Securities fraud in Baltimore County is a federal offense under 18 U.S.C. § 1348 carrying up to 25 years in federal prison; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Baltimore County, including documented results in complex fraud cases.
Securities Fraud Lawyer in Baltimore County, Maryland
Federal securities fraud, codified at 18 U.S.C. § 1348, prohibits knowingly executing or attempting to execute a scheme to defraud any person in connection with securities of a publicly traded company. This statute covers insider trading, market manipulation, and material misrepresentation in securities transactions. In Maryland, securities fraud charges are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland, with cases heard at the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland (Baltimore Division, 101 W Lombard St, Baltimore, MD 21201). A conviction under 18 U.S.C. § 1348 carries a maximum penalty of 25 years imprisonment, fines, and mandatory restitution to victims. The SEC may also pursue parallel civil enforcement actions, including disgorgement of profits and civil penalties.
Last verified: April 2026 | U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland | 18 U.S.C. § 1348 (Cornell LII)
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings 120+ years combined legal experience. Advocacy Without Borders — the firm handles securities fraud defense across Maryland, Virginia, DC, New York, and New Jersey.
For the full text of federal securities fraud statutes, see 18 U.S.C. § 1348 (U.S. Department of Justice — official site).
For Maryland-specific criminal procedure, see Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (Maryland General Assembly — official site).
In the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, prosecutors routinely use grand jury subpoenas and wiretaps to build securities fraud cases. We have observed that early engagement before indictment can materially affect outcomes, including the ability to negotiate a pretrial diversion agreement.
- Do not speak to investigators or the SEC without your attorney present.
- Preserve all documents, emails, trading records, and financial statements.
- Contact a securities fraud defense lawyer immediately to assess your exposure.
- Your attorney will review the evidence and determine whether a grand jury has been convened.
- Prepare for potential arrest or summons; your attorney can negotiate voluntary surrender.
- Develop a defense strategy, which may include challenging the sufficiency of evidence, negotiating a plea, or proceeding to trial.
In Baltimore County, securities fraud carries a maximum penalty of 25 years in federal prison, fines up to $5 million for individuals, and mandatory restitution to victims.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Securities Fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1348) | Federal Felony | Up to 25 years | Up to $5 million (individuals) | Potential FINRA bar, SEC industry bar | Restitution, forfeiture, supervised release up to 5 years |
| Insider Trading (15 U.S.C. § 78ff) | Federal Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $5 million (individuals) | Potential FINRA bar, SEC industry bar | Disgorgement of profits, civil penalties up to 3x profit |
| Conspiracy to Commit Securities Fraud (18 U.S.C. § 371) | Federal Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $250,000 | Potential FINRA bar | Restitution, forfeiture, supervised release |
Results may vary.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Baltimore County, including documented results in fraud-related cases. Firm-wide, SRIS has 4,739+ documented results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, with a favorable-outcome rate above 93%.
Results may vary.
Our location in Rockville, MD is approximately 40 miles from the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland (Baltimore Division), with access via I-95 and I-695 (Baltimore Beltway).
Securities fraud lawyer near Baltimore, MD.
Serving the communities of Towson, Dundalk, Essex, Catonsville, Pikesville, Cockeysville, Reisterstown, Owings Mills, Perry Hall, White Marsh, and Timonium.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Maryland
199 E. Montgomery Avenue, Suite 100, Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850
Phone: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Securities Fraud Defense in Baltimore County
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Baltimore County, Maryland?
Yes. PBJ is a Maryland disposition where the judge places you on probation instead of entering a guilty verdict. PBJ avoids a formal conviction on your record and is available for most misdemeanors and many felonies at District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson (120 East Chesapeake Avenue, Towson, MD 21286). After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged (3-year waiting period). SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Baltimore County, Maryland?
Yes. Maryland allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, Nolle Prosequi, Stet, PBJ (after 3 years), and many non-violent convictions under the Justice Reinvestment Act. Cases in Baltimore County are expunged through the court where the case was heard (District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson). SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Baltimore County, Maryland?
After arrest in Baltimore County: (1) initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail, (2) bail review hearing within 24 hours if detained, (3) arraignment, (4) trial. Misdemeanors are tried at District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson (120 East Chesapeake Avenue, Towson, MD 21286). Felonies go to Baltimore County Circuit Court. Bail set by District Court commissioner at initial appearance; Maryland permits pretrial release on personal recognizance, bail, or conditions of release; bail review hearing in District Court within 24 hours if detained; public defender eligibility based on income; court costs: approximately $22.50-$55. SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Baltimore County, Maryland?
Yes. Many Maryland misdemeanors carry significant penalties — second-degree assault: up to 10 years; theft $100-$1,500: up to 6 months. An attorney at District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal. SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Contact SRIS at (888) 437-7747.
What is the difference between state and federal securities fraud charges?
Federal securities fraud charges are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland under 18 U.S.C. § 1348, carrying up to 25 years imprisonment with no parole. State securities fraud charges under Maryland law carry lesser penalties but still significant consequences. Federal cases involve the SEC, FBI, and federal sentencing guidelines, which are advisory but strongly influential. An experienced investment fraud defense lawyer Baltimore can help handle these differences.
How does a securities fraud defense lawyer in Baltimore defend against these charges?
Defense strategies for securities fraud in Baltimore County may include challenging the sufficiency of evidence, examining procedural compliance by investigators, negotiating with prosecutors for reduced charges, and presenting mitigating factors. An experienced SEC violation lawyer Baltimore evaluates the specific facts under 18 U.S.C. § 1348 to build the strongest possible defense. Early engagement before indictment is critical.
What should I do if I am facing securities fraud charges in Baltimore County?
If facing securities fraud charges in Baltimore County, contact a federal criminal attorney immediately. Do not discuss the case with anyone except your lawyer. Preserve all relevant documents and evidence. The statute of limitations and court deadlines under federal law require prompt action. An investment fraud defense lawyer Baltimore can advise on your rights and options.
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Last verified: April 2026