Crowley Executive Acquittal in Price Fixing Trial Highlights Importance of Evaluating Legitimate Defenses and Avoiding Costly Plea Agreements

A federal jury’s recent acquittal of a shipping company executive charged with price fixing highlights the challenges and uncertainties the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice (“DOJ”) faces when defendants force DOJ to prove its case at trial. It also highlights the fact that, when confronted with the threat of an antitrust prosecution, “rolling over” and agreeing to whatever deal DOJ offers is not always the best course.