Sec. 48740.
(1) In addition to the penalties provided in this part, a person convicted of taking game fish during a closed season; taking or possessing game fish in excess of lawful limits; taking game fish or nongame fish by use of an unlawful device; or buying or selling game fish, nongame fish, or any parts of game or nongame fish taken by use of an unlawful device shall forfeit to the state for the fish unlawfully taken or possessed as follows:
(a) For each game fish other than sturgeon, of an individual weight of 1 pound or more, $10.00 for each pound or fraction of a pound of fish illegally taken or possessed.
(b) For each game fish other than sturgeon, of an individual weight of less than 1 pound, $10.00 for each fish illegally taken or possessed.
(c) For sturgeon, $1,500.00 for each fish illegally taken or possessed.
(d) For each nongame fish, $5.00 for each pound or fraction of a pound of fish illegally taken or possessed.
(2) In every conviction for a violation described in subsection (1), the court before which the conviction is obtained shall order the defendant to forfeit to the state the sums provided in subsection (1). If 2 or more defendants are convicted of the illegal taking or possession of the fish, the forfeiture shall be declared against them jointly and severally.
(3) If a defendant fails to pay the sums forfeited for a violation of subsection (1), upon conviction, the court shall either impose a sentence of probation, and as a condition of sentence require the defendant to satisfy the forfeiture in the amount prescribed and fix the manner and time of payment, or make a written order permitting the defendant to pay the forfeited sums in installments at the times and in the amounts as the court determines the defendant is able to pay.
(4) A default in the payment of forfeiture or an installment of the forfeiture may be collected by any means authorized for the enforcement of a judgment under chapter 60 of the revised judicature act of 1961, 1961 PA 236, MCL 600.6001 to 600.6098.
(5) All courts collecting forfeitures as provided in this section shall promptly remit the forfeiture to the county treasurer, who shall transmit it to the state treasurer to be credited to the game and fish protection account of the Michigan conservation and recreation legacy fund provided for in section 2010.
History: Add. 1995, Act 57, Imd. Eff. May 24, 1995 ;-- Am. 2004, Act 587, Eff. Dec. 23, 2006
Compiler's Notes: Enacting section 2 of Act 587 of 2004 provides:"Enacting section 2. This amendatory act does not take effect unless House Joint Resolution Z of the 92nd Legislature becomes a part of the state constitution of 1963 as provided in section 1 of article XII of the state constitution of 1963."
Popular Name: Act 451
Popular Name: NREPA