Wildlife & Fisheries Violation Defense in Carteret County

Fishing and hunting are popular commercial and recreational activities in America. As of 2022, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service reported that over 14 million hunters and 39 million anglers were active nationwide. However, navigating complex state and federal fish and wildlife regulations can lead to citations for hunting and fishing violations. If you are facing charges for wildlife & fisheries violations, you need an experienced Carteret County hunting and fishing violations lawyer to defend your rights.

North Carolina’s abundant natural resources offer numerous opportunities for commercial fishermen, recreational anglers, hunters, and others to enjoy fishing and hunting. Unfortunately, mistakes can lead to state and federal fishing violation charges, boating violations, hunting citations, and other criminal charges. If you have been cited or arrested because of a fishing or hunting violation, we can help.

Call Hancock Law Firm, PLLC to schedule a free consultation with our Carteret County wildlife & fisheries violation defense attorney. We are a trusted ally for clients accused of violating North Carolina wildlife and fisheries laws.

How Our Carteret County Wildlife & Fisheries Violation Defense Attorney Can Help You

Attorney Joel Hancock is proud to come from a rich history of commercial fishermen and sportspeople. He is familiar with the North Carolina coastal area, including Carteret County, as well as Core Sound, Bogue Sound, and the Cape Lookout area. As a skilled trial lawyer and local attorney, he is familiar with the Carteret County and Eastern District courts. Attorney Hancock is also well-versed in regulations and laws governing coastal resources enforcement in North Carolina.

At Hancock Law Firm, PLLC, we represent individuals and business owners who are entangled in complicated wildlife regulations. We work to protect your license, rights, livelihood, and future by crafting proactive and aggressive defense strategies. Our law firm is a long-time supporter of Outer Banks and Crystal Coast workers, Carteret County residents, and visitors to North Carolina.

We can help you defend your right to earn a living and keep doing what you love by:

Reviewing the wildlife and fishing citation
Analyzing the underlying statutes and regulations
Assessing whether errors were made in how the violation was recorded or cited
Determining if your catch or license complied with regulations at the time of the alleged violation
Working with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission or the Division of Marine Fisheries to clarify licensing questions or discrepancies
Developing a customized defense strategy based on the specifics of your case
Challenging evidence presented by the state or federal agency
Negotiating acceptable plea agreements to reduce charges and/or minimize penalties
Representing you in court proceedings and administrative appeals

Hancock Law Firm, PLLC has experience with wildlife & fisheries violation cases in Morehead City, Bogue Sound, Atlantic Breach, and the surrounding waterways and lands. We represent clients facing charges and citations from the NCWRC, NOAA Fisheries Office of Law Enforcement, and other agencies. Whether you are facing trial at the Beaufort County courthouse or in federal district court, you do not have to go through this alone.

Call Hancock Law Firm, PLLC today to schedule a complimentary consultation with an experienced Carteret County wildlife & fisheries violations defense attorney. Pleading guilty or representing yourself without fully understanding the consequences can lead to severe repercussions.

Understanding Fisheries and Wildlife Charges in North Carolina

Wildlife & fisheries citations and charges include allegations of crimes related to fishing, hunting, and wildlife protection laws. The charges include infractions that can be considered misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the circumstances.

Common fisheries and wildlife charges in Carteret County and throughout North Carolina include:

Shrimping regulations violations, including shrimping and trawling outside permitted seasons
Overfishing or possessing over the limit
Boating violations
Recreational fishing citations
Using prohibited gear while fishing or hunting
Unauthorized commercial catch
Illegal sale or transportation of seafood or wildlife
Violating protected species ordinances
Operating without the appropriate commercial or recreational license
Wildlife hunting out of season
Failing to tag game correctly
Trespassing
Federal fishing violation charges
Violations of the Lacey Act
Unauthorized gill net use in North Carolina
Waterfowl hunting violations
Turtle excluder device (TED) violations
Out-of-state fishing citation in North Carolina
Violations in protected areas or during closed seasons

A conviction for wildlife violations can have life-altering consequences, including incarceration and fines. Being convicted of wildlife & fisheries violations can also impact job opportunities and the ability to hunt and fish for recreation.

What Happens After You Are Charged With a Wildlife or Fisheries Violation in NC?

Typically, your case begins when you receive a citation from a wildlife enforcement officer detailing the alleged wildlife or fishery violation. Numerous agencies enforce wildlife and fishing laws in North Carolina, including, but not limited to:

North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC)
Carteret County Sheriff’s Office and police departments
North Carolina Department of Environmental Control (NCDEQ)
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)
National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA Fisheries)
U.S. Coast Guard
North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries (NCDMF)

You might be allowed to pay a fine without appearing in court for minor infractions. However, paying the fine and court costs means you are pleading guilty to the charges. Pleading guilty could trigger other penalties, including automatic revocation of your hunting or fishing license.

Regardless of the charges against you, it is strongly recommended that you speak with an attorney with experience in wildlife violation cases. An attorney reviews the citation to determine whether you are charged with a misdemeanor or a felony. Based on the charges, an attorney can explain what to expect if you pay the fine and plead guilty.

You have the right to plead not guilty and fight the charges. Contesting the citation requires you to appear in court. Having an attorney represent you in court and negotiate on your behalf with the prosecutor gives you a better chance of a more favorable outcome. For serious charges, your attorney may advise you to go to court to argue your case.

Wildlife & fisheries violations have strict deadlines for responding to citations. Prompt legal advice is essential to protect your rights and explore your legal options.

What Are the Penalties for a Wildlife and Fisheries Conviction in NC?

The penalties for a wildlife and fisheries conviction in North Carolina depend on several factors. Wildlife & fisheries charges are more serious than they appear. The penalties and collateral consequences for a conviction can include:

Suspension or revocation of commercial or charter fishing licenses
Court fines and fees, which range from hundreds to thousands of dollars
Loss of fishing and hunting privileges
Regulatory audits by federal agencies
Seizure of weapons, vehicles, and other equipment used in committing the offense
Jail time for serious offenses, such as violations of the Endangered Species Act
A criminal record that could impact job opportunities and other aspects of your life

Hancock Law Firm, PLLC, handles wildlife & fisheries cases along the Crystal Coast and throughout Carteret County. We understand the industry and what is at stake for our clients professionally and personally.

Talk to a Carteret County Wildlife Defense Lawyer Today

If you are facing wildlife & fisheries violations in North Carolina, do not wait to get legal help. You may have valid legal defenses and more options than you realize to avoid conviction. Deferred prosecution and license preservation options may be available.

Did you come from South Carolina, Virginia, Florida, or somewhere else to fish or hunt in North Carolina? If so, hiring a local criminal defense lawyer minimizes travel and disruption for out-of-state defendants. It also means you have someone who understands local law and courts on your side to protect your rights.

Contact Hancock Law Firm, PLLC today to schedule a free consultation with a Carteret County wildlife & fisheries violations defense attorney. We are here when you need trusted, local legal counsel for a wildlife violation in North Carolina.