Dallas Antitrust Law Attorney
Fighting Criminal Charges of Price Fixing and Other Antitrust Violations
Under the Sherman Act, price fixing is illegal. Competitors must not collude to determine the cost of products in a way that harms the public. The courts view price fixing as either "illegal per se" — when competitors conspire to charge higher prices; or, when suppliers and manufacturers conspire "vertically" to raise costs to consumers. If the Anti-Trust Division believes that a decision to raise prices is the result of an agreement with a competitor to do so, the burden to prove otherwise falls on the defendant.
In each instance, price adjustments, competitive price matching, and territorial divisions may look like a pattern of price fixing to over-zealous federal prosecutors. When confronted with allegations of price fixing or violations of U.S. antitrust laws, it's essential to hire a lawyer who understands how federal anti-trust investigations are prepared and conducted so that an effective defense can be initiated.
As a former state and federal prosecutor, criminal defense attorney Dan Guthrie understands how federal anti-trust investigators operate, and what must be done to combat these allegations. To schedule a free consultation regarding your case, contact white collar crimes defense attorney Dan Guthrie today.
Allegations of Price Fixing
Criminal defense attorney Dan Guthrie represents clients accused of antitrust law violations such as the following in price fixing cases:
- Artificially inflating prices
- Bid rigging
- Collusion to divide up business territories
- Fixing minimum pricing schedules
- Selling goods below market value
- Dumping to temporarily decrease prices
- Conspiring to reduce competition
Determining Economic Harm and Criminal Intent
In order to convict the defendant of price fixing, the prosecution must establish that a defendant intentionally conspired to fix prices or harm competition. What may be a strategic positioning of resources or a creative pricing schedule may look like price fixing to a federal investigator. That's why it's important to retain legal representation as early as possible.
As a former state and federal prosecutor, Dan Guthrie is familiar with the tactics used by investigators to gain the confidence of a suspect or use an interview to gather evidence.
Antitrust Violation Investigations Demand Proactive Response
If you have received any notice that the Department of Justice (DOJ) is investigating you or your company, it is critical to consult an attorney. Proactive involvement is essential in antitrust and price fixing cases.
His 30 years of experience and insight into the prosecution has given Mr. Guthrie the aptitude to recognize the tactics used by prosecutors and counter those efforts. Involving an experienced lawyer at the earliest stage possible can make a difference between a federal indictment that leads to a conviction and no indictment.
Attorney Dan Guthrie's ability to demonstrate other sources or explanations for price increases at an early stage in investigations has proven effective in avoiding the devastating consequences of a federal indictment. View his Representative Cases.
Contact Antitrust Violations Defense Attorney Dan Guthrie Today
If you are currently under investigation or have already been arrested on a charge of price fixing, contact white collar crimes defense lawyer Dan Guthrie today to schedule a free, confidential consultation to discuss your case.
