R. Todd Bennett, P.C. Board Certified, Criminal Law. Texas Board of Legal Specialization.
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Rated by Super Lawyers R. Todd Bennett, selected in 2005. Thomson Reuters.
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Turn To A Trusted Houston Environmental Crime Defense Attorney

Houston, Texas, and the entire Texas Gulf Coast are densely populated with chemical and petroleum companies. Most of these companies make great efforts to abide by detailed clean air and water regulations promulgated by the state of Texas and the federal government. However, even the most careful employee of the most careful company can have a technical slip-up that can quickly evolve into a criminal investigation or environmental crime charge.

Proven Representation In A Wide Range Of Environmental Cases

I’m R. Todd Bennett, a board-certified* criminal defense attorney in Houston, Texas. During my more than 25 years of legal practice, I have represented many employees and executives at various petroleum and petrochemical companies in Texas. Let’s talk about your case. Call me at 713-489-7763 or send an email message.

I am well-equipped to defend individuals and businesses that have been charged with state and federal environmental crimes related to:

  • Illegal dumping
  • Air pollution
  • Oil spills
  • Chemical spills
  • Improper disposal of hazardous waste
  • Illegal importation of restricted chemicals
  • Contaminating groundwater
  • Discharge of liquid pollutants
  • Improper wastewater discharge
  • Storm water runoff
  • Fraudulent certification of safety tests
  • Asbestos removal and disposal

Defense In State And Federal Cases

If you are under criminal investigation or have been charged with an environmental crime, you need a well-established criminal defense lawyer by your side. The Harris County District Attorney’s Office and the United States Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of Texas have divisions of their offices specializing in air and water pollution cases. These prosecutors also have knowledgeable criminal investigators who routinely investigate situations involving alleged violations of state and federal laws, including:

  • The Texas Water Code
  • The Texas Health and Safety Code
  • The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)
  • The Clean Air Act
  • The Clean Water Act

How I Approach Environmental Cases

First, I take the time to understand your business, assess what your duties are in relation to that business and understand what your actions were or were not in relation to the issue under investigation.

Next, I provide you the trusted advice you need to make a well-reasoned decision about whether it is in your best interest to cooperate with law enforcement or to remain silent. In many cases, I can show that mistakes that may have been made and led to the supposedly illegal conduct were unintentional or were not the cause of the environmental problem. Often, allegations involving the improper handling of toxins or other materials can be resolved without criminal charges being filed.

Lastly, I make every effort to discourage or prevent my client from being charged with or indicted for an environmental crime. However, if you are charged, I will be prepared to prove the facts necessary to maximize your chance of success in court.

Explore Your Environmental Violation Defense Options

To schedule a consultation with me — Houston environmental crime defense lawyer R. Todd Bennett — contact me by completing an online form or by calling 713-489-7763.

*R. Todd Bennett is board-certified in criminal law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.