PG&E Pleads Not Guilty to Federal Charges
Executives at the Pacific Gas & Electric Company have found themselves in hot water. The company has pled not guilty recently to a dozen felony charges which stem from safety violations that resulted in a horrific natural gas pipeline explosion in 2010. The massive blast leveled a quiet suburban community in the San FranciscoBay area.
Lawyers for the state’s biggest utility entered the pleas to violating federal pipeline safety laws in federal court in San Francisco. U.S. Magistrate Judge Joseph Spero said that federal prosecutors were requesting that PG&E’s potential fine be raised to over $6 million, provided that the court finds the company financially benefited in any way. City officials from San Bruno called the action a good first step, and hoped that company officials would also be charged as individuals.
PG&E said in a carefully worded statement that the company holds itself accountable for actions resulting in the blast. It also said that it doesn’t think its employees meant to violate any federal regulations. However, you won’t find many people who believe they intentionally violate federal law.
Federal law cases require sensitive handling by experienced lawyers. If you find yourself under the attention of a federal investigation, there is no time to waste. The law offices of Milligan, Beswick, Knox & Levine can help if you have been charged with a federal crime. Contact us now for a free consultation.
James Lawrence Knox is a partner at Milligan, Beswick, Levine & Knox, LLP. For almost three decades, Mr. Knox has been providing aggressive legal representation to clients facing criminal charges, as well as individuals involved in family law issues or facing administrative law proceedings. Mr. Knox, along with the other members of our legal team, is firmly committed to putting the needs of clients first and has a long and distinguished track record to show that he is a skillful litigator and knowledgeable legal professional.