Dallas Securities Fraud Defense Attorney
The Texas Securities Act (TSA) is a state law that regulates the securities industry and requires that securities offered or sold in Texas be registered. It prohibits unlawful securities crimes including, but not limited to:
- Illegal sale of unregistered nonexempt securities
- Sale of securities by unregistered dealers
- Fraud committed in connection with the sale of securities
- Rendering of investment advice from unregistered dealers
Examples of securities fraud include manipulating stock prices to be higher than they are, offering fake business deals and utilizing unlicensed sales agents to conduct investment scams. Securities fraud is very common and, often, people don’t realize they’re committing this crime. There are companies that hire employees using false and misleading information to attract them to the job. Thus, those companies put employees in an unethical position of committing securities fraud unknowingly.
If you’ve been charged or are under investigation, reach out to our firm, Barrett Criminal Law, as soon as possible for skilled legal help. In addition to his more than 25 years of criminal defense experience, our attorney, Peter Barrett, regularly deals with FINRA and other administrative agencies on behalf of clients.
Securities Fraud Crimes And Penalties
Texas law is strict when it comes to securities crimes. There are several penalties you may face if convicted, which is why we utilize effective resources to enhance the likelihood of proving your innocence.
Possible consequences you may face if convicted of securities fraud include:
- Third degree felony, where the offense involves less than $10,000: two to 10 years in state prison, up to $10,000 fine, or both
- Second degree felony, where the offense involves between $10,000 and $100,000: two to 20 years in state prison, up to $10,000 fine, or both
- First degree felony, where the offense involves $100,000 or more: a life sentence or five to 99 years in prison, up to $10,000 fine, or both
Other sanctions for securities fraud convictions include:
- Denial, revocation, or suspension of dealer, agent, investment adviser, or investment adviser representative registrations
- Cease and desist orders prohibiting or suspending the sale of securities or prohibiting fraudulent conduct
- Administrative fines
- Denial or revocation of the registration of securities
- Revocation of exemptions from registration
- Cease publication orders
Fighting Tirelessly Against A Conviction
The best defense starts by contacting an experienced attorney immediately after learning about your securities fraud charges. Attorney Peter Barrett will listen to your side of the story, carefully examine the facts and provide a personalized approach to your case. He has a successful track record of utilizing experienced investigators on clients’ behalf and developing a hard-hitting defense strategy against securities fraud charges.
He may use defense strategies that could work in your favor, such as:
- Lack of knowledge
- Entrapment
- Lack of intent
- Insufficient evidence
- Faulty investigation
The sooner you contact our firm, the more options we may be able to help you utilize.
Get Ahead Of The Prosecution – Contact Us Today
From our office in Dallas, our firm serves clients throughout Texas. To schedule your initial consultation, you can reach out online or call us at (214) 526-0555.