Environmental enforcement leaders at the Department of Justice recently have emphasized the use of criminal prosecution for environmental violations. As they explained, the approach will not focus just on corporations but also the individuals who commit and profit from the environmental offenses – because only individuals go to jail.
Our attorneys have successfully represented companies and individuals caught-up in criminal environmental investigations and prosecutions. These often involve alleged violations of the Clear Air Act and Clean Water Act. For instance, we reached a favorable disposition for a company alleged to have discharged asbestos into the air. In the maritime area, we successfully defended a freighter crew member in a federal grand jury investigation into alleged wastewater dumping. Our client was ultimately not prosecuted and was able to resume duties as an officer in international shipping.