If you found this blog, you're probably one of the hundreds of tourists every year who "have too much fun" while visiting Catalina Island. Hopefully, I can answer some of your questions and give you a better idea of what to expect.
The most commonly-charged offenses on the island include drunk in public, DUI, domestic violence, possession of drugs, assault / battery and fishing violations.
Alcohol-Related Violations
Alcohol-related offenses are treated especially harshly in Avalon. Local police and prosecutors have really made a concerted effort to maintain their "family friendly" reputation, and they've decided that this includes bringing down the hammer on alcohol offenders.
In most California courts, an arrest for being "drunk in public" means a night in jail and a stern warning. In Catalina, though, you're looking at probation, CalTrans labor or some other community service, fines, mandatory alcohol counseling or AA meetings, and whatever onerous terms they can think to impose.
And remember, golf carts are considered "vehicles" under California law. If you drink alcohol or consume drugs before operating an electric cart, you can be arrested for DUI. These types of cases are common on the island.
Fishing Violations
Fishing laws are also a minefield for visitors. Catalina Island is surrounded by a checkerboard of "marine life protected areas". These sanctuaries are not marked and wardens do not issue warnings. If you drift across the imaginary line into one of the protected areas, agents from the Dept of Fish & Wildlife will issue citations. They will board your boat and search your cooler for contraband species and undersized fish. You will be criminally prosecuted for every ticky tacky offense that they uncover, regardless of whether or not you knew that you were breaking the rules.
Possession of unidentifiable fish fillets are a big violation that snares a lot well-meaning anglers. If you clean your fish at sea, remember to leave a 1" square of skin attached so that wardens can identify the species.
Possession of abalone can also be a major headache for divers around Catalina. The minimum fine for possession of a single abalone is $10,000. Once all the mandatory fees and court costs are included, the minimum fine jumps to over $60,000 for a first offense. That's the MINIMUM. Luckily, we have some tricks for negotiating these cases down to less than the minimum in most cases.
Logistics
The tiny courthouse on Catalina Island is open every other Friday, weather permitting. Most of the week, the building is dark and empty. They do not store any files on site. If you appear in court on a date when they were not expecting you, they will not be able to help you.
To schedule a court appearance, you (or your attorney) must appear at the courthouse in Long Beach and coordinate with the clerks and prosecutors there to add your case onto the Catalina calendar for a date that is convenient for all parties. Failure to follow all the appropriate steps will result in a wasted trip.
To make matters even more frustrating, cases on Catalina are often delayed or filed sometime after the date listed on your citation. When that happens, you might spend the time and money to travel all the way back to Catalina, only to find out that your case has been rescheduled for next month. Your case will not simply be dismissed.
If you've been cited or arrested while visiting Catalina Island, a private attorney (such as myself) can attend your court hearings without you being personally present in most cases. There's no sense in traveling all the way back to the island for a series of routine appearances. Let me save you the time, expense and hassle by appearing for you. I can receive copies of police reports, negotiate with the DA and work to secure the best outcome possible for your case.
If you or a loved one was cited or arrested on Catalina Island, call us for a free attorney consultation. (714) 449-3335. Ask for John.
Thanks for reading.
Catalina Island Lawyer
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