Philadelphia Securities Fraud Lawyers

Securities fraud can occur when a stockbroker, financial advisor, investment advisor, or other financial professional lies to an investor, ignores an investor’s instructions, or breaks other laws governing the financial industry. There are many different practices that can be considered to constitute securities fraud, such as “trade churning” or excessive trading, making unauthorized trades, stealing an investor’s personal information, engaging in insider trading, omitting material information about an investment or company, or engaging in a Ponzi scheme. It’s important to understand that a person can be charged with securities fraud in Philadelphia even if he or she never actually profited from the fraudulent activity.

If you are a stockbroker, financial advisor, or other financial professional who has been charged with securities fraud or insider trading, or if you are concerned about a criminal investigation into your activities as a broker, it is imperative that you consult with a knowledgeable, aggressive, and highly experienced securities fraud defense attorney as soon as possible. At The Law Office of Lloyd Long, we have successfully handled thousands of white collar crimes on behalf of our clients. We possess an in-depth understanding of the state and federal legal system and court proceedings, preparing us to fight for the best results possible in your case. For a free legal consultation concerning securities fraud or insider trading charges in Philadelphia, contact Philadelphia securities fraud attorney Lloyd Long by calling (215) 302-0171, or by using our online submission form.

What is Securities Fraud?

Securities fraud is sometimes referred to as “investment fraud” or “stock fraud.” Regardless of which term is used, securities fraud is generally defined as making false statements regarding the value of a particular company, or a company’s stocks, in order to convince people to make important financial decisions based on that information. Securities are governed by both Pennsylvania and federal laws, making those under investigation susceptible to both types of charges. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) frequently gets involved in securities fraud investigations, including investigations into:

• Advanced Fee Schemes
• Broker Embezzlement
• Foreign Currency Fraud
• Hedge Fund-Related Fraud
• High-Yield Investment Fraud
• Late Day Trading
• Ponzi Schemes
• Pyramid Schemes

Securities Fraud Penalties in PA: Fines and Sentencing

Even though securities fraud is not a violent crime, it can still result in devastating financial losses to individuals, families, and businesses. As a result, the criminal penalties for securities fraud in Pennsylvania can be severe – and in many cases, the penalties imposed by federal courts are even harsher.

If an individual is suspected of committing securities fraud in Pennsylvania, it is considered a second degree felony, and is punishable by a maximum prison term of 10 years and/or fines of up to $1 million. However, there are certain circumstances when an individual can be charged with a first degree felony, which is even more serious, being punishable by a maximum prison term of up to 20 years and/or fines of up to $5 million. Guilty offenders may also be sentenced to make restitution in addition to their punishment, which means that defendants who are convicted of securities fraud may be ordered to compensate the victims. This compensation is in addition to any criminal fines or period of incarceration.

In addition to facing harsh court-ordered penalties, defendants who are found guilty of investment fraud also risk professional sanctions, civil claims or lawsuits, and the burden of carrying a felony record. Between heavy fines, long-term incarceration, career damage, and the resulting criminal record, a conviction can derail a broker’s personal and professional life, making skilled representation of the utmost importance.

Philadelphia Defense Lawyer for Stockbrokers Charged with Insider Trading

The Law Office of Lloyd Long represents brokers, financial advisors, and other financial professionals who have been charged with or arrested for securities fraud in Philadelphia, including charges arising from alleged Ponzi schemes, trade churning, insider trading, identity theft, and many other violations. If you have been targeted by the FBI for a criminal investigation, or were recently contacted by law enforcement or placed under arrest, you need to discuss your legal situation with an experienced Philadelphia broker fraud attorney immediately.

When you choose to enlist the legal assistance of The Law Office of Lloyd Long, you will receive the aggressive and personalized representation that you deserve. We can conduct a thorough investigation into your case, gather the necessary evidence, and utilize our resources in order to develop a robust defensive strategy for you.

Do not hesitate to seek legal help if you or your spouse is under investigation for investment fraud or other white collar crimes in the Philadelphia region. To arrange a free initial legal consultation, contact The Law Office of Lloyd Long online, or call (215) 302-0171 for assistance. Defense attorney Lloyd Long handles cases arising in Center City, West Philadelphia, South Philadelphia, North Philadelphia, and beyond.