As fall is approaching, Harassment of Wildlife, a common Wildlife Violation, can result in criminal charges. Our leading Weld County lawyers know how to to represent you. When a person decides to hunt, they also need follow rules of not disturbing wildlife or taking wildlife that is not authorized. In Woodland Park recently, a bear was found dead after being shot, leaving two cubs orphaned. The person who shot the bear could face a Harassment of Wildlife charge, along with other Wildlife Violations. Below, the lawyers at the O’Malley Law Office discuss a Harassment of Wildlife charge.
What is the Definition of Harassment of Wildlife, C.R.S. 33-6-128, in Greeley, Colorado?
In Greeley, the definition of Harassment of Wildlife, C.R.S. 33-6-128, is:
The Department of Wildlife constitutes what is “harassment” to wildlife, while the statue does not exactly state what it is we can conclude that disturbing, chasing them, or trying to get close to them could be defined as “harassment.” In the story above since the bear was shot it was mostly disturbed or contacted. The most interesting part of this statue is that the line of harassment is unclear; could the chasing of a squirrel that was a little too aggressive or the goose nesting near the bike trail, could these also have you facing a Harassment of Wildlife charge if the encounter went wrong?
C.R.S. 33-6-117. Willful Destruction of Wildlife – Another Weld County Possible Charge
The definition of Willful Destruction of Wildlife is as follows:
(I) To hunt or take, or to solicit another person to hunt or take, wildlife and detach or remove, with the intent to abandon the carcass or body, only the head, hide, claws, teeth, antlers, horns, internal organs, or feathers or any or all of such parts;
(II) To intentionally abandon the carcass or body of taken wildlife; or
(III) To take and intentionally abandon wildlife.
(b) A person who violates this subsection (1), with respect to:
(I) Big game, eagles, and endangered species, commits a class 5 felony and shall be punished as provided in section 18-1.3-401, C.R.S., and, in addition, shall be punished by a fine of not less than one thousand dollars nor more than twenty thousand dollars.
Big game would likely include a bear, elk or deer. In the case above, the sentence would be a class five felony with up to three years in prison and up to a $20,000 fine.
What is the Sentence and Penalties of Wildlife Harassment in Weld County?
Wildlife Harassment, in Weld County, is a misdemeanor offense with a fine up to $100 and also an assessment of ten license suspension points. It is a severe assessment of license points because in Colorado you will face suspension if you are assessed 12 or more points within a 12-month period, or 18 or more points during a 24-month period.
In Greeley, Colorado, What are Related Charges to Wildlife Harassment?
In Greeley, some related charges to Wildlife Harassment are:
- Knowingly Luring Bears – C.R.S. 33-6-131
- Hunting in a Careless Manner – C.R.S. 33-6-122
- Hunting Without a Proper License – C.R.S. 33-6-107
- Illegal Wildlife Possession – C.R.S. 33-6-109
Why Hire a Top Weld County Lawyer for a Wildlife Violation?
A top criminal defense lawyer for a Wildlife Violation can help you navigate the specifics of your case and get you the best outcome. In every criminal case it is important that you do not speak to the police or Wildlife Officer, as they do not have your best interest in mind. Do not assume that a misdemeanor charge is not a significant charge. It is still a criminal charge and can lead to a fine, possible jail and a license suspension.
If you or someone you love has been charged with Harassment of Wildlife or Willful Destruction of Wildlife, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact the best criminal defense attorneys from the O’Malley Law Office at 970-616-6009. Together, we can protect your future.
Image by keaton from Pixabay