New York City Financial & Securities Fraud Defense Attorney

New York City Financial &…

In the years following the Great Recession of 2008, federal prosecutors have had their sights set on businesses and people who violate financial and securities laws. This has resulted in the “criminalization” of American business activities. What had previously been considered industry rules and regulations is being used by prosecutors to bring federal criminal indictments for violations of those regulations, often under the guise of mail or wire fraud. In the wake of the financial crisis, the United States government passed stricter financial regulations aimed at protecting consumers from financial and securities fraud. Federal prosecutors, the FBI and other OIG’s of other agencies have stepped up enforcement of laws that affect business and are prosecuting people such as officers, directors, and employees, as well as people who work in the financial industry.

The Securities and Exchange Commission is working closely with federal prosecutors in bringing collateral proceedings against individuals and corporations. If you are being investigated or charged by the federal government, it is essential that you see an experienced federal criminal defense lawyer immediately. The federal criminal justice system is significantly more complicated to navigate than the state court system, and penalties can be much higher. Sentences are based upon the total amount of the fraud.

People and businesses accused of federal fraud and securities violations need a fearless, tenacious advocate on their side who understands this complex area of the law and stays up to date with the constantly changing laws involving federal fraud and securities regulations.

Hope Lefeber - Federal Financial & Securities Fraud Defense in New York City

New York City white-collar criminal defense attorney Hope Lefeber has been defending people accused of federal financial crimes for more than 30 years. She began her career as an attorney with the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commissions (SEC) where she learned first-hand how the government prosecutes federal white-collar criminal cases. Today, she uses that experience to defend people who have been accused of federal white-collar crimes including financial and securities fraud.

Ms. Lefeber frequently represents people in and around New York City who have been charged with federal financial and securities fraud and has represented high-profile clients including Fortune 500 Company business executives, lawyers, doctors, professors, individuals involved in securities transactions, educators and students, medical professionals, corporations, non-profits and people from all walks of life who have been charged or investigated by the government and other individuals who have been accused of financial crimes in federal court.

Ms. Lefeber has earned a reputation as a fierce advocate for her clients who meticulously prepares every case she handles. She is hands-on in her defense of her clients and thoroughly reviews and investigates every piece of information the government will try to introduce as evidence as she challenges the government’s allegations in her efforts to secure justice for her clients.

Common Securities Fraud Crimes in NYC

Ms. Lefeber has experience defending people accused of all kinds of federal financial fraud and securities charges. The most common charges for federal financial and securities crimes arise from allegations of churning, pump and dump schemes, and insider trading.

  • Churning occurs when a stockbroker buys or sells an excessive amount of stock for the purpose of generating commissions at the expense of client profits. In a typical churning case the broker has control over the client’s investment decisions and makes frequent purchases or sales of stock that are not necessary to achieve the client’s financial goals.
  • Pump and Dump schemes involve promoting a company’s stock through false and misleading statements on social media, in press releases, stock bulletin boards, and chat rooms to “pump” up the stock then, once the stock price has risen, insiders “dump” or sell the shares, killing the share price. Insiders reap substantial profits by selling shares at an inflated price, while other investors are left holding worthless shares.
  • Insider Trading occurs when corporate insiders buy and sell stock in their own companies based on information that is not publicly available. To be actionable, insider trading must be done “willfully” and involve a failure to disclose material information or comply with securities reporting laws.

A person can be charged with federal financial and securities fraud even if they did not profit from the fraudulent activity.

A successful defense against charges of federal financial and securities fraud requires an experienced federal criminal defense attorney who is knowledgeable and up-to-date on this complex area of the law.

Hope Lefeber - Your Defense Against Federal Fraud Charges

The best defense to charges of federal financial and securities fraud is getting a knowledgeable and experienced financial crimes defense attorney on your side as early as possible. Corporate executives are often eager to speak with the Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC), but during those conversations, they may unwittingly admit to criminal activity that can lead to an indictment.

If you believe you might be under investigation for federal financial and securities fraud, contact an experienced federal criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.

New York City federal criminal defense attorney Hope Lefeber has been defending people accused of crimes in federal court for more than 30 years. She has the experience and expertise to go toe-to-toe with the most aggressive federal prosecutor - and win.

Ms. Lefeber is a fierce defender of her clients’ constitutional rights and is tireless in her pursuit of justice. She will personally handle every aspect of your case and is meticulous in her preparation, carefully scrutinizing every piece of information the government intends to introduce as evidence.

If you or someone you care about is facing federal charges for financial and securities fraud, Hope Lefeber should be your first call.

Schedule a free, confidential consultation with Hope Lefeber today by calling 610-668-7927 or completing the online form.