Denver Environmental Crimes Defense Attorney Fredric Winocur

Expert Defense for EPA Violations, Clean Water Act Cases, and Hazardous Waste Allegations

Fredric Winocur - Premier Environmental Crimes Defense Attorney in Denver

Fredric Winocur stands as one of Colorado's most experienced environmental crimes defense attorneys, with over three decades of specialized practice in white collar crime defense. As a partner at Ridley, McGreevy & Winocur, P.C., Mr. Winocur brings unparalleled expertise to cases involving EPA violations, Clean Water Act offenses, hazardous waste disposal issues, and other environmental regulatory violations.

With 50+ jury trial victories and consistent recognition as a Colorado Super Lawyer (2006-2025) and Best Lawyers in America award winner (2016-present), Fredric Winocur has established himself as a leading advocate for individuals and corporations facing environmental crimes allegations. His deep understanding of environmental regulations, enforcement mechanisms, and complex scientific evidence provides clients with a significant advantage in navigating environmental criminal cases.

Why Environmental Crimes Defense Requires Specialized Experience

Environmental crimes cases involve complex regulatory frameworks, scientific evidence, and specialized knowledge that general practice criminal defense attorneys often lack. Fredric Winocur's 32-year career has been dedicated to complex regulatory crime defense, with particular expertise in:

Clean Water Act violations and discharge permits
Clean Air Act emissions and reporting violations
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) violations
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) cases
Endangered Species Act and wildlife protection violations
Environmental conspiracy and false statement allegations

Types of Environmental Crimes Cases Handled

Clean Water Act Violations

Comprehensive defense representation for allegations involving water pollution and discharge violations, including:

Illegal wastewater discharges
NPDES permit violations
Stormwater runoff violations
Wetlands destruction and filling
Oil spill and hazardous substance releases

Clean Air Act Violations

Expert defense against allegations involving air pollution and emissions violations, including:

Exceedance of emission limits
Failure to obtain proper permits
Monitoring and reporting violations
Asbestos removal and disposal violations
Mobile source emissions tampering

Hazardous Waste Violations

Strategic defense for allegations involving improper handling and disposal of hazardous materials, including:

RCRA storage and disposal violations
Transportation of hazardous waste issues
Underground storage tank violations
PCB handling and disposal violations
Universal waste management issues

Wildlife and Endangered Species Crimes

Comprehensive defense strategies for allegations involving wildlife protection laws, including:

Endangered Species Act violations
Migratory Bird Treaty Act offenses
Lacey Act wildlife trafficking
Marine Mammal Protection Act violations
Illegal hunting and fishing activities

Environmental Crimes Enforcement Agencies

Federal and State Enforcement Agencies

Fredric Winocur has extensive experience defending clients investigated by various environmental enforcement agencies including:

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Department of Justice (DOJ)

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Army Corps of Engineers

Colorado Department of Public Health

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

Department of Transportation

State Environmental Agencies

Key Environmental Crimes Statutes

Major Federal Environmental Laws

Fredric Winocur's practice encompasses defense under numerous federal environmental statutes including:

Clean Water Act (CWA): Regulates discharge of pollutants into waters of the United States
Clean Air Act (CAA): Regulates air emissions from stationary and mobile sources
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA): Governs hazardous waste management
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA): Addresses hazardous substance releases
Endangered Species Act (ESA): Protects threatened and endangered species
Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA): Regulates chemical substances

Environmental Compliance and Regulatory Issues

Common Compliance Challenges

Environmental crimes cases often involve complex compliance issues that require specialized understanding:

Permitting Requirements: Navigating complex permit application and renewal processes
Monitoring and Reporting: Understanding mandatory monitoring and reporting obligations
Recordkeeping: Maintaining required environmental records and documentation
Employee Training: Ensuring proper environmental compliance training
Audit Protocols: Conducting environmental compliance audits

Expert Witness Coordination

Fredric Winocur works with environmental experts to challenge government evidence and present defense theories:

Environmental engineers for technical analysis
Hydrologists for water quality issues
Toxicologists for health risk assessments
Biologists for wildlife and habitat issues
Geologists for soil and groundwater contamination

Fredric Winocur's Environmental Crimes Defense Approach

Early Intervention and Investigation

Fredric Winocur emphasizes the critical importance of early intervention in environmental crimes cases. By engaging counsel at the first sign of investigation, clients can benefit from strategic guidance during crucial phases including:

Pre-indictment negotiations with environmental agencies
Voluntary disclosure considerations
Internal environmental audits and compliance reviews
Grand jury strategy and subpoena responses
Expert consultation on technical environmental issues

Comprehensive Legal Analysis

Every environmental crimes case receives thorough analysis and strategic planning, including:

Detailed review of environmental permits and records
Analysis of monitoring data and scientific evidence
Assessment of regulatory compliance history
Evaluation of potential sentencing consequences
Expert consultation on complex environmental issues

Trial-Ready Advocacy

While many environmental crimes cases resolve before trial, Fredric Winocur maintains a trial-ready approach that strengthens negotiation positions. His 50+ jury trial victories demonstrate his effectiveness in presenting complex scientific evidence to juries.

Environmental Crimes Defense FAQs

What constitutes environmental crimes in Colorado?

Environmental crimes involve violations of federal or state environmental laws that carry criminal penalties, including illegal pollution, improper waste disposal, endangered species violations, and false environmental reporting.

What are the potential penalties for environmental crimes convictions?

Penalties can include substantial prison sentences (up to 15 years per count), multimillion-dollar fines, restitution payments, corporate probation, and permanent bars from certain business activities.

How do environmental crimes investigations typically begin?

Investigations often start with citizen complaints, agency inspections, whistleblower reports, or data analysis identifying compliance issues. Many cases involve long-term undercover operations and electronic surveillance.

What is the difference between civil and criminal environmental violations?

Civil violations typically result in fines and compliance orders, while criminal violations can lead to imprisonment. Criminal cases require proof of knowing or willful violation beyond reasonable doubt.

What should I do if I'm under investigation for environmental crimes?

Contact an experienced environmental crimes defense attorney immediately. Do not speak with investigators without legal representation. Preserve all relevant documents and avoid discussing the matter with others.

Why choose Fredric Winocur for environmental crimes defense?

Fredric Winocur brings 32+ years of specialized experience, deep knowledge of environmental regulations, successful track record in complex regulatory cases, and recognition as a Colorado Super Lawyer and Best Lawyers in America award winner.

Contact Environmental Crimes Defense Attorney Fredric Winocur

If you or your company is facing environmental crimes allegations or investigation, don't wait to secure experienced legal representation. Contact Fredric Winocur for a confidential consultation to discuss your case and defense options.

Office Address: Ridley, McGreevy & Winocur, P.C., Republic Plaza, 303 16th Street, Suite 200, Denver, CO 80202

Phone: 303-629-9700

Email: [email protected]

Schedule Your Free Environmental Crimes Defense Consultation

Source Citations and Verification

The information contained in this environmental crimes defense page has been verified through primary sources including: