Criminal charges likely from Gulf oil spill, legal experts say

Criminal charges likely from Gulf oil spill, legal experts say

By Marisa Taylor | McClatchy Newspapers


WASHINGTON — Federal investigators are likely to file criminal charges against at least one of the companies involved in the Gulf of Mexico spill, raising the prospects of significantly higher penalties than a current $75 million cap on civil liability, legal experts say.

The inquiry by the Homeland Security and Interior Departments into how the spill occurred is still in its early stages and authorities have not confirmed whether a criminal investigation has been launched.

But environmental law experts say it's just a matter of time until the Justice Department steps in - if it hasn't already - to initiate a criminal inquiry and take punitive action.

"There is no question there'll be an enforcement action," said David M. Uhlmann, who headed the Justice Department's environmental crimes section for seven years during the Clinton and Bush administrations. "And, it's very likely that there will be at least some criminal charges brought."

Such a likelihood has broad legal implications for BP and the two other companies involved — not the least of which is the amount of money any responsible party could be required to pay. The White House is asking Congress to lift the current $75 million cap on liability under the Oil Pollution Act of 1990, but there's no cap on criminal penalties. In fact, prosecutors in such cases can seek twice the cost of environmental and economic damages resulting from the spill.

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http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2010/05/12/94061/federal-laws-point-to-criminal.html

The administration likes to look forward on crimes of national importance. Trials of such people are so distasteful. After all, they are just good businessman trying to make an honest living and everyone makes mistakes.

As has been demonstrated by numerous blatant criminal activities preceding and during his term of office, the President has no taste for pesky things like trials at his justice department. Trials are for poor people. They are so drama filled, can't we just play musical chairs in the E-suite and hope the next sociopath is one with a heart?

this admin's watch. I imagine criminal charges will be flying from all parties with a stake in this; it's already starting.

I'd love to see the Orator actually back up the Oratory.

Seeing how he whistles past the graveyard on other issues involving elites he has over for dinner in the white house...yeah not holding my breath.