Waveland Hunting & Fishing Violation Defense

Waveland Hunting & Fishing Violation

Mississippi is home to dedicated hunters and fishers who enjoy spending their free time hunting for a variety of wild game. Hunting and fishing can be fun activities and bonding experiences for family and friends alike. However, the state has very clear and concise laws regarding hunting and fishing that must be followed. If you are caught violating these laws, you may be subject to criminal charges. A Waveland hunting & fishing violation defense lawyer can help.

The legal team at Miller Law Offices understands how frustrating it can be to be charged for a hunting or fishing violation. You may not have even known you were breaking the law, and you may view this whole situation as frivolous. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take it seriously and hire a Waveland hunting & fishing violation defense attorney. You will want someone with experience handling hunting & fishing violation cases and knowledge of hunting & fishing laws.

Why Hire a Hunting & Fishing Violation Defense Lawyer?

There are many reasons why you should hire a hunting & fishing violation defense lawyer. To start, you may not even be aware of your violation. You may only know that you allegedly broke the law. An experienced lawyer can help you determine the nature of your violation and work on your defense. At Miller Law Offices, we can help you. Kyle Miller has considerable experience as both a prosecutor and a defense lawyer. He knows how the system works on both sides.

Hunting and fishing remain some of the most popular activities in the state. According to recent statistics from the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, & Parks, there were nearly 326,000 hunting licenses sold to Mississippi residents alone in 2024. The previous year, there were over 1,100 commercial fishing licenses sold in the state. In most cases, you will need a license to hunt in the state of Mississippi. Hunting without a license could result in charges.

Depending on the violation you are charged with, you could be looking at significant penalties that include hefty fines or even jail time. Such a revelation can have a negative effect on your mental health, and you can’t do much for yourself if you don’t prioritize your health first. You may want to consider speaking with a local mental health support group, such as NAMI Mississippi or New Life Ministries. Discussing your concerns with others can be beneficial.

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Potential Defenses Against Hunting & Fishing Violations

If you are charged with a hunting or fishing violation, you may feel that your case has already ended, especially if you are arrested. You should keep in mind that a charge or an arrest is not the end of your case, but the beginning. The prosecution still has to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, and that’s easier said than done. Retain a defense lawyer and start building a strong defense strategy based on facts. Here are some potential defenses against a violation:

• Lack of intent. Depending on the violation, the prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, and a significant part of that involves proving intent. The prosecution must prove that your violation was intentional and that you knowingly committed it. If you can prove that you had no intention of breaking the law and the violation was an innocent mistake, that could help your case substantially.
• Proof of purchase. One of the most common hunting & fishing violations is getting caught hunting or fishing without a license. However, an officer may give you a citation before a license purchase has been fully processed in the system. If you have a physical or digital license, presenting it before the court may be enough to get the charges against you dropped entirely, depending on the offense.
• Good faith. Another common violation is trespassing on private land. However, you could argue that you had a good faith belief that you were allowed to be on that land, based either on a verbal agreement with the landowner or misleading information from others. You may not have known you were trespassing at all.

FAQs

Is Hunting Without a License a Felony in Mississippi?

No, hunting without a license is not a felony in Mississippi. Hunting without a license is charged as a misdemeanor, with penalties ranging anywhere from serious fines to a forfeiture of your hunting or trapping privileges. It is recommended that you acquire a hunting license before engaging in these activities, just to be safe. If you are charged with hunting without a license, presenting a valid license can be enough to have the charges dismissed.

Does Mississippi Have a Hunter Harassment Law?

Yes, Mississippi does have a hunter harassment law. State law makes it a Class II violation to intentionally interfere with someone’s lawful hunting of wildlife. This includes intentionally disturbing wildlife in an attempt to deter hunters from lawfully pursuing them and harassing a hunter while they are engaged in their activities. If you engage in such behavior, the hunter has the right to take legal action against you.

Can I Shoot a Deer on My Property in Mississippi?

Yes, you can hunt a deer on your own property in Waveland, Mississippi. However, you can only do so if you totally comply with season dates, bag limits, and weapon regulations set forth by the state government. If you are a state resident hunting on your own land, you may not even need to apply for a hunting license. You must still comply with all other state laws regarding hunting.

Should I Hire a Defense Lawyer?

Yes, you should hire a defense lawyer if you are facing charges for a hunting or fishing violation. Depending on the nature of the offense, you could be looking at hefty fines or other penalties. A good lawyer can help you reduce the charges or even get them dismissed entirely.

Contact a Lawyer Today

At Miller Law Offices, we can help you develop a strategy to challenge your violation. Contact us to speak to a team member about your case.

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