Securities Fraud Lawyer Cedar Grove, NJ
A common misconception insists that being convicted of so-called “white-collar crime” is less serious than being convicted of other criminal offenses. There is a sense, within broader American culture, that going to prison for white-collar crime is “a lot like camp.” It is hard to overstate just how inaccurate these perceptions are. Being convicted of a white-collar crime, such as money laundering, tax fraud, or securities fraud, can be a life-altering experience that can tear families apart, leave wealthy individuals broke, and ruin careers. As a result, if you have been charged with securities fraud, the time to speak with a securities fraud lawyer Cedar Grove, NJ professionals trust is right now. The dedicated legal team at LGR Law, LLC can aggressively defend your rights but only after you alert us to your situation.
Securities Fraud Lawyer Cedar Grove, NJ
Unlike most crimes, securities fraud can be prosecuted at the state level and the federal level. Depending upon the circumstances of your case, you could be facing prosecution under the New Jersey Uniform Securities Law, federal law, or both. If you are convicted of this offense, you could be incarcerated, compelled to pay steep fines, and/or forced to endure a lifetime ban from trading securities. Being proactive in mounting a strong defense against the charges you’re facing is the best way to ensure that your freedom and livelihood remain intact.
Defending Against Securities Fraud Charges
After you meet with a reputable Cedar Grove securities fraud lawyer at our firm, we’ll begin building a personalized defense strategy tailored to the unique circumstances of your case. The most common defense strategy raised with regard to securities fraud is the lack of criminal intent. Generally, before someone can be convicted of securities fraud, a prosecutor must prove that the individual acted with willful intent. If it can be demonstrated that mistakes were made but there was no willful intent to defraud anyone driving those missteps, that may serve as the foundation of a viable defense.
Additionally, we’ll explore procedural defense grounds, including the possibility that any evidence that is being used against you was taken in violation of your rights and should, therefore, be excluded at trial. If the prosecutor doesn’t have enough evidence to convict, they may opt to drop the charges in question.
Securities Fraud by Definition
As your securities fraud lawyer New Jersey clients depend on at LGR Law, LLC can review with you, security is defined as any kind of investable financial tool, such as bonds, stocks, bank notes, options, derivatives, and more. Securities fraud is then when any person steals or cheats in order to obtain money through one of these instruments. A few of the most common examples of securities fraud include insider trading (exchanging securities based on non-public company information), boiler rooms (deceptive sale tactics to sell low value investments), dummy corporations (creating false company and selling equity that does not exist to investors), and ponzi schemes (selling equity stakes to investors in a company that is non-existent and then using funds from future investors to pay the returns for earlier investors).
Signs You are Under Scrutiny
Federal investigations often start in secret. As you can imagine, it is easier for a federal agent to get evidence if their target of accusation has no idea that it is happening. Federal agents use methods such as computer forensics, subpoenas, and wiretaps to investigate cases of securities fraud. Agents may execute a search of a person’s home or office, or start interviewing people. It is during this step that most find out they are part of a federal investigation and need a New Jersey securities fraud lawyer right away.
Facts To Consider
If you suspect that you or someone you care about has been accused of securities fraud and is under federal investigation, it is imperative that you reach out to a seasoned law firm as quickly as possible. The government likes to get the information they need against someone in secret, and has an unlimited number of resources to obtain evidence for something they think has been committed. And sometimes, only after the government has gathered what it needs, does someone find out they are part of a federal investigation at all.
Government Advantage
The federal government has an advantage against the general public simply because of its position of power and access to information. By the time someone officially finds out they are under scrutiny, the government probably has everything it needs to initiate a criminal accusation. However, do not forget that a person is by law innocent until proven otherwise, so even if you just found out you are under the scopeful eye of the federal government, there is time to come to your aid.
Understanding Your Options
If you are a subject or target of a securities fraud charge, you must be informed about your options now. Your lawyer must begin formulating a strategic defense the moment you realize you are being investigated. Do not delay in getting a legal team to protect you, as the government is surely trying to do the opposite. Despite the power of the federal government, they still have to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that a person is guilty of committing securities fraud. A New Jersey securities fraud lawyer can review the evidence in the case and work to expose flaws in the government’s accusations. Contact a lawyer at LGR Law, LLC today for help!
Legal Assistance Is Available
If you’ve been accused of engaging in securities fraud or you’re under investigation for activities that could lead to an arrest, connect with the aggressive legal advocates at LGR Law, LLC for personalized and client-driven representation. The consequences associated with a securities fraud conviction could turn your life – and the lives of your loved ones – upside down. Scheduling a consultation with an experienced Cedar Grove securities fraud lawyer at our firm as quickly as you can help to ensure that your rights remain protected throughout this ordeal. We will do our utmost to craft the strongest possible defense on your behalf. We look forward to speaking with you.
As your New Jersey securities fraud lawyer from LGR Law, LLC can explain, the first step in the federal investigation criminal justice process is to assess whether a crime has happened, who is responsible, and what evidence is available. With federal offenses, there is often an assembled team that is unrelenting in their pursuit of obtaining evidence to use against the accused. Federal offenses entail a broad spectrum of crimes that violate law at the federal level, as compared to state law. You may not realize you are being investigated, that is, until you receive a subpoena, so you must know what to look out for so that you can protect yourself as soon as possible. Here are signs that you may be the focus of a federal investigation:
- There are rumors about an investigation. Sometimes the word on the street is the first sign that something is going on. If you hear a rumor from someone you know, it’s wise to consider contacting a lawyer for help just in case. A federal criminal defense lawyer will know how to come to your defense.
- Agents have shown up to your house. If law enforcement comes to your house, remember that you don’t have to answer any questions. You may feel pressure to speak with them, but do not give into this. Be careful about what you say and if you have yet to contact a New Jersey securities fraud lawyer, now is the time to do so.
- You were served a search warrant. If you are issued a search warrant, do not resist, but be sure to insist on seeing the warrant itself. Having agents go through your home or workspace and looking at personal items is going to be an invasion of your privacy, so the least they can do is to let you see the warrant before proceeding. The agents may go through your computer, letters, bills, files, closets, tool box, bookcase, under mattresses, desks, kitchen cabinets, and every nook in between. A search warrant means the agents were granted permission by the court to go through your property.
- You feel like you are being followed. If you sense that you are being followed, then you very well may be. Sometimes our body gives us gut feelings that something isn’t right. Maybe you haven’t seen anyone specifically following you, but get the feeling that you are being secretly watched. Listen to these instincts and contact a New Jersey securities fraud lawyer if you suspect you are under watch.
- You receive a subpoena or target letter. Similar to a search warrant, a subpoena instructs that you provide certain records or documents for your business. You are required by law to comply with these demands. A target letter will make it clear that you are part of an investigation. A letter of this nature comes from the prosecution, and includes details about the crime you are accused of committing and what your rights are during this time.
