Securities Fraud Lawyer in Burlington County, NJ — Federal Defense
Securities fraud in Burlington County is prosecuted federally under 18 U.S.C. § 1348 and related statutes, carrying severe penalties. As a former prosecutor, Mr. Sris of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strategic defense for individuals and professionals facing SEC investigations or federal charges. Our firm has handled contested financial cases across New Jersey federal courts.
What Is Securities Fraud Under Federal Law?
Securities fraud involves deceptive practices in the stock or commodities markets that induce investors to make decisions based on false information, resulting in financial loss. In New Jersey, these cases are typically prosecuted in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, which has jurisdiction over Burlington County. The primary federal statute is 18 U.S.C. § 1348 (Securities and Commodities Fraud), which carries penalties of up to 25 years in prison and significant fines. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) also pursues civil enforcement actions, which can lead to disgorgement, penalties, and industry bars.
Last verified: April 2026 | U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey | New Jersey Legislature
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the federal securities fraud statute, see 18 U.S.C. § 1348 (Securities and Commodities Fraud). For information on the local federal court handling these cases, visit the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey website.
Local Federal Court Process for Securities Fraud in Burlington County
Securities fraud cases in Burlington County are investigated by federal agencies like the FBI, IRS-CI, or the SEC, often culminating in an indictment by a federal grand jury. The case is then filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey. The process is governed by the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure and the Speedy Trial Act. A key local procedural fact is that the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey (with divisions in Newark, Camden, and Trenton) is highly active in prosecuting financial crimes, including those involving wire fraud, mail fraud, and insider trading schemes that impact investors.
- Initial Investigation: You may be contacted by the SEC, FBI, or receive a grand jury subpoena. Do not speak to agents without an attorney.
- Pre-Indictment Negotiation: Your attorney can communicate with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to present mitigating evidence and argue against indictment.
- Arraignment & Detention Hearing: If indicted, you will be arraigned. Your lawyer will argue for pretrial release conditions.
- Discovery & Motion Practice: Your defense team reviews all evidence and files motions to challenge the prosecution’s case.
- Plea Negotiation or Trial: Most federal cases end in a plea agreement. If not, your case proceeds to a jury trial in federal court.
- Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing follows the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which consider the loss amount and other factors.
Potential Penalties for Securities Fraud
In Burlington County, securities fraud prosecuted federally under 18 U.S.C. § 1348 carries a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison and fines, with sentencing heavily influenced by the calculated financial loss to victims.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Securities Fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1348) | Federal Felony | Up to 25 years | Up to $250,000 (individual) or $500,000 (organization) | Restitution to victims, asset forfeiture, SEC civil penalties, industry bar |
| Wire Fraud / Mail Fraud (Related Charges) | Federal Felony | Up to 20 years | Same as above | Often charged alongside securities fraud |
| Insider Trading | Federal Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $5 million | Disgorgement of illegal profits, SEC civil action |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Securities Fraud Defense
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to federal defense. Mr. Sris’s background in accounting and information systems provides a distinct advantage in dissecting financial evidence and transactions at the heart of securities fraud cases. Our firm-wide track record includes 4,739+ documented case results. We understand the high-stakes pressure of federal investigations and litigate in courts across New Jersey.
Case Results & Firm Experience
While specific securities fraud results in Burlington County are not listed, our firm’s extensive federal defense experience forms the foundation of our approach. Firm-wide, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has achieved 4,739+ documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. Our attorneys are familiar with the strategies of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey and the procedures of the federal court in Camden and Newark.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Securities Fraud Lawyer Near Burlington County
Our New Jersey location serves clients facing federal charges in Burlington County. We represent individuals in Mount Holly, Mount Laurel, Moorestown, and throughout the county.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New Jersey Location — 44 Apple St, 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (732) 651-9900
By appointment only.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Securities Fraud Defense FAQs
What should I do if I am contacted by the SEC or FBI about an investment fraud matter?
No. Do not answer questions or provide documents. Politely decline to speak and immediately contact a securities fraud lawyer Burlington County. Anything you say can be used against you, and agents are not required to inform you of the full scope of their investigation.
Can I face both criminal charges and an SEC civil action for the same conduct?
Yes. It is common for the Department of Justice to pursue criminal charges (seeking imprisonment) while the SEC files a parallel civil enforcement action (seeking monetary penalties, disgorgement, and injunctions). You need a defense team experienced in handling both proceedings simultaneously. An investment fraud defense lawyer Burlington County can coordinate your defense across both fronts.
What are common defenses to federal securities fraud charges?
Defenses include lack of intent to defraud (mistake or negligence), materiality challenges (the information was not significant), reliance issues, and statute of limitations. Your attorney may also challenge the prosecution’s loss calculation, which directly impacts sentencing guidelines. Each defense depends on the specific evidence in your case.
How does an SEC investigation differ from a DOJ criminal investigation?
The SEC is a civil regulatory agency that can bring enforcement actions skilled to fines and industry bars but not jail time. The DOJ (FBI) conducts criminal investigations that can lead to indictment and imprisonment. The two often work together, with the SEC referring cases for criminal prosecution. An SEC violation lawyer Burlington County can represent you in both types of inquiries.
What is the typical timeline for a federal securities fraud case?
It depends on the issues in the case. From indictment to resolution, a case can take 1-3 years. Investigations can last even longer. The Speedy Trial Act sets deadlines once an indictment is filed, but contested cases often have delays for extensive discovery and motion practice.
Related Legal Resources
If you are facing federal charges, you need a dedicated securities fraud lawyer Burlington County. For broader context, visit our New Jersey Federal Criminal Defense hub page. We also assist clients in nearby jurisdictions like Camden County. For other legal needs in Burlington County, consider our services for business law or civil litigation.
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
Burlington County cases are handled by our New Jersey securities fraud practice, where the whole process is set out.
Your case in Burlington County, New Jersey
Federal charges are heard in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey (Newark, Trenton and Camden), not in county court; related state charges are heard in the Criminal Part of the Law Division. In Burlington County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Burlington Vicinage (8th Vicinage), 49 Rancocas Road, Mount Holly, NJ 08060, telephone (609) 518-2500, open Mon-Fri 8:30AM-4:30PM. Court procedures change; confirm the current schedule on the official vicinage website or with the clerk before you file or appear.
The governing law for this topic is Title 18 of the United States Code and the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles Burlington County matters from its New Jersey location at 44 Apple St 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724; meetings are by appointment. Request a New Jersey consultation at (888) 437-7747 or (609) 983-0003.
Related New Jersey pages: Burlington County NJ lawyers directory · Securities Fraud Lawyer Bergen County, NJ · Securities Fraud Lawyer Hudson County, NJ · Securities Fraud Defense Lawyer Monmouth County, NJ.