The Austin anti-trust litigation attorneys at Shaw Cowart LLP have a professional, ethical, and highly respected reputation in a diverse area of the law, including representing clients in anti-trust lawsuits. Our Austin business litigation attorneys are considered experts in the area of anti-trust defense, and the investigations involved in these types of allegations and subsequent litigation.
Before actual anti-trust charges are brought, the Anti-trust Division of the Department of Justice is notified of possible antitrust violations. Agencies investigating criminal activity may discover possible price fixing, bid rigging, money laundering, or tax evasion (to name a few), and refer the information to the Anti-trust Division which then begins an investigation.
Investigations that result in charges of anti-trust violations are either initiated proactively by the Anti-trust Division of the Department of Justice or are referred to the Division by other departments, or government entities, investigating other crimes such as money laundering or tax evasion. When evidence is discovered by an ongoing criminal investigation, the Anti-trust Division is enlisted.
What Is the Purpose of Anti-Trust Policies?
Anti-trust policies are intended to protect consumers by preventing monopolies and other efforts to prohibit or impede competition. Unfortunately, while the intent may seem noble, these policies often result in overreach from state and federal regulators, effectively preventing businesses from growing and, ultimately, harming consumers who may benefit from streamlined services.
What Are Common Violations?
The most common anti-trust violations are efforts to acquire a monopoly, making a single company the only provider of goods or services in a specific region, and agreements between companies that work to restrict further competition, such as price-fixing, horizontal agreements, and bid-rigging.
How Can an Anti-Trust Defense Attorney In Austin Help Me?
At Shaw Cowart LLP, our anti-trust defense attorneys can help to prevent violations of anti-trust policies during acquisitions and mergers, and defend businesses against allegations of breach of state or federal laws. In addition, through in-depth knowledge of anti-trust laws, our Austin business defense attorneys can help to build cases that protect the best interests of companies seeking to grow within their market or expand services that would allow them to better serve new and existing customers.
When Should I Contact an Austin Anti-Trust Defense Attorney?
You should contact an anti-trust defense attorney whenever your company is engaged in an acquisition, merger, or joint venture that may violate anti-trust laws. You should also contact an anti-trust defense attorney immediately if your company is accused of violating these laws during the course of organic growth.
What Types of Damages Are Recoverable in an Austin Anti-Trust Lawsuit?
Plaintiffs in an anti-trust case can recover attorney’s fees and up to three times their total compensatory damages if they prevail. To help avoid this outcome, it is essential to have an experienced anti-trust defense team on your side long before the case goes to trial.
If you are being accused of violating anti-trust laws, contact our office today to learn how we can help.
How Long Do Austin Anti-Trust Lawsuits Take?
The courts dismiss many anti-trust lawsuits before they go to trial. If a case goes to trial, it may take seven years or more to resolve.
Anti-trust lawsuits are incredibly complex and often involve antiquated laws that are largely irrelevant in today’s markets. Having an attorney on your side can help to encourage a dismissal before a trial is necessary.
Lead Sources for Anti-Trust Investigations
Leads for investigations generally come to the Anti-trust Division through one or more of the following sources:
- Government agents
- Complainants
- Amnesty applicants
- Proactive efforts by the Antitrust Division
The methods of investigation used by the Anti-trust Division usually include such covert methods as recording telephone conversations by tapping phones, or wiretapping. In some cases, the agents will make a plea agreement with a person who could be facing charges, and obtain their assistance by having them wear a tiny microphone that allows personal conversations between that person and another possible defendant to be recorded.
Contact An Austin Anti-Trust Lawyer Today
The anti-trust defense lawyers Shaw Cowart in Austin, TX, have extensive experience with federal and state regulator’s negotiations, in addition to in-depth knowledge and experience negotiating consent decrees, and compliance packages.
The legal field is constantly changing with new laws being implemented faster than a person outside the legal field can even imagine. We rely heavily upon our internal and external experts to keep us well informed of any new laws that could affect the way we represent our clients. This is especially true in anti-trust claims. It is also important to note that we do not hesitate to use expert witness testimony during litigation to strengthen our client’s position in an anti-trust claim.
If you are facing an anti-trust claim, call 512-499-8900 or contact Shaw Cowart LLP, experienced and respected lawyers, to fight for your rights.