Securities Fraud Lawyer in Lexington, VA — What Are Your Defense Options?
Securities fraud in Lexington is a serious federal offense under 18 U.S.C. § 1348, carrying penalties of up to 25 years in prison and millions in fines. As a former prosecutor, Mr. Sris of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strategic defense for individuals and professionals facing SEC investigations or criminal charges.
Last verified: April 2026 | Federal District Court for the Western District of Virginia | 18 U.S.C. § 1348
Securities fraud involves deceptive practices in the stock or commodities markets that induce investors to make purchase or sale decisions based on false information, resulting in losses. This federal crime is aggressively prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). A conviction can lead to lengthy prison terms, massive restitution orders, and a permanent felony record. If you are under investigation or have been charged, securing an experienced Securities Fraud lawyer Lexington is critical to protecting your rights and future.
Federal Securities Fraud Laws and Penalties
The primary statute for securities fraud is 18 U.S.C. § 1348 (Securities and Commodities Fraud). This law makes it a crime to execute or attempt to execute a scheme to defraud any person in connection with any commodity for future delivery, or any option on a commodity, or to obtain money or property by means of false pretenses in connection with the purchase or sale of a security. The statute carries severe penalties: up to 25 years in federal prison and fines for each count. The SEC also pursues civil enforcement actions, which can result in disgorgement of profits, civil monetary penalties, and industry bars.
In Lexington, a securities fraud conviction can result in a federal prison sentence of up to 25 years, multi-million dollar fines, and mandatory restitution to victims.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Securities Fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1348) | Federal Felony | Up to 25 years | Up to $250,000 (individual) or $500,000 (organization) per count | Restitution, forfeiture, SEC civil penalties, loss of professional licenses |
| Wire Fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1343) – often charged alongside | Federal Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $250,000 | Same as above |
| SEC Civil Action | Administrative/Civil | N/A | Civil monetary penalties, disgorgement | Industry bar, cease-and-desist orders |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why You Need a Lexington Securities Fraud Defense Lawyer
Federal securities fraud cases are complex, document-intensive, and often involve parallel proceedings—a criminal case brought by the Department of Justice and a civil case brought by the SEC. The investigation may be conducted by the FBI, IRS, or SEC enforcement staff. An experienced investment fraud defense lawyer Lexington understands how to handle these overlapping actions, challenge the government’s evidence, and work toward a resolution that may avoid the most severe penalties. Early intervention, even at the SEC subpoena or investigation stage, is crucial.
- Initial Investigation & SEC Subpoena: You may receive an SEC subpoena for documents or testimony, or learn you are a target of a FBI investigation. Do not speak to agents or SEC staff without your attorney present.
- Case Assessment: Your lawyer will analyze the allegations, which may involve insider trading, Ponzi schemes, accounting fraud, or market manipulation.
- Pre-Indictment Negotiations: Your attorney may engage in discussions with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to present mitigating evidence, argue against charges, or negotiate a pre-indictment resolution.
- Grand Jury & Indictment: If charged, the case proceeds to arraignment in federal court. Your lawyer will enter a plea and begin the discovery process.
- Motion Practice & Trial: Your defense team will file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges. If no plea agreement is reached, the case proceeds to a jury trial.
- Sentencing: If convicted, your lawyer will advocate at sentencing under the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, arguing for the lowest possible sentence.
Firm Credentials and Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our attorneys bring a combined 120+ years of legal experience to every case. We have handled over firm-wide 4,739 cases with a documented favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris, who leads our federal defense practice, has a background in accounting and information systems, providing a distinct advantage in dissecting complex financial evidence in securities fraud cases. Our approach is collaborative, with every client receiving direct attention from a seasoned attorney.
Bryan Block, Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. Former Virginia State Trooper (15 years). View Bryan Block’s Profile
Documented Case Results
Our firm has a track record of achieving favorable results in complex criminal cases. For example, in a federal case involving multiple counts of wire fraud and conspiracy, our defense team successfully negotiated a resolution that avoided a lengthy prison sentence. In another matter involving allegations of financial misrepresentation, we secured a dismissal of the most serious charges prior to trial. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Secondary attorney Matthew Greene, with over 30 years of experience including former death penalty certification and a 14-year contract with Child Protective Services, provides additional depth to our federal defense team, particularly in cases involving complex evidentiary challenges.
Contact Our Lexington Securities Fraud Lawyers
Our Richmond location serves clients in Lexington and the surrounding region. We are accessible via I-64 and I-81. Serving the Lexington community, including areas near Virginia Military Institute and Washington and Lee University.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond Location
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395
Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Securities Fraud Defense FAQs
What is the difference between an SEC investigation and a criminal securities fraud case?
Yes. An SEC investigation is civil/administrative, aiming for penalties and disgorgement. A criminal case, brought by the DOJ, seeks imprisonment. They often run in parallel, and evidence from the SEC can be used in the criminal case. An SEC violation lawyer Lexington can represent you in both proceedings.
Can I go to jail for securities fraud in Virginia?
Yes. Securities fraud under 18 U.S.C. § 1348 is a federal felony punishable by up to 25 years in prison per count. Actual sentences depend on the loss amount, number of victims, and your role, as calculated under the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
What are common defenses to securities fraud charges?
It depends. Common defenses include lack of intent to defraud (mistake or negligence), materiality (the information was not significant), reliance (investors did not rely on the misstatement), and insufficient evidence. An experienced Securities Fraud lawyer Lexington will identify the strongest defense based on the specific facts and documents.
Should I testify if the SEC calls me in for testimony?
No. You should never testify in an SEC investigation without your attorney present and prepared. Testimony can be used against you in a subsequent criminal case. You have a Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination, which your lawyer can advise you on asserting properly.
What happens during a federal securities fraud trial?
A federal trial involves jury selection, opening statements, the government’s case-in-chief, the defense’s case, closing arguments, jury instructions, and deliberation. The government must prove each element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. The process is highly technical, especially with financial evidence.
Internal Links: For more on federal defense, see our Virginia Federal Criminal Lawyer hub. For related Lexington services, consider a Lexington Business Lawyer or Lexington Civil Litigation Lawyer. For defense in nearby jurisdictions, see our Albemarle County Federal Criminal Lawyer page.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Federal laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding your specific situation.