Fort Lauderdale Criminal Attorney Blog
Fishing and Florida go hand-in-hand. But if you’re cited or arrested for a Fort Lauderdale fishing violation, hiring a criminal defense attorney is a smart move. Even if it’s a seemingly minor offense, hiring a Fort Lauderdale fishing violation defense attorney ensures you minimize the risk of substantial fines, potential jail time, revocation of recreational privileges, and lasting damage to your reputation on your permanent public record. 
If anglers are cited for commercial fishing violations in Fort Lauderdale, securing legal representation is all the more critical. Not only will you be facing far heavier fines, your livelihood will be at stake.
There are an estimated 47,000 registered recreational boats in Broward and another 1,050 commercial boats. By and large, the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is the agency responsible for policing Fort Lauderdale fishing violations. That said, it’s not unheard of for other agencies to get involved. For instance, the Broward County Sheriff’s Office has a Marine Patrol Unit that patrols the extensive coastline, inland waterways, canals, and hundreds of acres within the Everglades. The BCSO can arrest you for certain Florida fishing violations (though it’s more often a citation/notice to appear). You’ve also got to be mindful of federal fishing regulations.
On the scale of criminal severity, Fort Lauderdale fishing violations may not seem as serious as a battery or firearm arrest. However, that doesn’t mean it can’t have an impact on your life. What’s more, fishing violations can actually be charged as Florida felonies, depending on where you are, the type of animal involved, and whether you’ve got a history of prior fishing vior going over the bag limit with something like a red snapper in the Atlantic, you’re going to face a fine of $500/person. But if you are unlawfully harvesting stone crabs, even a first-time violation is a $1,000 fine. It’s also considered a Level Four FWC violation, the most serious, and can be charged as third-degree felonies, which carry a maximum 5 years in prison.
Top Fort Lauderdale Fishing Violation Defense Attorney
Richard Ansara is recognized as a top Fort Lauderdale fishing violation defense attorney.
Clients have attested to the effectiveness of his legal representation in this niche area of Florida law:
“I can to the Ansara Law Firm looking for counsel through my legal affairs fighting a fishing violation. My experience, though unpleasant dealing with the court system, was very smooth and easy because of the guidance I was given and the advice to take the right routes to resolve my ca
se. Throughout the whole process, all my questions were answered clearly and I always felt like I had somebody on my side.” -Nicholas V., June 2024, Google Business Page Review
Some Fort Lauderdale fishing violations may be resolved by paying a fine. However, by paying that fine, you are effectively admitting to guilt – and that will stay part of your permanent record. There may be ways a Fort Lauderdale criminal defense lawyer can help resolve your case without that outcome.More serious allegations can potentially land you in jail or prison. FWC laws are somewhat nuanced and not as well known as other areas of Florida criminal law. It’s important to find a criminal defense lawyer who has a track record of success in handling other FWC cases like yours.
Many Florida fishing violations arrests and citations may be premature, not supported by evidence, and occasionally initiated without an accurate interpretation of the law as it applies to the facts of your case. The best way to protect your finances, your freedom, and your future is to hire a high-quality Fort Lauderdale fishing violation defense attorney.
Call Fort Lauderdale Criminal Defense Attorney Richard Ansara at (954) 761-4011. Serving Broward County clients accused of Fort Lauderdale fishing violation allegations.
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