Securities Fraud Lawyer St. Louis

Securities Fraud Lawyer in St. Louis, MO

Accused of securities fraud in St. Louis? The consequences can be career-ending—but with the right defense team, they don’t have to be. At Combs Waterkotte, we provide powerful, discreet representation for professionals and businesses facing SEC investigations, insider trading allegations, wire fraud, and other white-collar charges. With over 50 years of combined experience and a proven track record in high-stakes criminal defense, our attorneys know how to navigate complex regulatory cases and protect your reputation, freedom, and financial future.

What Is Securities Fraud?

Securities fraud typically refers to deceptive practices in the stock or investment markets meant to manipulate investors or misrepresent financial information. These charges often arise from federal investigations involving the SEC or FINRA, and can be prosecuted at both the state and federal levels.

The allegations can range from insider trading to Ponzi schemes, accounting fraud, misstatements in public filings, or failure to disclose material risks to investors. Even accidental omissions can draw scrutiny—making it essential to have experienced legal guidance from the beginning.

Common Examples of Securities Fraud in Missouri

Securities fraud cases often involve complex financial records, digital communications, and regulatory scrutiny. At Combs Waterkotte, we conduct our own investigations to uncover weaknesses in the prosecution’s claims and protect your professional reputation. Here are examples of securities fraud in St. Louis and across Missouri:

• Misleading statements in investor communications or financial reports
• Insider trading based on non-public information
• Unauthorized or excessive trading (“churning”) by brokers
• Ponzi or pyramid schemes involving investor funds
• Falsified SEC filings or earnings reports
• Failure to disclose conflicts of interest or risks

Legal Penalties for Securities Fraud in Missouri

Convictions for securities fraud can carry severe penalties under both state and federal law, including:

• Federal prison sentences of up to 25 years
• Fines of hundreds of thousands—or even millions—of dollars
• Restitution to victims and forfeiture of assets
• SEC sanctions or permanent industry bans
• Loss of professional licenses and certifications

Beyond legal consequences, reputational harm alone can permanently damage your career, business prospects, and personal life. That’s why early, aggressive defense is critical.