Wildlife Harassment Attorney in West Palm Beach, FL Defending Against Wildlife Interaction Accusations in Palm Beach County, Broward County, Martin County, and Throughout South Florida
Law enforcement in West Palm Beach takes crimes involving feeding or harassing wildlife very seriously. Attempting to feed or touch manatees, dumping trash into the water from a boat, and any number of other violations could result in significant legal trouble. Don’t underestimate these criminal charges or make the mistake of trying to represent yourself in the justice system. You need the guidance of an experienced West Palm Beach wildlife feeding violation lawyer who understands the nuances of the charges against you and how to fight back effectively.
At BD Law, we recognize the numerous types of actions—often done without malice or intent to harm—that can result in either locals or tourists facing serious criminal charges of feeding or harassing wildlife. With penalties such as fines and jail time on the line, you need to make your defense a priority by retaining a dedicated wildlife harassment attorney in West Palm Beach, FL. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us craft an effective defense strategy for you.
Feeding and Harassing Wildlife Charges in West Palm Beach, FL
Until you found yourself facing charges, you may not have even realized there was such a crime as feeding or harassing wildlife. Under Florida law, not only is this conduct prohibited, but it may amount to criminal violations. Attempting to pet or ride a manatee, littering from onboard a boat, or feeding wild fish and other creatures could potentially leave you facing fines, a prison sentence, and the long-lasting ramifications of a criminal record.
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Chapter 379 of Florida Statutes deals with Fish and Wildlife Conservation (FWC) violations and their penalties. Many of the offenses that defendants turn to a West Palm Beach wildlife feeding violation lawyer for help with are classified as Level Two offenses under Section 379.401. A Level Two offense is generally equivalent to a second-degree misdemeanor for those who have not been charged with prior infractions within the past three years, although repeat offenses, particularly those involving certain types of wildlife, may result in higher grades of charges.
Feeding Wildlife Violations and Penalties
Section 379.412 establishes the penalties for feeding wildlife and freshwater fish. This offense can encompass:
- Intentionally feeding wildlife or freshwater fish with food of any kind
- Intentionally feeding wildlife or freshwater fish garbage
- Intentionally attracting or enticing wildlife with either food or garbage
- Placing food or garbage in a way that entices or attracts wildlife, including littering or dumping trash
The consequences of violating this statute depend on specific circumstances. A first violation of this statute may be considered a noncriminal infraction, resulting in only a civil penalty of $100. However, if you refuse to accept the citation in writing or pay the fine, you can then be charged with a second-degree misdemeanor—a crime punishable by a fine of up to $500 (as established under Section 775.083) and a prison term of up to 60 days (under Section 775.082 of Florida Statutes).
Second and subsequent violations are generally charged as second-degree misdemeanors. A third violation, if all violations pertain to feeding bears, alligators, or crocodilians of other kinds, constitutes a first-degree misdemeanor, which may be punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and a prison term of up to one year. A fourth or subsequent violation involving feeding bears, alligators, or crocodilians constitutes a third-degree felony, which could potentially lead to fines of up to $5,000 and a prison term of up to five years.
Wildlife Harassment Violations
To protect at-risk species and Florida’s larger ecosystem, state laws (under Section 379.2431 of Florida Statutes) prohibit harassing, disturbing, injuring, or killing specified types of marine wildlife, such as:
- Manatees, also known as sea cows
- Marine turtles
- Mammalian dolphins and porpoises
Numerous actions could encompass harassing protected wildlife, including attempting to pet or ride the animals and exceeding boat speed limits in areas regularly inhabited by manatees and other protected species.
Other Types of Fish and Wildlife Conservation Violations
Feeding and harassing the wildlife aren’t the only actions that could get you charged with an FWC violation. Other such violations include:
- Hunting or fishing without a valid license
- Hunting or fishing out of season
- Illegal hunting of protected species
- Using illegal methods of hunting or fishing
- Exceeding limits on the volume of fish caught (bag limits)
- Harassing hunters, trappers, or fishers in the course of the legal taking of wildlife or attempting to disturb animals to prevent lawful hunting or fishing
If you have been accused of any fish and wildlife conservation violation, you need to take this matter seriously. Simply paying a civil penalty can constitute admitting guilt, while failing to address the matter proactively may lead to even more serious legal trouble.
