On Thursday , an Alaskan jury acquitted former Exxon Valdez captain , Joseph Smith , of all but a minor pollution charge . Here is a chronology of the Exxon Valdez oil spill, its cleanup and related developments: Maximum penalty could be 90 days in jail and a $ 1,000 fine . He was found not guilty of felony mischief , operating a vessel while under the influence of alcohol , and reckless endangerment . Applause greeted the verdict . Jurors were swayed by the defense argument that the incident was an accident , not a crime . The defense had argued that he hesitated between the accident and the sobriety test , and that the Coast Guard did not do its job . Exxon Corp still faces federal criminal charges and Hazelwood is named in 150 civil lawsuits .
On Thursday , an Alaskan jury acquitted former Exxon Valdez captain , Joseph Smith , of all but a minor pollution charge . Maximum penalty could be 90 days in jail and a $ 1,000 fine . He was found not guilty of felony mischief , operating a vessel while under the influence of alcohol , and reckless endangerment . Applause greeted the verdict . Jurors were swayed by the defense argument that the incident was an accident , not a crime . The defense had argued that he hesitated between the accident and the sobriety test , and that the Coast Guard did not do its job . Exxon Corp still faces federal criminal charges and Hazelwood is named in 150 civil lawsuits .