Federal prosecutors actively prosecute people for violating Federal law involving the Endangered Species Act, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Lacey Act.
If a person imports into the United States, fish or wildlife in violation of any foreign law or regulation, a felony will have been committed.
We have represented many people through the years who have been charged with these violations. Some are businessmen and women who own pet stores; some are “investors”; and, some are hobbyists. We have represented photographers who were charged with “taking” endangered species.
Often, local Assistant United States Attorneys get grand juries to return (or issue) indictments. Sometimes, prosecutors (called trial attorneys) at the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C. lead the prosecutions. The federal government prosecutors coordinate these prosecutions with the foreign countries.
If you are being investigated, or if you have been charged with one of these crimes, it is essential that you be represented by experienced and competent criminal defense lawyers who understand endangered species crimes and how to effectively represent persons charged with these criminal violations. These are serious crimes, often felonies, with the very real possibility of time in custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons as punishment. Take these crimes seriously and be sure you have the best criminal defense lawyers who understand these unique crimes to represent you.