Top Ware, MA Securities Fraud Lawyers Near You
100 Main St, Suite 2, Northampton, MA 01060
6 South East Street, Amherst, MA 01002
100 Main St, 3rd Floor, Northampton, MA 01060
486 Main St, Suite 2, Greenfield, MA 01301
13 Old South Street, Northampton, MA 01060
21 Stockbridge Street, Springfield, MA 01103
1414 Main St, Suite 1850, Springfield, MA 01103
71 Park Avenue, Suite C, West Springfield, MA 01089
1500 Main Street, Tower Square, Suite 1600, Springfield, MA 01115
1380 Main Street, 5th Floor, Springfield, MA 01103
1380 Main Street, Suite 202, Springfield, MA 01103
100 Main Street, Suite 200, Agawam, MA 01001
5 Arthur Street, PO Box 217, Easthampton, MA 01027
69 South Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA 01002
43 Center Street, Northampton, MA 01060
175 State Street, Suite 400, Springfield, MA 01103
143 Main St, Springfield, MA 01105
265 State Street, Springfield, MA 01103
1550 Main Street, Suite 401, Springfield, MA 01103
393 Main St, Ste 3B, Greenfield, MA 01301
1391 Main Street, Suite 822, Springfield, MA 01103
1500 Main Street, Suite 2400, Springfield, MA 01103
77 Pleasant Street, PO Box 210, Northampton, MA 01060-0210
39 Main Street, Suite 8, Northampton, MA 01060
One Monarch Place, Springfield, MA 01144
Ware Securities Fraud Information
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What Does the Law Say About Securities Fraud?
Securities fraud involves fraudulent misrepresentations in buying, selling, trading stock or other financial commodities. Securities fraud can also involve stock price manipulation to artificially inflate or deflate stock values. Securities fraud is a type of “white-collar crime,” which is a financially motivated, nonviolent crime.
Is Securities Fraud a Federal Crime?
Securities fraud is a federal offense, like mail fraud or wire fraud. Under securities law in the U.S. Code, it is a violation of the Securities Exchange Act to defraud any person in connection with any commodity. It is also a crime to execute a scheme to obtain money or property in connection with any stock commodity through misrepresentation, false pretenses, or fraudulent promises.
Securities fraud may also be a violation of Massachusetts state law. Many states have a law that mirrors the federal criminal statute. State agencies or state law enforcement may prosecute fraudulent securities practices that occur within state lines.
What Are Common Types of Securities Fraud?
Fraudulent security schemes can take a variety of forms. Common examples of securities fraud include:
- Corporate fraud
- Insider trading
- Internet fraud
- Short selling schemes
- Ponzi schemes
- Pump and dump
Corporate fraud generally involves misrepresentations made by corporate directors and executives. This may include misrepresentations or cooking the books to artificially inflate the company’s stock value. Corporate shareholders can then profit from selling the overpriced stock or selling the overvalued company. The Enron corporate fraud case is a famous example of corporate-level fraud.
A Ponzi scheme is an investment scheme where earlier investors are paid out returns out of the money from new investors. As long as the share of investors continues to increase, other investors can receive consistent profits. However, as soon as the new influx of money starts to slow down or dry up, the scheme falls apart and individual investors find out their life savings are gone.
How Does Someone Find Out About Securities Fraud?
In some cases, a financial scheme can go on for years before anyone suspects any criminal activity. Federal government agencies may suspect fraud because of suspicious financial transactions, excessive trading, or irregular tax filings. However, many securities fraud cases are reported by whistleblowers. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has a whistleblower office for people to report possible fraud. Fraud may be reported by investors, employees, or even relatives who become aware of false securities claims.
Whistleblowers have an incentive to report insider trading or corporate fraud because the SEC provides monetary awards for individuals who report fraud that leads to SEC enforcement. Whistleblowers can receive up to 30% of the enforcement money collected.
Can You Go to Jail for Securities Fraud?
You can go to jail for securities fraud. Federal fraud statutes provide long prison sentences for felony fraud. Under U.S. law, a conviction for securities fraud can result in fines and imprisonment for up to 25 years. Depending on the fraud involved, securities violations may include other fraud charges, including:
- Telemarketing fraud
- Wire fraud
- Bank fraud
- Mail fraud
- Identity theft
- Credit card fraud
- Check fraud
- Insurance fraud
There may also be civil penalties for fraud, which could result in fines, treble damages, and restitution for the victims of investment fraud.
How Can an Experienced Securities Lawyer Help?
If your business or investment activities are being investigated by a government agency, you may be under investigation for securities fraud. Securities fraud attorneys may be able to represent you during an investigation to make sure your legal rights are represented. If you are facing legal action, criminal defense lawyers can represent you in court.
Investment fraud lawyers can use the discovery process to review all the evidence in your case, talk to witnesses, and gather relevant records to build a strong legal defense. An investment fraud attorney may also be able to negotiate a plea agreement for the best possible outcome. A successful plea deal can have charges reduced, charges dropped, or reduce the criminal sentencing.