Fishing Violations Reduced – Client Walks Away

Our Client was charged with nine fishing violations in Monroe County, for eight undersized Mahi-Mahi (Dolphinfish) and one undersized Snapper, by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). He hired Law Office of Robert Malove’s Key West office to help him fight these charges.

After speaking with our client, and reviewing the facts, we discovered that FWC wrongly charged our client for each individual fish caught, instead of charging him for each type of fish caught. Our team quickly reached out to the Assistant State Attorney, and convinced them that to drop seven of the eight Mahi-Mahi Violations, leaving only one violation for Mahi-Mahi and one violation for Snapper.

Shortly after the extra violations were dropped, our office was able to work out a deal with the Assistant State Attorney, for a Withhold of Adjudication. A Withhold of Adjudication places the case on hold, and allows a defendant the chance to complete probationary terms. If the terms are completed, the case is closed without the defendant being convicted and having a criminal record. Our Key West Team was able to negotiate the probationary terms and convince the State to allow our client had to make a small $250.00 donation to a marine resource nonprofit and complete a quick 20-minute FWC test. Once completed, our client would be released from probation and their case closed.

Luckily, our client was able to complete these requirements in less than 2 hours! We are honored to have been able to help our client get these charges lowered, and ultimately resolved quickly. If you, or someone you know, has been charged with a FWC fishing violation in Monroe County, please reach out to our office today to see how we may assist you.