Towson, Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyers The Herbst Firm HomeDepartment of Natural Resources Violations
All people who venture out into Maryland’s parks, public lands and waterways are subject to dozens of local regulations. Some of these regulations are civil in nature, but there are numerous laws that provide criminal punishments for DNR violations. The Natural Resources Police is the law enforcement agency that is tasked with enforcing all the laws within the jurisdiction of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Anyone hunting, camping, hiking, fishing or boating is likely to be subject to these laws, which are policed by about 300 sworn officers. Most of the violations are payable, but some require a court appearance. Either way, paying the fine is an admission of guilt and will result in a misdemeanor conviction. In addition, anyone who pays a DNR violation will have a record and may be subject to harsh penalties including incarceration as a repeat offender. If you have been issued a DNR citation it is advisable to speak with an experienced Maryland criminal defense lawyer. Benjamin Herbst specializes in defending those charged with Natural Resources violation and is standing by to offer a free consultation about your case. Benjamin is available 7 days per week at 410-207-2598 and offers flexible payment plans in all cases. Contact Benjamin to learn the defenses that may apply to your DNR violation.
DNR violations can be confusing as the majority of these laws are listed in the Code of Maryland or COMAR. There is no easy way to search for regulations online in COMAR, so many people are not aware of all the rules and regulations of the places where they go for recreation. Nonetheless, this is not a defense that the laws were unclear. Common DNR offenses include operating a vessel under the influence of drugs or alcohol, which carries up to one year in jail. Reckless operation of a vessel is another common DNR violation that carries up to 30 days in jail. These violations and others that apply to vessels are listed under the State Boat Act and are pretty straightforward. Less well known DNR regulations included prohibitions on hunting, catching or fishing different species of wildlife and other offenses such as hunting under bait or in an area where there is bait present. The statutes generally to not have a specific requirement of knowledge, but Maryland case laws continues to support the notion that a person must have some sort of criminal intent to be convicted of a crime.
Many of the more obscure violations do not have a specific punishment and fall under the general fines of either $500 or $1,500 and do not require an appearance in the District Court of Maryland. On the other hand, paying the violation can create a permanent criminal record that could show up on background checks and affect professional licenses, security clearances or job prospects. Benjamin Herbst has successfully represented numerous DNR cases and is standing by to fight for the dismissal of your violation. He routinely represents federal employees with security clearances, active-duty military members, law enforcement officers and other professionals who cannot afford a criminal record, as well as students and young adults who do now want a potential misdemeanor conviction to interfere with future job prospects. Benjamin does whatever is takes to secure a dismissal in these cases and is standing by to fight for you. Do not gamble with a DNR citation by showing up to court without representation. Contact an experienced Maryland DNR violation lawyer today to assure your future is not impacted. Benjamin represents clients in DNR violations in all Maryland jurisdictions including Worcester County, Dorchester County, Allegany County and Howard County.
