Miami Federal Antitrust Violations Defense Attorney

Antitrust Law Violations Penalties

Antitrust laws exist to preserve the free market economy of the United States by prohibiting abusive and anticompetitive business practices that could help a corporation obtain a monopoly by suppressing competition rather than provide a superior product or service. If you were charged with such a crime, make sure you have aggressive representation protecting you. At The Law Offices of Joel DeFabio, you can work with a Miami antitrust violations lawyer with decades of experience and a track record of success.

Call (305) 851-5581 now or contact The Law Offices of Joel DeFabio online to schedule your free consultation with our firm.

Knowing the Laws about Your Case

Once you learn that you are being investigated for an antitrust violation, you need to contact an attorney as soon as possible for help. While many antitrust violation cases are limited only to civil penalties, they can also be charged as felony criminal offenses with harsh penalties if you are convicted.

It is crucial that you do not agree to speak with investigators before first retaining the defense of Attorney Joel DeFabio. Our firm can represent you with the authorities, help you protect your legal rights, and fight the charges against you.

The two laws which most commonly apply in antitrust violation cases are enforced by the Federal Trade Commission and the U.S. Department of Justice.

Sherman Antitrust Act

In 1890, the Sherman Act was passed to criminalize the formation of monopolies through the use of cartels. It outlaws contracts, combinations, and conspiracies that impose unreasonable restraints upon interstate and foreign trade. Clear and intentional violations of the Sherman Act may be prosecuted as felonies by the Department of Justice, and the penalties for a violation will depend on whether the defendant is a corporation or an individual.

Corporations can be fined the following amounts:

• Up to $100 million
• Up to twice the amount that the conspirators gained
• Up to twice the amount that the victims lost if this amount is greater than $100 million

An individual who is convicted of a violation of the Sherman Act may be fined as much as $1 million and sent to federal prison for up to 10 years.

Clayton Antitrust Act

The Clayton Act was passed in 1914 and serves to clarify and add to the provisions of the Sherman Act.

It prohibits activities such as:

• Price discrimination
• Price fixing
• Unfair business practices

Unlike the Sherman Act, the Clayton Act only provides for civil enforcement, with penalties including monetary damages awarded in favor of the plaintiff and injunctive relief that can include divestment of assets.

Let a Miami Antitrust Violation Lawyer Fight for You

We recognize how much is at stake for you—both for the health and stability of your business and for you personally—and we are ready to step in to guide you through this situation. With more than 35 years of experience and a proven track record of success in the federal courts of Miami, you can have confidence in our ability to fight for you.

Call (305) 851-5581 now to get started.