Key Largo Boating & FWC Violations Attorney

Skilled Boating and FWC Defense Attorneys Representing Clients in Key Largo, FL

For many people, life in the Florida Keys revolves around the water. People spend time on boats as they engage in recreational activities, and many people also engage in fishing for both commercial and recreational purposes. The laws in Florida govern how vessels must be operated, registered, and equipped. People may be accused of violating these laws, and they may receive citations from marine patrol officers or the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).

The penalties in these cases can range from fines to serious criminal charges, and people may need to take steps to defend against the loss of a boating or fishing license or other penalties. At Keys Criminal Defense, PLLC, our attorneys provide representation for boat owners and operators, fishermen, and others who may face boating or fishing violations in Key Largo and other parts of the Florida Keys. We work to protect our clients' records, their licenses, and their ability to continue enjoying the water or earning a living through boating and fishing.

Reckless Operation of a Vessel

Situations where people have been accused of operating boats in a dangerous manner can lead to charges of reckless operation of a vessel. These offenses may include a variety of behaviors that are considered to be dangerous or reckless, such as operating a boat at an unsafe speed, weaving between other boats in congested waterways, or failing to protect the safety of swimmers or others in the water. The key issue in these cases will be whether a person showed a disregard for the safety of other people or property and took actions that were likely to lead to injuries or other forms of harm.

Depending on whether a collision, injuries, or property damage occurred, a person who has been accused of reckless operation of a boat could be charged with a second-degree misdemeanor, a first-degree misdemeanor, or a third-degree felony. Our lawyers can help clients defend against these charges and avoid criminal convictions related to the ways a boat was handled.

Boating Under the Influence

The same laws that address driving motor vehicles while under the influence apply to people who operate boats in Florida. A person who has been accused of operating a boat while they were intoxicated by alcohol or drugs may be charged with boating under the influence (BUI). Criminal charges will typically apply in these cases, and a person could be sentenced to spend time in jail and pay large fines. The penalties increase substantially for repeat offenses. Our attorneys have the experience needed to help clients defend against BUI charges and avoid serious penalties.

Vessel Registration Violations

Most vessels operated in Florida waters must be registered correctly. A person who is accused of operating an unregistered vessel, failing to display their current registration, or failing to carry proof of registration aboard a boat may face a civil citation. Fines in these cases may range from $100 for a first offense to $500 for a second or subsequent offense involving a registration that has been expired for more than six months.

Failure to Provide Required Safety Equipment

Boats operating in Florida will be required to meet certain equipment and lighting requirements. Owners will need to ensure that boats include personal flotation devices, fire extinguishers, and proper navigation lighting. Violation of these safety equipment requirements will typically be treated as noncriminal infractions, and owners or operators may face civil penalties. Serious safety violations could lead a marine officer to detain a vessel, and a person's boating license or registration may be at risk.

Fishing and FWC Violations

Recreational and commercial fishermen will be required to follow a detailed set of regulations that are enforced by the FWC. Different levels of fishing violations may apply in certain situations, and they may range from Level One civil infractions to Level Four felony offenses. Our lawyers can help fishermen defend against violations involving size limits, bag limits, protected lobster or crab trap gear, possession of exotic fish, causing harm to endangered species, or other FWC violations. We work to ensure that our clients can avoid the loss of their recreational or commercial fishing licenses and minimize other penalties they may face.

Legal Help for Boat Owners and Operators Facing Violations

At Keys Criminal Defense, PLLC, our attorneys can determine the best ways to address the specific marine violations, FWC violations, or other boat-related violations that our clients may face. Whether a case involves claims that a person engaged in dangerous behavior that put others at risk, violated safety regulations, or engaged in illegal activities related to fishing, we will review the procedures followed by FWC officials or marine patrol officers and take steps to determine whether the facts of a case support a citation.

We can take steps to resolve minor infractions while helping our clients avoid unnecessary penalties, working to ensure that their ability to operate boats recreationally or commercially will not be disrupted. We can provide guidance on the best ways to handle criminal charges while defending against the loss of a fishing or boating license or permit. Throughout the process, our goal is to help clients avoid criminal consequences, minimize fines or other penalties, and make sure they can continue enjoying and working on the waters surrounding the Florida Keys.

Contact Our Key Largo, Florida Boating Violations Attorneys

Because of the many reasons people in the Florida Keys may face marine or fishing violations, legal representation can be essential when determining how to respond to citations and defend against serious penalties. At Keys Criminal Defense, PLLC, our attorneys can help clients understand their legal options in these situations, and we will work to resolve matters successfully. We can review the details of a boating or FWC violation and take steps to protect a client's record, their license, and their livelihood. Contact our Key Largo, FL boating violation defense lawyers at 305-324-7888 to schedule a free consultation.