Insider trading in Virginia is a federal crime under 15 U.S.C. § 78j(b) and SEC Rule 10b-5, carrying penalties of up to 20 years in prison and a $5 million fine for individuals. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ firm-wide documented results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ.
Insider Trading Lawyer in Virginia
Insider trading is defined under federal law as the buying or selling of a security, in breach of a fiduciary duty or other relationship of trust and confidence, while in possession of material, non-public information about the security. The Securities Exchange Act of 1934, specifically 15 U.S.C. § 78j(b) and SEC Rule 10b-5, prohibits any manipulative or deceptive device in connection with the purchase or sale of securities. In Virginia, these cases are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia (based in Alexandria and Richmond) or the Western District of Virginia (based in Roanoke). The federal sentencing guidelines apply, and there is no parole in the federal system. Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., “Advocacy Without Borders,” brings 120+ years combined legal experience to defend clients against insider trading allegations.
Last verified: April 2026 | U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia | 15 U.S.C. § 78j(b) (Cornell LII — official site)
For the full text of the federal securities laws, see 15 U.S.C. § 78j(b) / SEC Rule 10b-5 (U.S. Department of Justice — official site). For federal sentencing guidelines applicable to insider trading, see U.S. Sentencing Guidelines Manual § 2B1.4 (U.S. Sentencing Commission — official site).
In the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia, prosecutors routinely rely on trading records, wiretaps, and cooperating witnesses to build insider trading cases. We have observed that the government often uses sophisticated data analytics to identify suspicious trading patterns before approaching a target.
- Do not speak to investigators without your attorney present.
- Preserve all trading records, emails, and communications.
- Identify any potential defenses, such as lack of materiality or absence of a fiduciary duty.
- Evaluate whether the government’s evidence was obtained lawfully.
- Consider negotiating a pre-indictment resolution with the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
- Prepare for potential parallel SEC civil proceedings.
In Virginia, insider trading carries severe federal penalties including imprisonment, fines, and forfeiture of profits.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Insider Trading (15 U.S.C. § 78j(b) / Rule 10b-5) | Federal Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $5 million for individuals | Potential bar from serving as officer/director of public company | Forfeiture of profits; SEC civil penalties; reputational harm |
| Securities Fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1348) | Federal Felony | Up to 25 years | Up to $5 million for individuals | Potential bar from securities industry | Forfeiture; restitution; supervised release |
Results may vary.
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings 120+ years combined legal experience, 4,739+ documented firm-wide results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, and a favorable-outcome rate above 93%. The firm has extensive criminal defense experience handling complex federal securities cases, including insider trading allegations. Mr. Sris personally applies his background in accounting and information systems to financial and technology-related cases, providing a unique analytical perspective to insider trading defense.
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
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ firm-wide documented results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, with a favorable-outcome rate of 93%+. While specific locality-level case results for insider trading are not separately tracked, the firm’s extensive federal criminal defense experience includes numerous favorable outcomes in complex securities cases. Results may vary.
Our location in Fairfax is approximately 180 miles from the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Roanoke, with access via I-81 and I-66. As an Insider Trading lawyer Virginia, we serve clients statewide. Serving the communities of all Virginia communities. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Fairfax
4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032
(703) 636-5417 | Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Insider Trading in Virginia
What is insider trading under federal law?
Insider trading is the buying or selling of securities based on material, non-public information, prohibited under 15 U.S.C. § 78j(b) and SEC Rule 10b-5. It is a federal crime prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Eastern or Western District of Virginia, carrying penalties of up to 20 years in prison and a $5 million fine for individuals.
Yes, insider trading is a federal crime under 15 U.S.C. § 78j(b) and SEC Rule 10b-5, carrying up to 20 years in prison.
What are the penalties for insider trading in Virginia?
Penalties for insider trading in Virginia depend on the specific charges, prior record, and circumstances. Under 15 U.S.C. § 78j(b) / SEC Rule 10b-5, consequences may include up to 20 years imprisonment, fines up to $5 million for individuals, forfeiture of profits, and a permanent bar from serving as an officer or director of a public company. Consult a Virginia federal criminal attorney for case-specific guidance.
How does a Virginia lawyer defend against insider trading charges?
Defense strategies for insider trading in Virginia may include challenging the evidence of material non-public information, examining procedural compliance by the SEC or FBI, negotiating with prosecutors, and presenting mitigating factors. An experienced securities insider trading defense lawyer Virginia evaluates the specific facts under 15 U.S.C. § 78j(b) / SEC Rule 10b-5 to build the strongest possible defense.
What should I do if I am facing insider trading charges in Virginia?
If facing insider trading charges in Virginia, contact a federal criminal attorney immediately. Do not discuss the case with anyone except your lawyer. Preserve all relevant documents and evidence. The statute of limitations and court deadlines under federal law require prompt action. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern or Western District of Virginia will prosecute the case.
What is the difference between insider trading and securities fraud?
Insider trading is a specific form of securities fraud involving trading on material non-public information. Securities fraud under 18 U.S.C. § 1348 covers a broader range of deceptive practices, including market manipulation and material misrepresentation. Both carry severe penalties, with securities fraud carrying up to 25 years imprisonment. An illegal stock trading lawyer Virginia can help distinguish the charges.
Virginia Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer — Up to state hub.
Related pages: Fairfax County Federal Criminal Lawyer | Fairfax City Federal Criminal Lawyer
Related practice areas: Traffic Lawyer Virginia | Theft Defense Lawyer Virginia
Last updated: 2026-04-28. This page is regularly reviewed for accuracy.