Securities Fraud lawyer Near Me

Federal securities fraud charges are prosecuted by the U.S. Department of Justice with the full resources of agencies such as the SEC and FBI. A conviction under 18 U.S.C. § 1348 carries a statutory maximum of 25 years’ imprisonment—and the federal system has no parole. If you are searching for a securities fraud lawyer near you, the stakes are high, and early engagement of experienced counsel can materially affect the course of your case. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys defend individuals and businesses in federal securities fraud investigations and prosecutions across Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747 to schedule a consultation.
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What Securities Fraud Means in Federal Court

Securities fraud encompasses misleading statements, insider trading, market manipulation, and other deceptive practices in connection with the purchase or sale of securities. Under 18 U.S.C. § 1348, the government must prove a scheme to defraud or a course of business that operated as a fraud upon investors. Federal prosecutors can also charge mail fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1341) or wire fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1343) when communications or transactions cross state lines. Because the jurisdictional thresholds are low in federal securities cases, a charge can originate from an investigation that spans multiple states—making it critical to have counsel familiar with the U.S. Attorney’s Offices in the Eastern District of Virginia, the Western District of Virginia, the District of Maryland, the District of Columbia, the District of New Jersey, and the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York.

The federal pretrial process is distinct from state court. Grand jury subpoenas, search warrants executed by the FBI, and civil parallel investigations by the SEC often precede an indictment. Defendants who retain counsel early can engage in pre-indictment advocacy—presenting exculpatory evidence, challenging investigative overreach, and, where appropriate, negotiating cooperation agreements. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys have experience navigating these stages across multiple federal districts. While no attorney can promise a particular outcome, thorough preparation and early involvement routinely influence charging decisions, bond conditions, and plea negotiations. Results may vary.

How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Securities Fraud Cases

A federal securities fraud defense begins with a comprehensive review of the government’s evidence. Mr. Sris, whose background includes accounting and information systems, is well positioned to examine the financial records, trading data, and corporate communications that form the backbone of most securities cases. Together with the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys, he develops a strategy tailored to the specific allegations—whether they involve alleged misrepresentations in quarterly filings, insider trading, or a complex market-manipulation scheme. The team’s approach includes engaging forensic accountants and financial attorneys to test the government’s narrative and identify alternative explanations for the transactions at issue.

If an indictment is returned, the focus shifts to pretrial motion practice. The firm challenges the sufficiency of the indictment, moves to suppress evidence obtained illegally, and seeks to sever charges or defendants where doing so would prejudice the client. At trial, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel cross‑examine government witnesses—often including cooperating codefendants and SEC analysts—and present a coherent counter‑narrative. The federal sentencing guidelines are advisory, but the Presentence Report’s loss calculation and recommended enhancements drive the sentence; the firm devotes substantial resources to contesting inflated loss figures and arguing for downward departures and variances. Results may vary.

About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced law since 1997. He is a former prosecutor, giving him insight into how the government builds and tries a case. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). His accounting and information-systems education, combined with decades of federal-court advocacy, make him a valuable resource for clients facing complex securities‑fraud charges. He is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York.

The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring extensive collective experience in federal criminal defense. Every attorney at the firm has more than a decade of practice experience, and the collaborative model allows a securities‑fraud case to benefit from multiple lawyers’ perspectives without adding cost. The Of Counsel attorneys are not associates or employees; each contracts directly with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. and contributes independent judgment. Together, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have documented case results across all practice areas since 1997. Results may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime of securities fraud?

Securities fraud is a federal crime involving deceptive practices in the purchase, sale, or valuation of securities. It includes insider trading, market manipulation, and making material misrepresentations or omissions in corporate disclosures, earnings reports, or offering documents. The primary federal statute is 18 U.S.C. § 1348, which carries up to 25 years in prison. Prosecutors also use mail fraud and wire fraud statutes to charge related conduct. The SEC may bring a parallel civil enforcement action, which can complicate the criminal defense because statements made in the civil case can be used in the criminal proceeding. An experienced federal defense attorney evaluates both tracks simultaneously to protect the client’s interests.

Do I need a lawyer for federal securities fraud charges?

Yes; federal securities fraud is a serious felony prosecuted by experienced Department of Justice attorneys, and you should retain counsel immediately. The government often has months or years of investigative work—FBI interviews, SEC subpoenas, trading records—before charges are filed. Without a lawyer, you risk making statements that can be used against you. Early counsel can engage with prosecutors pre‑indictment, potentially avoiding charges altogether. Even after indictment, experienced representation is essential to challenge the loss calculation, contest the evidence, and present a defense at trial. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel appear in federal courts across multiple states and can consult no matter where you are located.

How does a federal securities fraud investigation begin?

A federal securities fraud investigation typically starts with a referral from the SEC, a whistleblower complaint, or a trading anomaly flagged by FINRA. The FBI or the U.S. Attorney’s Office may issue grand jury subpoenas for records and testimony. They may execute search warrants at homes or offices. During this stage, the subject of the investigation may not even know they are under scrutiny. If you suspect you are being investigated, contact counsel immediately. An attorney can contact the government to determine the scope of the investigation, advise you on document preservation, and work to narrow the inquiry or persuade the government not to proceed with charges.

What should I do if I am contacted by the FBI or SEC?

If the FBI or SEC contacts you, exercise your right to remain silent and decline to answer questions without a lawyer present. You are not required to speak with law enforcement, and anything you say can be used as evidence. Politely state that you want your attorney present and then contact an experienced federal defense lawyer. Do not try to explain your side of the story on your own. Even innocent statements can be misconstrued. Your attorney will handle all communications with investigators and ensure that your rights are protected throughout the investigation.

How does a federal securities fraud case differ from a state case?

Federal securities fraud cases are prosecuted in U.S. District Court under federal statutes and sentencing guidelines, while state‑level fraud charges would proceed under state law. Federal courts have their own rules of evidence and procedure. Sentencing in federal court is pursuant to the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines, which calculate a sentencing range based on the offense level and criminal history. There is no parole in the federal system, and good‑time credit is capped at approximately 15%. State charges, by contrast, often carry different maximum penalties and parole‑eligibility rules. A lawyer experienced in federal court is essential when facing a federal indictment.

How can an experienced attorney challenge securities fraud charges?

An experienced attorney can challenge securities fraud charges by attacking the government’s evidence, filing motions to suppress, and presenting a defense that contradicts the prosecution’s theory. Common defense strategies include arguing that the defendant lacked intent to defraud, that the statements were immaterial, or that the alleged misrepresentations were true. In insider‑trading cases, counsel may challenge the existence of a fiduciary duty or the materiality of non‑public information. Expert testimony from financial analysts can also be used to demonstrate that the defendant’s trading patterns were consistent with legitimate business activity. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have handled complex financial‑crime cases and work to develop the strong $1 available for each client.

How do I find a securities fraud lawyer near me?

You can find a securities fraud lawyer near you by calling Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747. The firm represents clients in federal court across five states and the District of Columbia. Because federal securities cases are not limited by geography, you are not restricted to hiring a lawyer in your immediate area; Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel regularly appear in the U.S. District Courts of Virginia, Maryland, D.C., New Jersey, and New York. A consultation allows you to discuss the specific facts of your situation and learn whether the firm’s experience is a fit for your defense. Call today to schedule an appointment.

Primary authority
18 U.S.C. § 1348 — Securities Fraud
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U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia
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U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia

Last reviewed: July 2026

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Results may vary. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.