Securities Fraud Lawyer in Passaic County, NJ — Federal Defense
Securities fraud in Passaic County is prosecuted federally under 18 U.S.C. § 1348 and SEC regulations, 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 investment fraud charges. Our firm has handled contested financial cases across New Jersey federal courts.
Last verified: April 2026 | U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey | New Jersey Legislature
Federal Securities Fraud Laws in New Jersey
Securities fraud, often called investment fraud, involves deceptive practices in the stock or commodities markets that induce investors to make purchase or sale decisions based on false information. In Passaic County, these cases are typically investigated by the SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) and the FBI, then prosecuted in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey. The primary federal statute is 18 U.S.C. § 1348 (securities fraud), which carries penalties of up to 25 years imprisonment and significant fines. The SEC also pursues civil enforcement actions for violations of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997, defends clients in these high-stakes federal matters.
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of federal securities fraud laws, visit the U.S. Code § 1348 (Cornell Legal Information Institute). For information on the local federal court handling these cases, see the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey website.
Defending SEC and Investment Fraud Cases in Passaic County
Federal securities fraud cases in Passaic County originate from the Newark or Camden divisions of the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The process often begins with an SEC subpoena or an FBI interview. A strong defense requires immediate action to manage the parallel civil (SEC) and criminal proceedings. An experienced securities fraud lawyer Passaic County can challenge the materiality of alleged misstatements, argue lack of intent (scienter), and negotiate with regulators before an indictment is filed.
- Initial Investigation & SEC Contact: You may receive an SEC subpoena for documents or a request for an interview (OIA). Do not respond without counsel.
- Grand Jury Proceedings: The FBI or SEC may present evidence to a federal grand jury, which decides whether to issue an indictment.
- Arraignment & Detention Hearing: If indicted, you will be arraigned in federal court. Your lawyer can argue for pretrial release.
- Discovery & Motion Practice: Your defense attorney will review all evidence, file motions to suppress, and challenge the legal sufficiency of the charges.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: Most federal cases resolve by plea. If not, your case proceeds to a jury trial in federal court.
- Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing follows federal guidelines, which consider loss amount, number of victims, and your role.
Potential Penalties for Securities Fraud
In Passaic County, federal securities fraud convictions carry decades in prison, multimillion-dollar fines, restitution, and forfeiture.
| Charge (Federal) | Statute | Maximum Incarceration | Maximum Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Securities Fraud | 18 U.S.C. § 1348 | 25 years | $250,000 (individual) / $500,000 (organization) | Restitution to investors, forfeiture of assets, SEC bar |
| Wire Fraud / Mail Fraud (often charged alongside) | 18 U.S.C. § 1343 / 1341 | 20 years | Same as above | Same as above |
| SEC Civil Enforcement | Securities Act of 1933 | N/A (civil) | Disgorgement + Civil Penalties | Injunction, officer/director bar, industry bar |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Securities Fraud Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings a unique combination of former prosecutorial insight and deep experience in federal financial crimes defense. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and managing attorney, provides strategic oversight on federal matters. His background in accounting and information systems provides a critical advantage in dissecting financial evidence, a key asset for any securities fraud lawyer Passaic County relies on. The firm’s collaborative approach ensures every case benefits from multiple layers of strategic review.
Documented Case Results
While specific securities fraud results are confidential, the firm’s methodology in federal defense is proven. Our approach focuses on rigorous pre-indictment advocacy, challenging the government’s evidence on intent and materiality, and leveraging negotiation skills to seek reduced charges or alternative resolutions. We have successfully defended clients in federal courts across multiple districts, including New Jersey.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Securities Fraud Defense Serving Passaic County
Our New Jersey location represents clients in Passaic County federal and state courts. We serve communities including Paterson, Clifton, Wayne, Passaic City, Totowa, Little Falls, West Milford, Pompton Lakes, Hawthorne, Ringwood, and Wanaque.
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) 334-7465
By appointment only.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions: Securities Fraud Defense
What is the first thing I should do if contacted by the SEC?
Do not speak to investigators or provide documents. Immediately contact a securities fraud lawyer Passaic County residents trust. Anything you say can be used against you in parallel civil and criminal proceedings. Your attorney will manage all communication.
Can I be charged with both SEC civil violations and federal criminal securities fraud?
Yes. The SEC can pursue a civil case for disgorgement and penalties simultaneously with the U.S. Department of Justice pursuing criminal charges. This is known as parallel proceedings. An experienced SEC violation lawyer Passaic County can develop a coordinated defense strategy for both actions.
What are common defenses to securities fraud charges?
Key defenses include lack of intent to defraud (you believed the statements were true), the immateriality of the alleged misstatement, and lack of reliance by investors. Your lawyer may also challenge the methods of the investigation or file motions to exclude evidence.
How long does a federal securities fraud case take?
It depends on the issues in the case. From investigation to resolution can take 1 to 3 years or more. The Speedy Trial Act sets deadlines after an indictment, but contested financial cases often have extensions for reviewing vast amounts of documentary evidence.
What is the difference between an SEC Wells Notice and an indictment?
A Wells Notice is an SEC letter indicating staff intends to recommend a civil enforcement action, giving you a chance to respond. An indictment is a formal criminal charge issued by a grand jury. Receiving a Wells Notice is a critical juncture to engage an investment fraud defense lawyer Passaic County to potentially avert criminal charges.
Internal Resources: For related legal help, see our pages on Federal Criminal Defense in Passaic County and Business Law in Passaic County. Learn more about our firm’s approach on our Federal Criminal Defense hub page.
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
If your case reaches beyond Passaic County, our page on securities fraud charges across New Jersey sets out what to look for at each stage.
Your case in Passaic 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 Passaic County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Passaic Vicinage (11th Vicinage), 77 Hamilton Street, Paterson, NJ 07505, telephone (973) 247-8000, 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 Passaic 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: Passaic County NJ lawyers directory · Securities Fraud Lawyer Bergen County, NJ · Securities Fraud Lawyer Hudson County, NJ · Securities Fraud Defense Lawyer Monmouth County, NJ.