Hunting and fishing in the state of California requires a license. This license, along with many other related licenses, is issued and monitored by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). Some of the other licenses issued by the CDFW include:
- Commercial fishing license
- Domesticated game breeder license
- Fish importer license
- Fish wholesaler license
- Trapping license
If you are seeking to buy, sell, hunt, or farm within the state of California, then your activities will likely need a license authorized by the CDFW. The CDFW oversees licensees and processes complaints. When a fish and wildlife license is issued, there are several ongoing requirements that the licensee must follow to avoid license sanction. If you are facing a professional licensing issue, then it is important that you speak to an experienced professional licensing defense attorney.
Attorney Scott J. Harris is a former Deputy Attorney with the California Department of Justice. He is dedicated to protecting state-issued licenses during investigations and disciplinary actions. If you have a California hunting or fishing license and were recently notified of a complaint against you to the CDFW, then you must respond immediately to protect your license.
Department of Fish and Wildlife License Denial
A fish and wildlife license can be denied for several reasons. Common reasons for a license being denied include criminal convictions, financial issues, or making misstatements on the license application. If you have been denied a fish and wildlife license, then you have the opportunity to challenge that denial before the Office of Administrative Hearings in a Statement of Issues hearing. It is important that you understand the appropriate procedure and present your case in the most effective way to change the minds of the CDFW to award you your license.
Department of Fish and Wildlife License Accusation
Most CDFW accusations start as consumer complaints. If a licensee is met with a complaint, then the CDFW can sanction or even take away the license as a punishment. If a social licensee receives notice that their license is in danger of being revoked by the CDFW, then the license holder has 15 days to respond and file a notice of defense. A failure to appropriately respond within the allotted time can result in a default judgment against the license holder. A default judgment immediately strips the licensee of their fish and wildlife license.
Investigations of Department of Fish and Wildlife Licenses
Once a case is initiated, it will be investigated by an investigator who is employed by the CDFW. At the end of the investigation, the investigator will make a recommendation for the board to determine if a formal complaint is warranted. If you are unable to reach a resolution in your case, then your case will be heard by the California Office of Administrative Hearings.
S J Harris Law Group
If you are facing a complaint against your fish and wildlife license, then it is essential to consult with an experienced license defense attorney. At the SJ Harris Law Office, we offer free consultations to any professional facing a licensing complaint. Contact us today at 323-794-0701 to schedule your appointment.
