When somebody works for a corporation and is under an obligation to keep non-public information secret, but they choose to disclose that information to others, there is a chance they could be arrested and charged with insider trading. Those who have access to private information regarding bonds, stock options, or other securities and trade based on that information could face criminal charges. At Okabe & Haushalter, our Los Angeles insider trading defense attorneys are here to protect those who are under investigation or who have been arrested and charged.
Insider trading is illegal and it is the buying or selling of a stock or other security by an individual who has access to non-public information. It may be legal for trading to take place by corporate insiders if the trading does not take advantage of such non-public information. However, insider trading refers to the illegal practice where a party trades using material that is private, and should not be released in any form to the public.
One of the main reasons why it is illegal is that it raises the cost of capital for the issuers of securities and decreases economic growth. The United States has very strict laws against this and takes very serious measures to enforce these laws. If you have been charged with insider trading, retaining a Los Angeles federal crime lawyer from Okabe & Haushalter is vital.
Although insider trading is considered a white collar crime, or a nonviolent offense, it is still taken very seriously and the penalties for such can be quite severe. The SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) and many different stock exchanges monitor trading quite actively, looking for an activity that is suspicious. It can be very difficult to prove responsibility for an inside trade. To prevent further confusion and unfair accusations, an SEC “Fair Disclosure” regulation was passed. This requires a company to disclose information to the public if it intentionally discloses non-public information to one individual.
Insider trader is prosecuted in criminal court, and the penalties upon conviction can include up to 20 years in prison for every act of insider trading. Penalties can also include millions of dollars in fines. The reality is that insider trading sentences are usually much shorter than 20 years, but it is crucial to work with a skilled Los Angeles insider trading defense attorney as soon as possible.
Insider trading charges are very serious. They are dealt with very thoroughly and are usually punished heavily in a conviction. It is crucial that you act quickly and contact an experienced and proven federal criminal defense lawyer from our firm. With our legal team in your corner, you can increase the possibility of a favorable case outcome, whether a reduced charge or a “not guilty” verdict. Our team at Okabe & Haushalter has many years of experience in the field of white collar offenses including accusations of insider trading and has the aggressive approach needed to defend your case and protect your rights.
If you are under investigation for insider trading, there is a good chance you will not even know it until the SEC or federal investigators decide to question you. Often, when these investigators question you, they will tell you they only have to answer questions on a voluntary basis. It may not even seem very threatening at the time. However, we strongly advise against answering any questions posed by the SEC or other investigators, whether over the phone or in person. Suddenly realizing that you are under investigation and may be facing charges could result in you giving answers or making statements that lead to further legal trouble. To ensure the best possible outcome for your case, you need to request to have your attorney present when answering any questions in these situations.
If you or somebody you care about is facing charges for insider trading in or around the Los Angeles area or throughout California, contact the team at Okabe & Haushalter for help with your case today. We have extensive experience handling complex white-collar criminal defense cases, and we are ready to get to work on your behalf immediately. Our team has the resources necessary to conduct a complete investigation into the incident to help you through this. When you need a Los Angeles insider trading defense attorney, we are standing by to help.
Contact a Los Angeles federal crime lawyer from the firm if you have been accused of insider trading.
