Outdoor News Daily

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the Attorney General’s Office and the District Court of Maryland will launch a pilot program on January 15 under which the court in Anne Arundel County will set aside one day each month to try only cases dealing with natural resources violations.

“We cannot let the crimes of a select few hinder our efforts to protect the natural and living resources that belong to all Marylanders,” said DNR Secretary John Griffin. “By scheduling all natural resources cases on one day, we are giving everyone involved an opportunity to focus on the impact and severity of these crimes.”

Under the new pilot program, on the third Friday of each month the Maryland District Court in Anne Arundel County will hear all pending natural resource cases, including fishing, hunting, boating and tree expert violations. The State’s Attorney’s office has also assigned a special attorney strictly to prosecute these cases.

The pilot program supports DNR’s plan to step up enforcement of fishery poaching violations, as recommended by the Maryland State Task Force of Fishery Management. DNR is also proposing a new schedule of penalties and fines that will impose penalties on first time offenders, which depend upon a criminal conviction. The new enforcement system:

* assigns points to violations based upon the gravity of the offense;
* has increased penalties for repeat offenders and special protection for certain species; and
* includes provisions for automatic suspension for certain violations.

“DNR and its partners and stakeholders are working hard to create a fair system of fines and penalties to ensure the safety of our fisheries,” said Assistant Attorney General Joe Gill. “Working with the District Court to focus the docket on natural resources violations will make sure these cases are given their due attention.”

DNR will work with other counties to expand the pilot program if it is successful.

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