Top Houston, TX Securities Fraud Lawyers Near You
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9235 Katy Fwy, Houston, TX 77024
440 Louisiana Street, Suite 200, Houston, TX 77002
200 S 10th St, Richmond, TX 77469
2211 Norfolk, Suite 735, Houston, TX 77098
4915 Holly Ave, Pasadena, TX 77503
14201 Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77079
2200 Post Oak Blvd, Suite 1550, Houston, TX 77056
1401 Richmond Avenue, Suite 250, Houston, TX 77006
One Greenway Plaza, Suite 100, Houston, TX 77046
800 Sawyer St., Houston, TX 77007
1001 McKinney, Suite 1600, Houston, TX 77002
504 W. Lewis St., Conroe, TX 77301
1301 McKinney Street, Suite 3700, Houston, TX 77010
1111 N Loop W, Suite 820, Houston, TX 77008
1201 South Shepherd, Houston, TX 77019
701 N. Post Oak Road, Suite 425, Houston, TX 77024
300 Main Street, Suite 200, Houston, TX 77002
3010 Engelke St, Houston, TX 77003
2500 E T C Jester Blvd, Suite 264, Houston, TX 77008
609 Heights Blvd, Houston, TX 77007
1235 North Loop West, Suite 500, Houston, TX 77008
10900 NW Freeway, Suite 230, Houston, TX 77092
800 Capitol Street, Suite 2100, Houston, TX 77002
1018 Preston Street, 7th Floor, Houston, TX 77002
Pennzoil Place, 700 Milam Street, Suite 1300, PMB 106, Houston, TX 77002
Houston Securities Fraud Information
Lead Counsel independently verifies Securities Fraud attorneys in Houston and checks their standing with Texas bar associations.
Our Verification Process and Criteria
Ample Experience
Attorneys must meet stringent qualifications and prove they practice in the area of law they’re verified in.Good Standing
Be in good standing with their bar associations and maintain a clean disciplinary record.Annual Review
Submit to an annual review to retain their Lead Counsel Verified status.Client Commitment
Pledge to follow the highest quality client service and ethical standards.
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 Texas 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.