Representing Clients Accused of Violating Environmental Statutes and Regulations
Attorney Paul Kratzig has experience representing owners and operators of ocean-going vessels and companies (both American and foreign owned) and their officers in connection with investigations by U.S. Coast Guard officials and other governmental agencies (e.g., the Texas General Land Office and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality). These situations included allegations by the Government officials of violations of various environmental statutes and regulations (e.g., the many statutes and related treaties designed to protect the marine environment). In most of these situations, the allegations were resolved without criminal charges being filed.
Environmental criminal cases often include allegations of violations of the many record-keeping requirements and the related criminal penalties for failure to properly maintain such records. Additionally, the Government agents/attorneys may target employees for making false statements or obstruction of justice. The investigations frequently involve, among other things, the detention of vessels and crew (as material witnesses) and the requirement for criminal bonds to secure the release of vessels.
Virtually all of these matters require the study and comprehension of mechanical and/or chemical configurations relating to the subject matter of the investigation. When needed, Attorney Kratzig assembles a competent team comprised of other counsel and qualified technical experts in order to marshal the needed defenses and rebut the allegations.
Civil counsel for these clients are available for reference if desired.
For more information about lawyer Paul Kratzig's experience, or to learn how he can help in your case, contact his law office in Corpus Christi, Texas, today.