Legal Question in Criminal Law in Hawaii
Contestable?
I recently received a citation from a game warden for using a fishing net measured at 1/8th of an inch less than allowed. My father made the net (3 years ago) using a template that makes the eyes of the net 2-1/8". The regulations state that the eye should be at least 2". My net measured 2-1/8 when it was finished therefore I always assumed my net would be that size (nylon doesn't shrink very much). I had no intention of breaking any fishing laws, if I knew my net was illegal, I would have not used it. Is this something that I could contest? Or is this something where I should just plead guilty for because I broke the law, although inadvertently?
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Contestable?
I'm not licensed in your state, only in Montana, so what I'm advising is that you contact a lawyer in your state and do a risk analysis. See what you have to lose and compare that to the costs of a criminal defense. There may be some future consequences to a plea of guilty that you might be unaware of unless you contact a knowledgable criminal defense attorney. Good Luck!
Mark Sullivan
Mark R. Sullivan - Attorney at Law
1204 1st Ave. E, Ste. A
Re: Contestable?
While it sounds like a minor matter, it is probably worth a shot at a trial. Bring the net and show the
judge or jury how you measure the net. Let the warden explain how he measured it. You may win.
Alan Pransky
Law Office of Alan J. Pransky
20 Eastbrook Road
Related Questions & Answers
Looking for something else?
10,200 active attorneys ready to answer your legal questions today.
Featured Attorneys
Earn additional revenue and grow your business.
