Los Angeles Environmental Crime Defense Lawyers
What Are Environmental Crimes?
Environmental crimes in California are actions that cause significant damage to the environment. Environmental crimes can range from littering to dumping toxic waste into a water supply, and they can be committed by individuals or corporations.
Investigations into potential environmental offenses must be done by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
If you have been accused of an environmental crime, it is important to have an attorney who can help defend you during court proceedings. The attorneys at Werkman Jackson & Quinn LLP work hard to defend your rights and ensure that you receive a fair trial. Call us today at (213) 688-0460.
Federal Laws That Relate To Environmental Crimes
California has a number of federal laws that relate to environmental crimes.
The Clean Water Act (CWA) is one of the most important laws for California residents because it protects water quality and the marine environment. The CWA regulates all discharges into surface waters, including rivers, streams, lakes and oceans. It also regulates discharges into groundwater and other underground sources of drinking water.
The Clean Air Act (CAA) regulates air pollution from stationary sources (e.g., factories) and motor vehicles; it includes emissions standards for all categories of mobile sources, including trucks, cars, and buses; the CAA also regulates hazardous air pollutants (HAPs).
The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) of 1976 is a federal law that regulates the handling, storage, treatment, transportation, and disposal of hazardous waste. The goal of the RCRA is to reduce the environmental impacts caused by hazardous waste by requiring it to be handled properly.
Federal Agencies That Enforce Environmental Crimes
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for enforcing environmental crimes in California. The EPA works with state and local agencies as well as other federal agencies, such as the Department of Justice and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, to investigate and prosecute those who violate federal laws related to the environment.
The EPA also works with other federal agencies to ensure that their programs comply with environmental laws by conducting audits and inspections, conducting enforcement actions against violators, and offering guidance and training to federal employees who are responsible for enforcing these laws.
California State Environmental Violation Laws
California generally aims to provide greater environmental protection and its policies are thought to be more environment friendly than those at the federal level.
The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requires any project that has a significant environmental impact to undergo an environmental review before receiving approval by the state government. This includes any project that involves construction or expansion of buildings or other structures. The law also applies to projects that involve changes in land use or zoning and projects involving public infrastructure such as roads, highways, and railroads.
Among the most important is Proposition 65 in the The Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act. This law requires businesses to warn consumers about possible exposure to toxic chemicals. It also requires businesses to inform the public about what steps they take to reduce or eliminate these toxins from their products. Proposition 65 applies to any business that sells a product in California and contains one or more chemicals that have been designated by California as known carcinogens or reproductive toxins.
Hazardous materials charges under California Health and Safety Code Section 25510 HS require handlers, employees, or agents of any type of hazardous materials, such as chemicals or flammable liquids, to contact the appropriate authorities as soon as they become aware of a spill or other type of release.
Have Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP on Your Side
If you have been charged with an environmental crime, your first step should be to contact an attorney at Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP.
Our experienced attorneys will explain the law surrounding the charge, explain the potential penalties associated with conviction, and discuss possible defenses that might apply to your case. We will also be able to answer any questions that you have about how your case might proceed through court proceedings.
Reach out to us at (213) 688-0460 today.
Contact Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP Today
Phone: (213) 688-0460 
Fax: (213) 624-1942
Recent Case Results
- Complete Dismissal of Molestation Charges
Attorney Mark Werksman’s 29 year old client was falsely accused of molesting two neighborhood children and was subsequently charged with felony child molestation, with a significant prison sentence hanging over his head should he be convicted. Instead, at the preliminary hearing Werksman was able to convince the court to grant his client a complete dismissal of any charges. - Decision Set Aside
Client, a college student in a faulty Title IX case, was awarded $130,000 in attorney fees. - Probation with No Jail Time for Drug Money Laundering Charge
Wilmington man accused in New York federal court of laundering drug money through the sale of laptop computers. Mark was able to get the case transferred to federal court in Los Angeles, where he convinced the United States Attorney to reduce the charges. His client was sentenced to probation with no jail time on a misdemeanor conviction.
