If you have been charged with violating boating and FWC regulations, contact a Marathon boating and FWC violation lawyer from Keys Criminal Defense, PLLC today. Our seasoned criminal defense attorneys offer proactive legal counsel to both locals and tourists, and we look forward to assisting you.
Florida’s boating regulations aim to keep tourists, locals, and wildlife safe when on the water. Boating violations range from minor to serious, with the most severe offenses carrying hefty penalties.
Arguably, one of the most common boating and FWC violations is boating under the influence (BUI). Similar to driving under the influence (DUI), local law enforcement and courts take BUI very seriously. Individuals are prohibited from operating a vessel with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher.
A person’s BAC depends on many factors, including the number of drinks they had, their body weight, and their ability to process alcohol. Unfortunately, many tourists and locals find themselves arrested for BUI when they have too much fun on the water, make a few poor choices, and get too rowdy.
Additionally, few tourists realize that BUI charges can apply to all types of watercraft, even those without a motor. One can be arrested in Marathon for canoeing or kayaking while under the influence. If arrested for BUI, our lawyers always advise that you remain silent and contact an attorney right away.
Boating violations may also include operating a water vessel in an unsafe manner. For more information on common boating violations in Marathon, contact an experienced attorney from Keys Criminal Defense, PLLC.
Florida is home to some amazing creatures, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is a state-run organization tasked with managing and regulating fish, wildlife, and waterfowl.
Hunting and fishing violations can manifest in several ways. For instance, sometimes tourists face charges for committing the following acts:
Commercial fishing violations occur every day, as well. While a tourist with a compelling story may be forgiven for their ignorance of bag limits, commercial fishing operators will be treated harshly by the courts. A judge may elect to apply the most serious penalties, especially if the defendant is a repeat offender with a history of boating and FWC violations.
Florida allows both residents and visitors alike to catch lobsters, but is also very concerned that regulations are followed and marine life is respected. Lobstering violations may manifest as a person diving for lobsters out of season, exceeding daily catch limits, or catching lobsters that do not meet the proper measurements to be harvested.
If you have been charged with any of these FWC violations in Marathon, contact our experienced lawyers immediately.
If you need a Marathon boating and FWC violation lawyer, contact Keys Criminal Defense, PLLC today. We are ready to fight for your rights and will do our best to ensure you remain informed throughout the legal process. Criminal charges do not have to upend your life. Contact our team now.
