Austin Environmental Crime Attorney With 40-Plus Years Of Experience
Environmental crimes are serious federal offenses that can result in substantial fines, lengthy prison sentences and permanent damage to your reputation and business operations. These complex cases often involve multiple federal agencies and require immediate attention from an experienced environmental crime lawyer who understands both the scientific and legal aspects of environmental law.
The Law Office of E.G. Morris has over four decades of experience defending clients against federal criminal charges, including environmental offenses. As Austin environmental crime attorneys, we understand the complexities of these investigations and work aggressively to protect your rights when facing charges from agencies such as the FBI, EPA and other federal law enforcement organizations.
Understanding Environmental Criminal Violations
Environmental crimes encompass a broad range of illegal activities that harm natural resources, public health or protected ecosystems. These federal offenses carry severe penalties and often involve lengthy investigations before charges are filed.
Wildlife crimes represent a significant category of environmental violations that include illegal trafficking of protected animals, plants or timber. These cases often involve violations of the Endangered Species Act, the Lacey Act or international wildlife protection treaties.
Pollution-related offenses cover various forms of environmental contamination, including improper hazardous waste disposal, illegal discharge of pollutants into waterways and violations of air quality standards. These cases frequently involve corporate defendants and can result in both criminal charges and civil penalties that reach millions of dollars.
Animal cruelty charges under federal jurisdiction typically involve interstate commerce, organized fighting operations or violations occurring on federal property.
Regulatory Compliance And Federal Investigations
Environmental regulations are complex and constantly evolving, making compliance challenging for businesses and individuals. Federal agencies conduct thorough investigations that may span months or years before filing charges, often involving multiple agencies working together to build comprehensive cases.
The FBI Environmental Crime Unit coordinates with agencies including the Environmental Protection Agency, Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service to investigate violations. These investigations frequently involve scientific evidence, expert testimony, and detailed analysis of business records or environmental data.
Early intervention by an experienced environmental crime lawyer can sometimes prevent charges from being filed or result in reduced penalties through cooperation agreements.
Protecting Your Rights In Environmental Cases
Environmental prosecutions require specialized knowledge of both criminal law and environmental regulations. Contact our Austin office today by calling 512-893-6121 or reach out through our online contact form to discuss your environmental case and begin building your defense strategy.