Utah is one of the premier states for hunting because of its vast unspoiled wild spaces. Signs indicating private property are often obscured by vegetation or snow, so it is very easy for a hunter to slip in and out of private property while on the hunt.
When a hunter unknowingly kills an animal on private land, serious criminal penalties can be brought by Wildlife Resources officials. Under Utah Law, the killing of any protected animal on private property is a class B misdemeanor that carries up to a six-month jail sentence. Additionally, a hunter’s permit can be revoked for up to five years.
Almost every mammal, bird and fish is considered a protected animal under Utah law, which means that hunters can face poaching charges for killing animals that are not commonly considered to be game animals.
The wildlife crime defense attorneys at Greg Smith and Associates represent those who have been accused of poaching in all Utah parks and forests, including the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Dixie National Forest, Round Valley Wildlife Management Area and Capital Reef National Park. Contact us online or call our office at 801-651-1512 to set up a free consultation.
Poaching charges because of a hunting dog
Utah laws regarding hunting while trespassing also apply to a hunter’s dog. If your dog kills a deer or other animal on private land even without your knowledge, you can be held criminally liable as if you killed the animal yourself.
Contact Our Poaching Crimes Defense Attorneys
Whether you face wildlife crime charges because of the actions of you or your dog, you should take these matters seriously. Wildlife and poaching charges can result in a criminal record that could jeopardize your employment or housing situation. Poaching crimes can also generate substantial fines and cause revocation of your hunting license.
The attorneys at Greg Smith and Associates handle poaching and wildlife cases throughout Utah, including the Great Salt Lake, Bear Lake, Causey Reservoir, Pineview Reservoir and Flaming Gorge Reservoir. To arrange a free consultation, call us at 801-651-1512 or contact us online.
We take our poaching cases seriously and rigorously defend our clients whether they have been accused of hunting violations or violent crimes such as assault. Our attorneys are available at all times of the day, every day.
