It's been a busy summer in the Catalina Courthouse. As always, our firm defended more criminal cases on the island than any other private firm (not the Public Defender Panel). As the most experienced local attorneys in Catalina, we're also still covering cases for other lawyers who are unable to appear on behalf of their own clients on the island.
We got some great results this summer in cases involving controlled substances, illegal fishing, poaching abalone, drunk in public, battery, domestic violence, DUI, vandalism, theft, possession of controlled substances, and just about every other offense arising in and around Catalina Island.
And the season isn't over. There are still a few big events and concerts slated for September and October (not to mention Buccaneer Days...). If you're planning to attend one of these, save my number now (714) 449-3335.
As usual, the bulk of arrests in and around Catalina Island this year involved alcohol-related offenses. "Drunk in public" charges are nothing new. I keep trying to warn people, but nobody reads this blog until after they've been arrested -- authorities on Catalina treat "drunk in public" cases very seriously. The LA Sheriff and the District Attorney prosecute these charges aggressively. A simple PC 647(f) arrest in most places means a night in jail and a stern warning. In Catalina, the same arrest can lead to probation, community service, mandatory AA meetings, high fines and even jail. This is a shocker for attorneys who aren't familiar with the local "justice" system in Avalon.
Visitors also need to be aware that golf carts are considered "motor vehicles" in California. That means the 0.08% blood alcohol limit applies. Driving a golf cart while impaired by alcohol or marijuana is a DUI. A lot of tourists learn this lesson the hard way every year ("But isn't that what golf carts are FOR?!?").
Fishing laws are just as complicated and DFW agents are just as aggressive as ever. They're still busting unsuspecting fishermen who accidentally drift into protected areas, and they're still inspecting coolers for unidentifiable or undersized fillets. If you are fishing in or around Catalina Island, take a good nautical map, a reliable GPS and an updated copy of the CA DFW fishing regulations. We're getting close to lobster season, so expect game wardens to be on full-alert.
If you or a loved one has been cited or arrested on Catalina, call us for a free attorney consultation. (714) 449-3335. Ask for John.
Thanks for reading.
Catalina Island Lawyer
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