The phrase “shotgun charge” may sound intimidating or confusing, however, it can actually be a helpful legal tool. In this article, we’ll give an overview of a shotgun charge as it relates to business and legal matters.
What Is a Shotgun Charge?
A shotgun charge is a legal tool that enables a person to “charge” multiple people simultaneously for a crime or civil infraction. The “shotgun” effect refers to the multiple persons responsible for a single offense, a common strategy employed by prosecutors to hold multiple defendants accountable. This is a common legal practice for cases in which multiple people are charged for the same crime or violation, like regulatory infractions, fraud, counterfeiting, or copyright infringement.
Why Is a Shotgun Charge Used?
By using a shotgun charge, a prosecutor can leverage heavier sentences or faster settlements by placing a group of people and businesses on notice that they could face prosecution and have to answer for their actions. This approach also requires fewer resources and less time since the prosecutor can charge all of the defendants as part of one action. It also keeps defendants from avoiding their legal obligations if they think they could face prosecution individually.
Modern Examples of Shotgun Charges
Recently, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) employed a shotgun charge in a large settlement with generic pharmaceutical companies accused of price fixing. In this case, the DOJ used a shotgun charge to target 18 separate pharmaceutical companies and hold them accountable for their involvement in price-fixing schemes. This approach allowed the DOJ to ensure that each of the defendants would take responsibility for their actions, regardless of any possible individual settlements.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a shotgun charge is an important legal tool that allows a prosecutor to hold multiple parties accountable for their actions. By charging each defendant as part of a larger action, rather than individually, the prosecutor can ensure that all responsible parties will take responsibility and face the consequences of their crimes.