Legal Question in Criminal Law in Washington

fishing without proper license

I'm from canada and was caught fishing in US water without realizing and was fined for fishing without license for 109 dollars. There was a mark at the box for Bail Forfeiture and not at the Mandatory court Appearance dated for Aug.31,07. I didn't show up for the date stated and paid the 109 dallars on Sept.14, 07, about a week late. Was issued arrest warrant for not being at court on Aug.31,07. Just went for a quash hearing to have my arrest warrant lifted and is not being set up for a trial by jury ....charges could be up to 90 days in jail plus 1000. My question is , ''Can this late fine payment be that serious? and since the ticket that was issued to me did not marked as Mandatory court appearance, can they still charge me for contemp of court and issued arrest warrant for me ? Thank you for any info...

charles c.


Asked on 10/31/07, 2:18 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
James J. White, attorney Law Offices of Smith & White, PLLC

Re: fishing without proper license

Unfortunately, the tickets are usually worded that if you pay by x-date then appearance isn't mandatory. The potential punishment you mention was possible from the beginning on the charge of unlawful fishing. The opportunity for a bail forfeiture is in the discretion of the prosecuting authority and may still be available to you. Try calling the prosecutor's office to arrange this.

If you are low income they should appoint you a public defender as this crime can potentially result in jail time. If you need to arrange a lawyer contact me directly.

At your service,

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Answered on 10/31/07, 11:33 am


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