SEC Investigations Defense Attorneys

At the Norman Spencer Law Group, we have years of experience handling all sorts of cases, including those involving investigations and subpoenas carried out by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC. The most common charge that comes of such actions is securities fraud, and this is something that we have plenty of experience handling, at both the state and federal levels.

When you’re under investigation by the SEC, the most important thing is to ensure that you have the right legal counsel to defend your case. Considering that a conviction on charges of security fraud can potentially mean years or even decades in prison, it’s imperative that you hire a defense attorney if you even suspect that you might be under investigation.

The only problem here is that not all legal firms are equal. It can be easy to just go with the first firm that pops up in an internet search, but this is misguided. Just because a firm has a slick marketing strategy doesn’t mean they have what it takes to successfully defend you, getting your charges reduced or even dropped altogether without you ever having to step foot in a courtroom. The Norman Spencer Law Group is just the right kind of legal firm for you.

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What is the SEC, and How Do They Operate?

The SEC, or the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, is responsible for overseeing and enforcing securities compliance within the United States. They investigate and subsequently prosecute any violations of the statute that they come across.

One of the things that surprise many clients when they hear it is that most of the investigations that the SEC starts are not criminal in nature. They may become criminal investigations as they progress, but they typically start out as civil investigations, pending further evidence. Once an agent of the SEC believes that a violation may have taken place, they will examine the books, conduct interviews, and do anything else they deem necessary in order to determine whether a law was broken.

It’s important to note here that an SEC investigator’s main job is to look for violations and pursue prosecution. They are not your friend, your defense attorney is. While you have an affirmative duty to cooperate with any investigation that you happen to be a part of, this does not mean that you have to (or should) communicate directly with the investigator themselves. Any attorney who’s worth their salt will actually advise that you never communicate with an investigator, as this will lead you open to the risk of self-incrimination.

Some individuals who find themselves under investigation take the tact that they should become an open book, that they have nothing to hide. While this is an admirable approach, it’s highly mistaken. The scope of the investigation will almost always be broader than you know, and a savvy investigator will use absolutely anything they can to bring up charges against you. It’s far better to only divulge what you’re legally required to divulge, with an experienced defense attorney present to guide you through the process while minimizing your risk.

What Actions Might Lead to Trouble?

There are many different actions that could lead to you being brought up on charges of security fraud, or at the very least facing an investigation or subpoenas into the same. While this list isn’t exhaustive, some of the most common reasons for an SEC investigation include

  • Making false promises on returns on investment
  • Insider trading
  • Making fake press releases
  • Misrepresenting things to investors
  • Filing false reports or returns
  • Embezzling stocks
  • Inflating your assets
  • Investing improperly
  • Using offshore accounts
  • Misconduct as an investment advisor
  • Manipulating stock options to executives

Again, it’s important to remember here that this isn’t an exhaustive list. There are other things that can put you in hot water with the SEC, but these are just some of the most common reasons and actions you might run into. The right defense attorney will be able to preempt a lot of their actions and predict what kind of tactics they might use to trip you up and otherwise get charges to stick against you.

That’s why it’s important that if you’re under investigation, facing down a subpoena, or even if you think you might be under investigation, you really should get in touch with a competent legal firm immediately. The right lawyer could literally be the difference between you spending the rest of your life in prison and having all charges dropped.

Knowing Who to Trust With SEC Investigations

There are so many different legal firms out there, most of them with slick marketing campaigns and strategies put in place to pull in as many clients as possible. This is all well and fine until you end up in court and are facing down years in prison, realizing all too late that the firm you chose doesn’t actually have what it takes to win your case. The last thing you want is to be caught unaware and stuck without any options left. You need a firm with experience, skill, and resources. You need the Norman Spencer Law Group.

Norman Spencer Law Group Provides SEC Investigations Defense

When you choose the Norman Spencer Law Group, you’re going with a group of defense attorneys that have a combined 70+ years of experience representing all types of cases, including ones just like yours. No case is too big or small, too simple or complex, and we’ve represented folks from all walks of life, at both the state and federal level.

So if you’re facing down an investigation or subpoena procedure by the SEC, don’t take any chances with your freedom. Get in touch with us today, and someone from our team will get back to you as soon as possible to get started on getting you the help that you need and deserve.