Federal Environmental Crimes Attorneys in Miami

Strongly Protecting Individuals & Businesses for over 50 years

For many years, we have represented people charged with violations of Federal law relating to environmental crimes. These crimes are taken very seriously by federal prosecutors. Often, the Environmental Protection Agency investigates alleged violations prior to the matter being referred to federal prosecutors. The Department of Justice has special prosecutors working in an environmental crimes unit to handle most of these cases. These prosecutors have specialized training and expertise in these matters.

Environmental Regulations

There are many environmental regulations which cover a vast number of criminal activities. However, a few examples will be helpful:

An Act known as the Refuse Act prohibits improper discharge into navigable or tributary waters in the United State. Furthermore, it is very easy for criminal charges to be “stacked”; in other words, each violation or each illegal dumping or discharge can result in separate charges.

There are pieces of legislation which prevent harm to endangered species of plants and animals. It is not uncommon for state agents or local police to work with federal authorities in order to bring charges against an individual and/or company.

Many of the so-called environmental crimes are what are known as “strict liability crimes.” In other words, doing the illegal act is sufficient for conviction, regardless of the intent of the person.

Of course, there are defenses which, depending on the facts and circumstances in an individual case, may qualify and lead to the exoneration of the person. A skilled Federal criminal defense lawyer who is knowledgeable in defending people charged with these types of crimes may be able to convince the federal prosecutors not to bring charges against his or her client. The earlier you retain a competent and experienced criminal defense lawyer in Miami, the better your chances are to avoid being charged. Also, even if you are charged, having the right lawyer can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. Our Miami criminal defense attorneys can help.

Furthermore, the overlapping state and Federal laws and regulations governing the handling, transportation, and disposal of hazardous materials (HAZMAT) are often ambiguous and confusing to business owners, leaving them vulnerable to accusations of environmental crimes. Unfortunately, ignorance of the law is no excuse.

Environmental Crimes Defense

At Jeffrey S. Weiner, P.A., we are skilled environmental attorneys representing individuals and businesses all over the country facing investigations and criminal charges involving environmental crimes.

The Miami attorneys of Jeffrey S. Weiner, P.A., have over four decades of experience in criminal defense representation. Our lawyers understand the interplay between state and Federal regulatory authorities.

We are intimately familiar with the following:

• Illegal Dumping;
• Illegal Storage of Hazardous Materials;
• Illegal Use of Pesticide and Herbicide and Insecticide;
• Illegal Disposal of Toxic Waste and Medical Products;
• Illegal Shipping, Labeling, or Transportation of Hazardous Products by Rail, Air or Ground.