Chestertown Hunting & Fishing Lawyer

Hunting or fishing out of season or catching fish that don’t meet weight requirements can be a misdemeanor.

Our defense team can help you avoid or lessen fines for violation of wildlife laws.

Why choose Archey Law for hunting and fishing cases?

I’m both a hunter and a boater and have had experience prosecuting all types of hunting and fishing cases. Having lived in MD my whole life, I’m a local. And unlike just any Chestertown hunting & fishing lawyer, I’m familiar with the areas, prosecutors, and the Department of Natural Resources Police.

What are the most common kinds of hunting and fishing violations?

Most hunting violations we see are not intentional, but are due a hunter’s ignorance of property lines. Even when you have express permission to use someone’s land, if you’re not aware of property distinctions, you may be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Game wardens are extremely active on the Eastern shore, and will check gear, licenses, and make sure you’re only hunting with written permission on another’s land.

Another common hunting violation is baiting. This is when you try to lure animals to a specific place with food, in order to hunt them. Some people don’t understand the illegality of this, and can find themselves with citations carrying huge bonds and possible incarceration. It sometimes happens that people are unaware of food previously placed by hunters or landowners, and are caught not having done anything wrong.

Many of the hunting citations, laws, and regulations are complicated & it’s important to be aware of them and consult an attorney in the event of a violation.

What are the most common consequences for hunting and fishing violations?

The most common penalties for hunting and fishing violations are fines. Some violations have specific fines, while others actually carry jail time.

There are other consequences, outside of fines and jail time, which include having your hunting license suspended, or potentially, permanently revoked. You may also be required to forfeit your gun, perform community service, or submit an apology letter to the owner of the property.

For fishing, crabbing, and oystering violations, records are kept, much like criminal or traffic records. Especially for those who make their living through fishing; if you build up enough offenses, you may not be allowed to work in the industry or sell your products.

These hunting and fishing consequences can affect your liberty, money, and property, so it’s very important to have an attorney on your side.

About Archey Law

Just because you’re charged, doesn’t mean you’re a criminal.

Each of us can find ourselves in a situation with the law. Do we want to be viewed as a criminal? Of course not.

Just because you’ve been charged with a DUI, BUI, traffic violation, assault charge, drug charge, or any other kind of criminal offense does NOT mean YOU are a criminal.

Each day as an attorney I’ve reflected on the reality that any person could find themselves charged with a crime they never thought they would commit.

Helping good people in their darkest hour - this is why I practice law.

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What is a DUI?

In Maryland, there are two different types of alcohol driving offenses.

The first is the 21902A statute, known as a DUI (driving under the influence of alcohol). Within that one statue, there are several variations:

1. A DUI per se, happens when you get pulled over and fail to pass the test(s). When this happens, you go back to the barracks to give a breath alcohol concentration test or submit a breath alcohol concentration sample, yielding a result of over the legal limit: 0.08. This is what’s called per se, because the test stands on its own, showing you were intoxicated to that level. That is the highest level DUI offense we have in Maryland. The penalty is a year in jail and a thousand dollar fine for the first offense.

2. The next is a general DUI, when you’ve been pulled over for driving erratically. In this case, you have failed the field sobriety tests miserably and potentially didn’t give a breath sample at the barracks. The police can take the totality of these circumstances and present them to the court. The court may find that you were intoxicated enough to meet the higher level of a 21902A DUI.

The second is the general 21902B, commonly known as a DWI (driving while impaired). This is often more difficult for the state to prove and typically carries less penalty: 60 days in jail and a $500 fine.

With a DWI, you were mostly likely pulled over, did marginally on the roadside field sobriety test, and did not submit a breath sample at the barracks after being taken into custody. When the prosecutor presents their case, they rely strictly on the roadside test to show that you were impaired to some degree. It’s not a high burden to meet, but the state can prove their case beyond reasonable doubt using those words, sight tests, police officer’s statements, experience, testing credentials, and such.

What are the consequences of a DUI?

For a DUI, the consequence is a year in jail and a $1000 fine, for the first offense. If you’re a subsequent offender, penalties can vary from two to three years in jail, depending on your number of prior offenses.

A DWI carries a standard 60 days in jail and a $500 fine.

If you are convicted of these offenses, we always mitigate for probation, or something significantly less than the maximum fine.

What sets you apart from other BUI attorneys?

As a boater and fisherman, I understand BUI cases better than most attorneys. I speak the language and have had extensive experience working with the Department of Natural Resources police. As a result, I’ve prosecuted countless BUI cases in the Eastern shore.

Why choose Archey Law for hunting and fishing cases?

I’m both a hunter and a boater and have had experience prosecuting all types of hunting and fishing cases. Having lived in MD my whole life, I’m a local. Unlike just any attorney, I’m familiar with the areas, prosecutors, and the Department of Natural Resources Police.

What makes us different

Legal Expertise

At Archey Law, we fight for you. With a legal expert on your side, gain confidence as we find the best possible outcome for your case.

Direct Communication

When you contact, you won’t be passed along the chain. Speak directly to your lawyer, every time. Call, text, or email and we’ll respond within 24 hours.

Track Record of Success

Having worked in both prosecution and defense, we know the law from each side. We help you navigate the law and achieve the best possible results.

Local Attorney

Get unparalleled advantage in the local, legal area. Our founder, Yves Archey, has lived on the eastern shore his whole life. He is intimately familiar with the local geography and legal culture, giving you the best possible defense.

How it works:

Text, Call, or Email Us

Send us a message in whatever way that’s most convenient. You will receive a response from us within 24 hours.

Schedule a Consultation

We will schedule a time to meet or connect for a call. During this consultation, we’ll learn more about the details of your case and give you legal counsel.

Get a Plan

We will give you a plan to achieve the best possible outcome in your case.

202 Tamarack Rd
Chestertown, MD 21620