Instructor-Led Class
Prosecuting Environmental Crimes
4 Hours

Description
This class will provide the essential information that local Texas prosecutors need to effectively process environmental crimes. The following topics will be covered:
1. Introduction to Local Environmental Enforcement
- The kinds of cases prosecuted with state laws in Texas
- Overview of what steps investigators presented with a complaint usually undertake to develop a case for prosecutors;
2. Felony and misdemeanor illegal dumping enforcement under THSC Chapter 365
- The statute itself
- Range of penalties
- Relevant case law
- Common problems encountered in prosecuting illegal dumping cases
- Case examples
3. Felony and misdemeanor water pollution enforcement under TWC Sections 7.145 and 7.147 
- The statutes themselves
- Range of penalties
- Relevant case law
- Common problems encountered in prosecuting water pollution cases
- Case examples
4. Rights of Entry
- Accessing public and private property in environmental criminal investigations
5. What prosecutors should require from officers as far as case content is required
- Material commonly included in well-documented environmental cases

Who Should Attend
This class is limited to local prosecutors.

Certifications
State Bar approval for this class has been applied for by WCTCOG.

Instructor
The instructor for this class is Roger Haseman. 
Roger recently retired from the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, where he was employed as an Assistant District Attorney for thirty-four years, the last twenty-five as lead environmental prosecutor. Harris County’s annual prosecution of literally hundreds of environmental cases (including cases involving illegal dumping, water pollution, hazardous waste violations, illegal outdoor burning, and other anti-pollution laws) resulted in Roger being the most experienced environmental prosecutor in the state. During his tenure Roger had his investigators successfully use Texas statutory provisions to gain entry to public and private property, and he has presented arguments in various trial courts to justify investigator’s entry onto property. Roger is a graduate of Texas A&M University (B.A., Political Science) and the University of Houston Law Center (J.D.). He is a frequent presenter on prosecuting environmental crimes to local governments, river authorities, and professional associations, including the Texas Environmental Law Enforcement Association.