In Weld County, you will most likely not be arrested for Fishing without a license, however you may get a ticket and face penalties. In Colorado, many people enjoy hunting and fishing, however the regulations and laws surrounding hunting and fishing can be confusing and hard to understand. If you have been received a ticket, summons or been fined for Fishing without a License, or charged with a Hunting and Fishing Violation, you will need a Greeley lawyer who can help you avoid losing your license and the harsh penalties that come with these violations.
Who Needs a Fishing License in Greeley Colorado?
In Greeley, Colorado, anyone over the age of 16 needs to have their license with them when they are fishing. Anyone under the age of 16 can catch their full limit per day without having a license. This means that if you are fishing with your child, they (if they are under the age of 16) do not need a license, but you as an adult are required to have a license.
How Would a Park Ranger or Wildlife Officer Know I Do Not Have a Fishing or Hunting License in Weld County?
In regards to how a park ranger or wildlife officer would know you do not have a license in Weld County, C.R.S. 33-6-11 gives Colorado Parks and Wildlife officers the right to set up check stations where they can request to see your license, any game / fish you have or your firearms.
What are the Fines and Penalties for Fishing Without a License in Greeley, Colorado?
In Greeley, Colorado, the penalty for hunting and fishing without a license is most often a fine of $50. While most people would just pay this fine, it is important to know that by paying the fine you are pleading guilty and it could ruin more than just your day of fishing. In Colorado and many other states, Hunting and Fishing Licenses, much like driver’s licenses, are on a point system. A new hunter would start with zero points, if you are convicted of a Hunting or Fishing Violation you would earn points toward losing that license and if at any time in a 5 year period you get 20 points, then you your license can be revoked in the state of Colorado and many other states. Most hunting and fishing violations are between 10 – 20 points, Fishing Without a License is a 10-point violation.
When charged with fishing without a license, the penalties seem straight forward with a $50 fine and 10 points on your license. However, the fines and points can increase if you also have fish that you have caught with you. If you have one fish the fine is raised by $35 and 5 more points, for every other fish it is an extra $10 and an extra point per fish. With these additional penalties a fisherman who had a good day catching fish, but forgot to renew his license could unfortunately lose his license for 5 years.
If you or a loved one have been fined by Colorado Parks and Wildlife do not pay the fine, but instead call 970-616-6009 to speak with one of our skilled hunting and fishing lawyers today. Together, we can protect your future.
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