken or possessed. The person’s fishing license will be revoked and suspended until the fines are paid for.
Unlawful recreational fishing in the second degree is a misdemeanor.
A gross misdemeanor is punishable by imprisonment for up to 364 days, or a fine of up to $5,000.00, or both.
A misdemeanor is punishable by imprisonment for up to ninety days, or a fine of up to $1,000.00, or both.
Your fishing license will be revoked and suspended if this is your third or more violation in a ten-year period, you fail to appear at a hearing to contest an infraction or fail to pay your fine.
Contact Weber Law immediately if you’ve been arrested on an unlawful recreational fishing charge. We offer a free confidential case evaluation – serving Seattle and the surrounding areas.
"He did everything he could to solve my case. There was no moment where I felt like I was alone. He went to his full extent to help me lower my charges. Great lawyer.”
How can Weber Law help you?
If you have been cited for unlawful recreational fishing in Washington, there are a few ways Weber Law can fight for you. Whether it is negotiating to lower the charge to a lesser crime, reducing your fine amount, or keeping your license from getting suspended, Weber Law will work for you. By looking at potential evidence such as your fishing history and potential eyewitness testimony, Weber Law will make sure to look at all the details of your case. At Weber Law, we are experienced in defending these charges, winning these cases, and getting you back on the water. If you or anyone you know has been cited for unlawful recreational fishing in the State of Washington, call Weber Law today for a consultation.
WA ST § 77.15.370, Unlawful recreational fishing in the first degree – Penalty – Criminal wildlife penalty assessment
WA ST § 77.15.380, Unlawful recreational fishing in the second degree – Penalty
WA ST § 77.15.700, Grounds for department revocation and suspension of recreational license – Appeal
WA ST § 9A.20.021, Maximum sentences for crimes committed July 1, 1984, and after
A Seattle, Washington Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help You
Weber Law will aggressively fight for your rights. Contact us today!
We believe that justice is an idea that can triumph only when living people make it so. We are dedicated to justice. We wish to run a business that is at once profitable while allowing us to promote the rights of our fellow community members. We will stand for the poor when they are in need and their cause is just. We will work for any responsible business. We will represent all races, creeds, religions, sexes, sexual orientations, and backgrounds.
Office Address:
810 3rd Avenue Suite 120, Seattle, WA 98104