Securities Fraud Lawyer Poquoson — Federal Defense Strategy
Securities fraud in Poquoson is prosecuted federally under 18 U.S.C. § 1348, carrying severe penalties. As a securities fraud lawyer Poquoson, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides defense against SEC investigations and criminal charges. Our firm, founded in 1997, has a documented record in complex federal financial cases. We offer 24/7 consultations for Poquoson residents facing investment fraud allegations.
Federal Securities Fraud Law
Securities fraud involves deceptive practices in connection with the sale or purchase of securities, such as stocks or bonds. The primary federal statute is 18 U.S.C. § 1348 (Securities Fraud), which prohibits executing or attempting to execute a scheme to defraud any person in connection with any security of an issuer with a class of securities registered under the Securities Exchange Act. Violations are felonies. The U.S. Code § 1348 outlines the criminal penalties, which can include decades in prison and multi-million dollar fines. Parallel civil enforcement by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is common, seeking disgorgement, penalties, and injunctions.
Last verified: April 2026 | Federal Courts | U.S. Code
External Legal Resources
For the official text of the federal securities fraud statute, see 18 U.S.C. § 1348. Information on SEC enforcement actions and investor alerts can be found on the SEC’s official .gov website.
Procedural Insights for Poquoson Defendants
Securities fraud cases for Poquoson residents typically originate from investigations by the SEC, FBI, or FINRA. These agencies refer cases to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia for prosecution. The key local procedural fact is that while the investigation is federal, initial contact and defense strategy must be coordinated with counsel experienced in the specific practices of the Norfolk or Richmond federal courthouses, where these cases are often filed.
- Receive a subpoena, Wells Notice, or target letter from the SEC, FBI, or a Grand Jury.
- Immediately secure counsel to assert attorney-client privilege and prevent self-incrimination.
- Counsel conducts an internal investigation and negotiates with investigators to limit scope.
- If charged, file pre-trial motions challenging the sufficiency of the indictment or seeking evidence suppression.
Potential Penalties for Securities Fraud
In federal court, securities fraud under 18 U.S.C. § 1348 carries a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison and fines for each count.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Securities Fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1348) | Federal Felony | Up to 25 years per count | Up to $250,000 (individual) or $500,000 (organization) per count | SEC disgorgement, civil penalties, permanent injunction, industry bar |
| Wire Fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1343) – often charged alongside | Federal Felony | Up to 20 years per count | Up to $250,000 per count | Asset forfeiture |
| Conspiracy to Commit Securities Fraud (18 U.S.C. § 371) | Federal Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $250,000 | Liability for co-conspirator actions |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Firm Authority in Federal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our managing attorney, Mr. Sris, is a former prosecutor with a background in accounting and information systems, providing a distinct advantage in dissecting complex financial evidence in securities fraud cases. The firm’s combined legal experience exceeds 120 years. We approach each securities fraud defense with a focus on the technical financial details that can create reasonable doubt.
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
Matthew Greene, Senior Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. 30+ years criminal defense. Death penalty certified (formerly). View Matthew Greene’s Profile
Case Results & Approach
Our defense strategy for investment fraud cases involves a meticulous review of all financial communications, trading records, and disclosures to challenge the element of intent to defraud. We have secured favorable outcomes in federal financial cases through motions to dismiss, pre-trial negotiations, and at trial. For example, in a past federal matter involving allegations of a fraudulent investment scheme, our attorneys successfully argued for the exclusion of key documentary evidence, skilled to a favorable pre-trial resolution.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Securities Fraud Defense Serving Poquoson
Our Richmond location serves clients in Poquoson facing federal securities fraud charges. We are accessible for those needing a dedicated investment fraud defense lawyer Poquoson.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359, 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 first step if I am under SEC investigation?
It depends. If you receive an SEC subpoena or Wells Notice, the immediate step is to hire a securities fraud lawyer Poquoson who can communicate with the SEC on your behalf. Do not speak to investigators without counsel, as anything you say can be used in a parallel criminal case.
Can I face both SEC civil charges and criminal charges?
Yes. It is common for the SEC to pursue a civil case for disgorgement and penalties while the Department of Justice pursues criminal charges for the same conduct. This is known as parallel proceedings and requires a defense strategy that addresses both tracks simultaneously.
What are common defenses to securities fraud?
Common defenses include lack of intent to defraud (mistake or negligence), materiality (the information was not important to investors), reliance (investors did not rely on the misstatement), and statute of limitations. An experienced SEC violation lawyer Poquoson can evaluate which defenses apply to your specific facts.
What is insider trading?
Insider trading is a type of securities fraud where someone trades a security based on material, non-public information in breach of a duty of trust. It is prohibited under SEC Rule 10b-5 and can lead to both civil and criminal liability.
Where are Poquoson securities fraud cases heard?
These federal cases are typically prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia and are heard in the federal courthouses in Norfolk or Richmond, not in Poquoson’s local courts.
Internal Links: For more on federal defense, see our Virginia Federal Criminal Lawyer hub. For related financial charges, consider a Poquoson business lawyer. For defense in a neighboring area, view our work as a federal criminal lawyer in Henrico.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Federal laws and procedures are subject to change. The information provided is for general knowledge and does not constitute legal advice. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for a confidential consultation regarding your specific situation.