Quote Quoting jfelajr
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My question involves criminal law for the state of: Arizona

I received a criminal ticket from a Arizona Game warden for the use of a third fishing pole, like a bone head I picked up a third fishing pole with a spinner and had cast out just as the warden came down the hill. At the time I did not argue or dispute the use of the third rod, talking with the warden he said at the time it would be a simple fine that I could call the Courts about in a week to set up payment and that it was a minor issue. Will after a week I called the court and said I wanted to pay my fine but was informed of my choice to plead guilty or not guilty. At that time I said I wished to plead guilty to put it behind me. so the lady on the phone said she would email me the forms. After receiving the forms I had a question because it said I was charged with unlawful taken of fish and that it was criminal act and a misdemeanor offence. The categories were class 1-3 and petty offence which I assumed it would be for using a third rod, I had made a mistake but nothing really criminal. My wife told me to call and make sure so I called and asked them how do I find out what the misdemeanor was, she said a class 2 and I was shocked. 750 dollars/probation 2 years or 4 month in jail for using a third rod. I asked the women if I could talk to someone and she informed me only way would be to file not guilty and talk to judge during the pre-trail conference. Since then wife thinks I should just file the guilty plea and have faith courts wont go overboard. My question is should I just do the guilty plea by mail hope for the best or go to the pre-trail conference and see if anyone there will talk to me about this and explain my side of the story. I’ve never been in this situation before and I’m not sure what to do. I’ve tried calling several law firm for a consultation but I don't know if its the covid situation but I’m not getting calls back, could it be because this isn't that big of a deal and I’m over reacting. Any insight into this would be greatly appreciated.
It took me a long time reaching the Arizona statutes and administrative code to track down what you were cited for. My guess is Section R12-4-313 - Lawful Methods of Take and Seasons for Aquatic Wildlife.

Section R12-4-313 - Lawful Methods of Take and Seasons for Aquatic Wildlife

A. Subject to the restrictions of this Section, a person may take aquatic wildlife during the day or night using artificial light as prescribed under A.R.S. § 17-301. When a fish die-off is imminent or when otherwise deemed appropriate, the Commission may designate a special season by Commission Order to allow fish to be taken by hand or by any hand-held, non-motorized implement that does not discharge a projectile.

B. A person who possesses a valid Arizona fishing license may take aquatic wildlife by angling or simultaneous fishing as defined under R12-4-301 with any bait, artificial fly, or lure subject to the following restrictions:

1. Except for sunfish of the genus Lepomis, the flesh of game fish may not be used as bait.

2. Live baitfish, as defined under R12-4-101, may only be used in designated areas prescribed by Commission Order and designated areas may subsequently be closed or restricted by Commission Order.

3. Waterdogs may not be used as live bait in that portion of Santa Cruz County lying east and south of State Highway 82 or that portion of Cochise County lying west of the San Pedro River and south of State Highway 82.

4. Shall not use more than two lines at any one time.

5. The Commission may further restrict the lawful methods of take on particular waters by designating one or more of the following special seasons by Commission Order:
R12-4-301
“Simultaneous fishing” means taking fish by using only two lines at one time and not more than two hooks or two artificial flies or lures per line.
So from your post, you did indeed violate R12-4-313 by casting out that third line.

17-341. Violation; classification

A. It is unlawful for a person to knowingly purchase, apply for, accept, obtain or use, by fraud or misrepresentation a license, permit, tag or stamp to take wildlife and a license or permit so obtained is void and of no effect from the date of issuance thereof.

B. Any person who violates this section is guilty of a class 2 misdemeanor.
13-707. Misdemeanors; sentencing

A. A sentence of imprisonment for a misdemeanor shall be for a definite term to be served other than a place within custody of the state department of corrections. The court shall fix the term of imprisonment within the following maximum limitations:

1. For a class 1 misdemeanor, six months.

2. For a class 2 misdemeanor, four months.

3. For a class 3 misdemeanor, thirty days.

B. A person who is at least eighteen years of age or who has been tried as an adult and who stands convicted of any misdemeanor or petty offense, other than a traffic offense, and who has been convicted of one or more of the same misdemeanors or petty offenses within two years next preceding the date of the present offense shall be sentenced for the next higher class of offense than that for which the person currently is convicted. Time spent incarcerated within the two years next preceding the date of the offense for which a person is currently being sentenced shall not be included in the two years required to be free of convictions.

C. If a person is convicted of a misdemeanor offense and the offense requires enhanced punishment because it is a second or subsequent offense, the court shall determine the existence of the previous conviction. The court shall allow the allegation of a prior conviction to be made in the same manner as the allegation prescribed by section 28-1387, subsection A.

D. A person who has been convicted in any court outside the jurisdiction of this state of an offense that if committed in this state would be punishable as a misdemeanor or petty offense is subject to this section. A person who has been convicted as an adult of an offense punishable as a misdemeanor or petty offense under the provisions of any prior code in this state is subject to this section.

E. The court may direct that a person who is sentenced pursuant to subsection A of this section shall not be released on any basis until the sentence imposed by the court has been served.
I would not be pleading guilty. Find an attorney. Call the state's bar association and find one that is familiar with fish and wildlife regulations.