Salinas Insider Trading Attorney

Experienced Defense Against Insider Trading Charges in California

Insider trading is considered the buying or selling of a stock based on information that has not yet been made public. This practice is illegal throughout the United States and can lead to very serious penalties if you are convicted. At the Law Offices of William V. Pernik, our Salinas insider trading lawyers have the knowledge and experience to navigate the complexities of insider trading cases, ensuring that your rights are protected throughout the legal process.

Call the Law Offices of William V. Pernik today at 831-480-9165 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our insider trading lawyer in Salinas.

What is Insider Trading?

Insider trading is a white-collar crime that involves buying or selling securities (like stocks or bonds) based on material, non-public information about a company. This information typically comes from company insiders, such as executives, employees, or others with access to confidential company data. Engaging in insider trading is illegal because it undermines the integrity of financial markets and gives unfair advantages to those with privileged information.

Insider trading can take various forms, including:

Trading on inside information: This occurs when an individual with access to confidential information uses that information to buy or sell securities for their benefit.
Tipping: Tipping involves sharing non-public information with others who then trade on that information. Both the tipper (the person who shares the information) and the tippee (the person who receives and acts on the information) can be held liable for insider trading.
Misappropriation: In some cases, individuals may be charged with insider trading if they obtain confidential information through deception or theft, even if they are not directly affiliated with the company.

What are the Penalties for Insider Trading in California?

Insider trading is a serious offense in California and can lead to severe legal consequences. If convicted, you may face penalties such as:

Criminal charges: Insider trading violations can result in criminal charges, including fines and imprisonment. Depending on the circumstances, individuals may be subject to state or federal prosecution.
Civil penalties: Insider trading can also lead to civil lawsuits, where you may be required to pay substantial fines or restitution to victims who suffered financial losses due to your actions.
Loss of professional reputation: Being associated with insider trading can damage your professional reputation and make it difficult to secure future employment in the financial industry.
SEC enforcement: The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) actively investigates and pursues insider trading cases. If you are found liable, you may be subject to regulatory actions, including fines and being barred from trading securities.
Asset forfeiture: In some cases, the government may seek to seize assets obtained through insider trading, further compounding the financial impact of a conviction.

Defenses Against Insider Trading Charges

Our legal team can explore various defenses to protect your rights, including:

Lack of intent: Proving intent is essential for an insider trading conviction. This can be a valid defense if you can demonstrate that you did not willfully engage in insider trading or did not possess the required knowledge.
Lack of materiality: Insider trading charges require the use of material, non-public information. If the information in question is not deemed material or was already known to the public, it may not support a conviction.
Mistaken identity: In some cases, individuals may be wrongfully accused due to mistaken identity or lack of evidence connecting them to the alleged insider trading.
Exemptions and affirmative defenses: Certain transactions and actions may be exempt from insider trading laws or have affirmative defenses under specific circumstances. We can help determine if any exemptions or defenses apply to your case.

Contact Our Insider Trading Lawyer in Salinas Today

If you are facing insider trading charges in California, it is critical to seek legal counsel immediately. At the Law Offices of William V. Pernik, our insider trading attorney will work tirelessly to protect your rights and provide you with the best possible legal representation throughout the legal process. Your future and financial well-being are at stake, and we are committed to providing you with the guidance and advocacy you need.

Contact the Law Offices of William V. Pernik today to get started with our Salinas insider trading attorney.