In a recent appearance on Law Crime Fix with Angenette Levy, prominent Wyoming criminal defense attorney Steven Titus was interviewed about the legal troubles facing internet influencer Samantha Strable, also known by her online moniker Sam Jones.
Strable, a 25-year-old “outdoor enthusiast & hunter,” was arrested in Sublette County, Wyoming, on November 21. She’s looking at several charges related to wildlife and hunting violations, including allegations of falsely declaring her residency in Wyoming to obtain state resident hunting licenses.
Mr. Titus is a Campbell County game and fishing violation lawyer and founder of Steven Titus & Associates, P.C. During the interview, he provided valuable insight into Wyoming’s complex game and fishing laws, and how Strable’s actions may lead to severe penalties.
Strable’s Controversial Behavior Caused a Public Outcry in Australia
The controversy surrounding Strable began earlier in the year when a viral video surfaced showing her in Australia grabbing a baby wombat from the roadside. The video, which was shared by Strable to her social media followers, sparked international outrage, leading to her Australian visa being placed under review. The public backlash from the wombat incident has only compounded her current legal troubles, as she faces scrutiny in both Australia and the United States.
The Charges Against Samantha Strable
Strable has gained significant attention online for her hunting videos, but it is her recent legal issues that are now in the spotlight. In addition to accusations of obtaining resident hunting licenses under false pretenses, she faces numerous charges, including false swearing, taking wildlife without a license, killing an Elk during closed season, and hunting without a guide.
Strable’s claims of being a Wyoming resident appear to be central to the case, despite evidence showing that she was living in Great Falls, Montana, at the time. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department received an anonymous tip about Strable’s illegal activities, and an investigation revealed that she had been purchasing resident hunting tags for over two years. Her social media accounts where she boasts about her hunts only amplified the controversy surrounding her case.
Very Serious Allegations
Titus emphasized the severe consequences of violating Wyoming’s game laws. “Wyoming does not take game and wildlife charges lightly,” Titus stated. These charges carry significant penalties, including heavy fines and the potential for jail time.
“These are very, very serious allegations and people regularly get jail time of 30, 45, 60 days or more in situations like this,” Titus added.
Wyoming’s Strict and Confusing Residency Laws
According to Wyoming state law, an individual must live in the state for an entire calendar year before they are eligible to apply for a resident hunting license. Non-residents like Strable cannot hunt in Wyoming’s wilderness areas without a licensed guide. This is a crucial aspect of the case, as Strable likely benefited from the privileges associated with being a resident, such as securing highly coveted hunting tags for animals like black bear and elk.
Titus, who is known for handling complex criminal defense cases, explained the intricacies of Wyoming’s residency laws during his interview: “The Fish and Game Department residency laws are confusing. Wyoming has different residency laws for voting, getting a driver’s license, and for getting a hunting license.”
“You would think that if you have a Wyoming driver’s license you would be a resident,” Titus said, highlighting the complexity of the state’s legal requirements.
Titus pointed out that there are distinct benefits Wyoming for residents when it comes to obtaining hunting tags. “There are advantages to being an in-state resident, especially when it comes to acquiring the most coveted tag based on location and types of game,” he said.
More sought-after tags, particularly for trophy game like black bears, are allocated through an annual lottery system, with residents given priority. Strable, by claiming to be a Wyoming resident, was able to circumvent these restrictions and gain access to hunting tags she would otherwise have been highly unlikely to receive.
“Samantha Strable probably would not have gotten a black bear hunting tag if she had not claimed to be a Wyoming resident,” Titus stated.
Potential Fallout and Penalties for Strable
The charges against Strable are misdemeanors, but they come with serious penalties that could affect her career as an influencer. Strable faces jail time, heavy fines, and the suspension of her hunting license for up to five years.
“Fish and game violators face outrageous fines,” Titus pointed out. These penalties are meant to serve as a deterrent for those who attempt to exploit the state’s game and fishing resources.
Titus explained that Wyoming is a member of the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact (IWVC), a reciprocal agreement with 47 states. That means Strable’s hunting privileges could be suspended across most of the country.
While Strable may only be facing misdemeanor charges, the legal system in Wyoming takes violations of game laws seriously, and the potential penalties could have a lasting impact on her future.
Titus emphasized that Strable’s case is far from isolated. “People regularly get jail time of 30, 45, 60 days or more in situations like this,” he added.
Speak With a Trusted Game and Fishing Violation Attorney in Wyoming
For anyone who finds themself entangled in fish and game related legal issues, or if you are seeking clarification on Wyoming’s game and fishing laws, it’s essential to consult with an experienced attorney.
If you’re facing hunting or fishing violations, don’t risk losing your privileges or facing hefty fines. At Steven Titus & Associates, we are committed to protecting your rights and ensuring that you understand the complexities of Wyoming’s residency and game laws.
Call (307) 257-7800 today for a free consultation.
We’re here to protect your rights, explain your options, and fight for the best possible outcome.