If you have been charged with Unlawful Hydraulic Project Activity in Cascade District Court, Evergreen District Court, or elsewhere in Snohomish County or Washington State, it is important that you contact an experienced Snohomish County unlawful hydraulic activity defense attorney as soon as possible to review your specific case and help prepare your best defense.
Unlawful Hydraulic Product Activity charges occur when you engage in any "hydraulic activity" without a requisite permit, in violation of your permit, or in violation of the Hydraulic Code requirements. The Hydraulic Code, RCW 77.55 , is very broad and covers many activities that you may not have even realized required obtaining a permit like gold prospecting activities or even repairing a damaged beaver dam on your property. The Hydraulic Code was established to protect fish and shellfish habitats, so, activities that may have an effect on these habitats require a hydraulic project approval permit (HPA). These activities may include but are not limited to: construction or repair of bridges, piers, or docks, culvert work, dredging, gravel removal, pond construction, or mineral prospecting ( WAC 220-110 ).
Even though this may not seem like a serious offense, it is crime to engage in unlawful hydraulic project activity in Washington State and a conviction can have a significant impact on your life. Unlawful Hydraulic Project Activity (RCW 77.15.300) is a gross misdemeanor. This means, if convicted, you could be facing up to 364 days in jail and a $5000 fine. A civil penalty of $100 a day may also be imposed for HPA violations under RCW 77.55.021. Additionally, criminal convictions often must be disclosed on housing and job applications and can affect your ability to find an apartment or a job.
An experienced Snohomish County District Court Unlawful Hydraulic Activity Defense Attorney can help to evaluate your specific case for any potential legal issues or defenses and then come up with your unique defense plan.
I, Snohomish County defense attorney Lance R. Fryrear , have over a decade of experience defending these types of charges. For many of my clients , I have been successful in avoiding conviction altogether.
Contact Lance R. Fryrear today for your free consultation . Put my years of experience to work for you.