Criminal Defense Lawyer In Gainesville, FL
“Security” is a broad term used to refer to multiple types of investment, such as corporate stocks, municipal bonds, investment contracts, and more. While trading securities is an excellent way to make money, it’s important to ensure you’re always in compliance with federal and state regulations, or you could be accused of committing securities fraud. The white-collar crime of securities fraud carries serious legal consequences, such as hefty fines and/or a lengthy prison sentence.
If you or a loved one have been accused of committing securities fraud, it is crucial to seek the services of a dependable criminal defense lawyer. For a dedicated defense from a knowledgeable and experienced Gainesville defense attorney, contact Stout Defense, P.A. today to request a free, confidential consultation!
What Is Securities Fraud?
By definition, fraud is the theft of money or other valuable property, such as personal identity information, that can be used to access bank accounts or impersonate the victim, stealing from them through deception rather than directly. Securities fraud is a white-collar crime involving theft using stocks, bonds, bank notes, and other investable financial instruments. Essentially, securities fraud is perpetrated when someone uses false information about the current or forecasted securities market or deceptive investment practices to obtain money from someone else.
Common Types Of Securities Fraud
Many different actions could be considered “securities fraud,” such as the following.
- Insider Trading. This kind of fraud occurs when an individual with insider access to a company’s confidential information uses that information when buying or selling stocks.
- Internet Fraud. A common form of internet-based securities fraud occurs on online forums wherein misleading information is used to sell stocks with intentionally inflated prices.
- High-Yield Investment Fraud. In this type of fraud, individuals acting on their behalf run unregistered investments that offer high returns with little or no risk. Usually, perpetrators contact victims via websites. Real estate, securities, and commodities are some of the most common assets in high-yield investment fraud.
- Third-Party Misrepresentation. This fraud occurs when a third-party individual provides false information about a company they own stock in to get more people to invest in their stock. Once more individuals have invested in the stock under false pretenses, the offender sells their stock to profit.
Legal Penalties For Securities Fraud
A conviction of securities fraud carries several serious legal consequences for any offending parties. Through the Securities and Exchange Commission, the federal government is the primary governmental authority responsible for prosecuting securities fraud. Nevertheless, each state has its own securities fraud laws and securities commission. Securities fraud crimes may be punishable under state or federal law but are generally prosecuted as federal crimes. Some of the legal penalties for securities fraud include the following.
- Fines
- Incarceration
- Probation
- Restitution
How Our Gainesville Attorney Can Help
It is imperative that you seek professional legal counsel from an experienced and dependable criminal defense attorney if you or a loved one are facing charges of securities fraud. Adam Stout, our Gainesville defense lawyer, has the experience to mount a vigorous defense in any criminal case. As a former prosecutor with extensive legal knowledge, Adam can assist you in contesting your criminal charges. Don't wait — contact our Gainesville law firm today to schedule a free, confidential consultation!