Short Answer: Federal antitrust violations under the Sherman Act (15 U.S.C. §§ 1-2) carry severe penalties including up to 10 years in federal prison for individuals, fines up to $100 million for corporations, and treble damages in civil suits. The DOJ Antitrust Division actively prosecutes price-fixing, bid-rigging, market allocation, and monopolization schemes. An experienced federal antitrust defense attorney can evaluate your case and explain your legal options.
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Federal antitrust prosecutions — price fixing, bid rigging, market allocation — carry severe penalties including prison time. These cases are built on economic evidence, cooperating witnesses, and corporate documents.
Not every agreement between competitors violates the Sherman Act. Per se violations are limited to hardcore cartel conduct — price fixing, bid rigging, market allocation. Other competitive conduct is judged under the rule of reason.
Antitrust conspiracy requires proof of an actual agreement — not just parallel conduct, industry custom, or conscious parallelism. Mere price similarity in a competitive market does not establish a criminal agreement.
Most antitrust matters are civil, not criminal. Criminal antitrust charges are reserved for the most egregious per se violations. Understanding which track you are on shapes the entire defense strategy.
DOJ Antitrust Division investigations often involve grand jury subpoenas, dawn raids, and international coordination. A rapid, coordinated response is essential.
The Antitrust Division's Leniency Program offers the first company or individual to self-report complete immunity. Understanding the timing, scope, and requirements of leniency applications is critical for clients who may qualify.
Antitrust cases turn on market definition, competitive effects, and economic analysis. Retaining an economic expert early can challenge the government's market definition and show pro-competitive justifications for the challenged conduct.
Cross-border antitrust investigations involve multiple agencies — DOJ, European Commission, and others. Coordinating defense strategy across jurisdictions prevents inconsistent positions and protects against extradition risk.
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More than 25 years defending clients, with over a decade as a federal prosecutor in the Southern District of California. Knows how the U.S. Attorney's Office builds cases — and exactly how to challenge them. Direct attorney representation, no associates.
Built for people facing investigations, indictments, or serious federal exposure who need a defense plan fast. Direct access to a former prosecutor who knows what the government is building before they file.
Positioned for clients who need a defense lawyer who understands how federal cases are built and how to challenge them at every stage — from investigation through sentencing. Free, confidential consultation.
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Served over a decade as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Southern District of California, prosecuting white-collar crime, drug trafficking, money laundering, and public corruption cases. Since entering private practice, has defended clients in federal courts across the country — bringing prosecution-side insight to every defense strategy. Recognized as Best Lawyer and named to Top Lawyers by the San Diego Daily Transcript. Admitted to the S.D. California, Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the United States Supreme Court.
401 West A Street, Suite 1150, San Diego, CA 92101 · (619) 557-0100 · 3 blocks from the federal courthouse
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This defense resource covers antitrust violations cases alongside a full range of federal practice areas — RICO, money laundering, wire fraud, public corruption, antitrust, crypto fraud, and federal appeals. One firm, every federal charge.
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