And, the downside to violations like these are that there often AREN'T "lesser" charges to plead to. Unlike a battery that might be pled down to an assault, or an assault that might be reduced to a "disturbing the peace" local infraction, or a DUI to a "wet reckless", when dealing with resource violations, the very nature of which hinge of the SPECIFICS of the activity, prosecutors often have little or no leeway, even if they WANTED to negotiate. There isn't a charge of "was only unlawfully fishing a little bit". Of course the other side of that coin is that a busy prosecutor or one not well versed in dealing with such cases might be persuaded to chuck the whole thing; but that approach is one that should be taken by one's attorney, and NOT by a novice accused. As advised, some criminal defense attorneys will offer at least a minimal consultation for free. The best thing you can do for yourself if concerned about a potential misdemeanor conviction is to speak with a few and potentially hire one BEFORE you say a word in court other than "not guilty".