It helps to have an experienced wildlife harassment lawyer in West Palm Beach, FL, guiding your path forward to help you minimize the impact of this unfortunate situation.
The Advantages of Hiring a Knowledgeable Wildlife Harassment Attorney in West Palm Beach, FL, to Fight an FWC Charge
At BD Law, we fully understand the nuances of Fish and Wildlife Conservation violations and how government entities approach these cases in West Palm Beach and the surrounding region. We have a proven track record of helping both locals and travelers defend against FWC charges and the serious consequences they can carry.
In our legal practice, we have seen firsthand how seriously the state takes the matter of keeping South Florida’s beautiful waterways safe and clean. Officers from Florida’s Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission routinely patrol the waterways, actively looking for violations such as dumping garbage off a boat, attempting to pet or touch manatees and other protected wildlife, and exceeding boat speed limits in no-wake zones.
It’s possible to challenge the charges against you and minimize the impact of this legal issue, but you have to take action quickly and carefully. Having an attorney who understands the unique issues involved in South Florida’s legal and environmental landscapes is crucial for putting up the strongest possible defense or negotiating a resolution that mitigates the consequences.
How BD Law Can Help
At BD Law, we provide peace of mind for individuals accused of feeding or harassing wildlife or other FWC violations by handling every aspect of the legal process for them.
We’re prepared to represent you in all legal proceedings, uphold your rights throughout the process, and advocate for the most favorable resolution possible for your situation. Our clients count on us to gather evidence that supports their case, build strong defenses, and advocate tirelessly for the outcomes that most benefit them.
Charges arising out of feeding or harassing wildlife may seem like minor legal issues, but there’s more at stake than you may realize. Attempting to navigate this situation alone may leave you facing much harsher consequences, including a permanent criminal record. With our attorneys on your side, you’re ready to approach the legal process with critical knowledge of Florida law and the skills to develop an effective defense strategy.
Why Choose BD Law as Your West Palm Beach Wildlife Feeding Violation Lawyer?
Across South Florida, BD Law is the firm defendants turn to when they need a West Palm Beach wildlife feeding violation lawyer they can rely on to provide skilled legal representation. Our reputation, emphatic client service, and proven track record make us the clear choice when you need professional help defending against FWC violation charges.
A Reputable Attorney Respected Throughout the Community
Through his work as both a former prosecutor and a criminal defense attorney, Brandon Dinetz has cultivated a reputation for hard work, professionalism, and strong client advocacy inside and outside the courtroom. The strong relationships he has developed with opposing counsel, law enforcement, and judges throughout the community and the high level of respect he commands provide strategic advantages to the clients who choose BD Law to represent them.
A Compassionate, Client-Focused Approach to Defense
At BD Law, we recognize that facing criminal charges is a stressful situation, especially when—as is often the case with charges of feeding or harassing wildlife—you never meant to break any laws or cause anyone harm. We approach each case with compassion and provide comprehensive legal support to ease your worries while working toward the most favorable outcome possible.
A Record of Excellent Results for Our Clients
Our criminal defense firm has a history of securing our clients results in the form of favorable resolutions that minimize the impact of legal issues on their lives. We’re known for putting in the hard work necessary to get results that benefit our clients.
Contact a West Palm Beach Wildlife Feeding Violation Lawyer at BD Law Today for a Free Case Review
Recognizing that the charges against you and the consequences you’re facing can be a lot to process, BD Law offers free initial consultations that allow you to discuss the specifics of your case with a knowledgeable attorney. You can get your questions answered and explore your options at no cost, allowing you to make smart, informed decisions about how to proceed when you have been charged with feeding or harassing wildlife.
For help from a wildlife harassment attorney in West Palm Beach, FL, contact BD Law online or call 561-778-5213 today.