Fish & Wildlife Charges in Olympia

Washington state is home to some of the best fishing and hunting in the country. With popular spots like Olympia's Budd Inlet for fishing and areas like Capitol Forest and the Olympic National Forest for hunting, fishing and hunting violations are common in the area. Often, fish and game violations are the products of innocent mistakes and misunderstandings of local regulations. Our Olympia attorneys will help you challenge these charges.

With over 20 years of experience defending fish and game charges, we can help you with the following:

• Hunting Without A License
• Hunting During Closed Season
• Illegal Hunting Methods
• Taking Game Out Of Season (Poaching)
• Hunting Without Proper Tags
• Exceeding Bag Limits
• Unlawful Hunting Of Endangered Species
• Hunting Under The Influence (Alcohol or Drugs)
• Hunting Migratory Birds Without a Federal Stamp or License

• Fishing Without A License
• Fishing In Closed Waters Or Seasons
• Exceeding Catch Limits
• Using Illegal Fishing Gear Or Methods
• Fishing Without Required Tags Or Stamps
• Illegal Commercial Fishing
• Possessing Undersized Fish Or Shellfish
• Fishing For Endangered Species

• Poaching
• Possession Of Illegal Wildlife
• Selling Protected Wildlife Or Parts
• Unlawful Trapping
• Feeding Wildlife In Restricted Areas
• Destruction Of Wildlife Habitat

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has the legal authority to suspend or revoke licenses for wildlife and game offenses. The severity of the violation, the number of prior offenses, and the specific laws violated will all determine whether your license is suspended or revoked and for how long. If you're facing charges, our experienced attorneys will fight to help you keep your licenses.

If you are accused of a fish or wildlife violation in Olympia, it's important to act quickly and responsibly to protect your rights. Here are the steps you should take:

1. Do Not Admit To The Violation: Even if you think you may have made a mistake, do not admit guilt to law enforcement officers or anyone involved in the case. Your attorney will guide you on how to handle the situation appropriately.
2. Contact Our Experienced Attorney: Hire an Olympia attorney who specializes in fish and wildlife law in Washington state. An experienced attorney familiar with Olympia's local courts will explain your rights and develop a robust strategy to defend you against the charges.
3. Gather Evidence: Collect any relevant documents, photos, licenses, or records that might support your case or demonstrate that you complied with the law, including witness statements, proof of legal fishing or hunting activities, or photos of the area where the violation allegedly occurred.
4. Avoid Public Discussions Of Your Case: Do not discuss the case with family, friends, or on social media. Anything you share publicly could be used against you later. Let your attorney handle all communications about the case.
5. Follow Any Licensing Restrictions: If you are issued a temporary suspension or restrictions on your hunting or fishing activities, make sure to follow these rules. Violating temporary restrictions can lead to further charges or complications in your case.

Taking these steps will minimize the consequences of an accusation of a fish or wildlife violation. With the guidance of our skilled attorneys, you can work toward a favorable outcome for your case.

If you're an out-of-state resident facing fish and wildlife charges in Olympia, we're here to help. With experience handling cases for individuals from outside Washington state, we understand the unique challenges that come with being accused of violations in a state where you don't reside. Our Olympia legal defense team will handle communications with the court, local authorities, and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, so you don't have to travel back and forth for every step of the process.

If you have a fish and game violation in Washington, there are several defenses we will explore to counter the charges. Here are some of them:

1. Lack Of Knowledge Or Intent: In many cases, fish and game violations can come from accidental actions or misunderstandings. We can argue that you did not intentionally break the law, such as fishing without a valid license or unknowingly exceeding catch limits.
2. Environmental Or Safety Conditions: Sometimes, violations occur due to weather, road closures, or other environmental factors that are beyond your control. We may be able to argue that conditions made compliance impossible or unreasonable at the time of the alleged violation.
3. License Or Tag Issues: If the charges involve fishing or hunting without a proper license or tag, we can examine whether there were administrative errors or issues in the system that led to the misunderstanding.
4. Exemptions Or Special Permits: In some cases, Washington state has exemptions and special permits available that allow certain activities like fishing during restricted seasons or using specific equipment. If you had a valid reason for engaging in the activity, we can argue for a dismissal or reduction of charges.
5. Insufficient Evidence: We can challenge the prosecution's evidence, such as questioning the accuracy of the measurements for fish or game, the legality of equipment used, or whether the violation truly occurred as alleged.

By thoroughly investigating all facts surrounding your case, we can work to reduce or dismiss your charges and minimize penalties.

Our fish and game defense attorneys in Olympia are outdoor enthusiasts, too. You might even run into us at some of the best hunting and fishing spots in Olympia. For fishing, we enjoy the clear waters of Ward Lake, Rattlesnake Lake, and Hood Canal. When it comes to hunting, we always have luck around Mount Rainier National Park, Tacoma Narrows, the Nisqually River, and Lake Kapowsin. We understand the legal regulations and the importance of preserving your rights as an outdoorsman.

Whether you're facing charges in or out of state, every Olympia fish and wildlife charge can be challenged. We'll work to help you avoid penalties and protect your Washington hunting and fishing license. Call us today for a free consultation and case review.

We receive numerous calls each year from people who are surprised to learn that what they thought was merely a Fish & Wildlife ticket is actually a criminal charge. Many of these situations stem from an honest mistake like getting the wrong type of license (often due to the store’s mistake), using the wrong type of hook, the wrong size of catch, or straying into the wrong area, to just name a few. While it may not seem like a big deal to you, the Department of Fish & Wildlife Officers take these violations very seriously and they will make sure they recommend that you be charged with every possible charge possible to the prosecutor.

Fish & Wildlife laws can be very confusing to everyone, even those designated as master hunters. It is especially important to carefully review all regulations, licenses, and maps prior to going out and enjoying yourself. A conviction could result in jail, fines, probation, loss of hunting or fishing rights, and in some instances, a large statutory restitution amount.

Additionally, in some instances, the Department of Fish & Wildlife may attempt to seize your property and attempt to have you forfeit it. An example would be trying to take your truck which was allegedly used to transport an illegally killed animal. It is your responsibility to fight for your property and to request a hearing in a timely manner. You have certain deadlines to assert your rights. If you are late in demanding a hearing, you will have lost your right to fight for your property. This civil action is separate from the criminal case.

If you are facing a seizure action or a criminal charge, give our office a call. We will help you understand what you being charged with and what you can do to move forward.