Originally Posted By: sodfarmer
I just read that the 5 tribe members will only face misdemeanor charges which is what a small fine and a day in jail .Like I said before the only good that will come out of this is bad P.R for the Makahs


That's not quite right. The statement is the can only face that set of charges based on the Marine Mammal Protection Act. The prosecuting attorney mentioned they'll pursue other options for the trial.

I'm not a lawyer, so this particular thing seems to need more investigation. I'm not sure if they can only be charged as such due to the specific laws violated, or if it's something the judicial system of the tribal courts is stating. Either way, I certainly don't know what they can and will be charged with, and I'm pretty sure most folks here aren't lawyers or LE either. Let's not jump on this particular statement too quickly.