laws vary by state, each state targets different offenses differently, and the justice system doesnt always work the way it should. I know various people that have gotten a slap on the wrist for drug charges while other people have done years in prison for a lesser offense. Why? who knows. Im sure you would get more time for having a snakehead than you would for having a walking catfish. both illegal species but one is somehow worse? I dont get it, but im not a lawyer and im not a politician. Im just a simple fishkeeper