Louisiana investment fraud attorney Robert Wayne Pearce at the Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce P.A., have extensive experience representing investors and organizations in securities arbitrations through FINRA in the State of Louisiana.
Have you fallen victim to investment fraud? Are you looking for an experienced attorney to help you fight for the compensation you deserve?
You need an investment fraud lawyer who is dedicated to protecting your rights as a Louisiana-based investor.
We understand the frustration and stress that comes with being a victim of investment fraud, and we are here to help you navigate the legal process and hold those responsible accountable.
Since 1980, we have been devoted to helping investors and have successfully recovered over $175 million in settlements and verdicts on their behalf. View client testimonials here. We have experience handling all types of securities fraud cases and utilize all available legal avenues from the federal level to Louisiana law as it applies to investment fraud cases. Don’t let investment fraud ruin your financial future – contact the Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce, P.A. today via our quick-response form, or call our New Orleans office line at (800) 732-2889.
Definition of Investment Fraud and Securities Fraud
Investment fraud, often used synonymously with securities fraud, entails the employment of deceitful tactics, such as providing false or misleading information, to sway investors into making decisions that lead to significant financial losses.
This can involve dishonest brokers who may go as far as stealing investors’ funds or securities outright. The core objective of all types of investment fraud is to trick investors into making financial moves that profit the fraudster.
This encompasses a variety of schemes, including Ponzi schemes, pump-and-dump strategies, or selling securities that are not registered. Securities fraud constitutes illegal or unethical conduct that is subject to legal penalties.
Example Scenario: An investor is persuaded by their broker to put a large portion of their retirement savings into a high-risk, illiquid investment. The broker downplays the risks, misrepresents the potential returns, and pressures the investor to make a quick decision. The investment ultimately fails, leading to significant losses for the investor.
Initially hiring your broker-dealer, you probably placed your trust in them to prioritize your interests. However, numerous brokers and financial advisors fail to uphold their fiduciary responsibilities or may even engage in clear securities fraud. They could deceive you regarding investment opportunities, hide associated risks, partake in unnecessary frequent trading (churning) to earn commissions, or impose hidden fees, leading to overcharging.
Investment Losses? We Can Help
Discuss your legal options with an attorney at The Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce, P.A.
or, give us a ring at (800) 732-2889.
Louisiana and Federal Laws That Protect Investors
Louisiana investors benefit from a robust framework of protections designed to ensure fair and transparent markets. These safeguards include:
- Key Laws and Regulations
- Louisiana Securities Law: The cornerstone of Louisiana investor protection, this law combats fraud, mandates the registration of most securities, and provides avenues for investors to seek recourse if they’ve been misled.
- Business Corporations Act: This outlines shareholder rights and the responsibilities of company leaders, aiming to ensure that corporations act in the shareholders’ best interests.
- Louisiana Unfair Trade Practices Act: This broad law empowers investors to take action against unfair or deceptive investment practices.
- Governing Agencies
- Louisiana State Securities Board: This agency is the primary watchdog for the Louisiana securities industry. They register offerings, license brokers, investigate misconduct, and educate investors about their rights.
- Office of the Louisiana Attorney General (Consumer Protection Division): Focused on consumer protection, this office can intervene in cases of investment fraud or other deceptive practices that harm Louisiana investors.
- National Regulatory Bodies
- FINRA (Financial Industry Regulatory Authority): FINRA oversees all broker-dealers in the US, setting ethical standards, enforcing securities laws, and providing investor education resources. They work alongside the SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) for broad investor protection.
Useful Resources
- Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions: https://ofi.la.gov/securities/
- Office of the Louisiana Attorney General, Consumer Protection Division: https://www.ag.state.la.us/
- FINRA: https://www.finra.org/
- The SEC – https://www.sec.gov/
How our Louisiana Securities Law Attorneys Can Help Investors like You
Indeed, experiencing losses is a reality of investing, but brokers can be legally accountable when their actions constitute fraud. If you suspect you’ve fallen prey to investment fraud, reaching out to an attorney who specializes in this field and has a track record in similar cases is crucial. Additionally, it might be necessary to notify regulatory organizations such as the SEC or FINRA about possible market manipulation or insider trading activities.
The sooner you act, the greater your chances of recovering compensation. At the Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce, P.A., we have helped countless investors recover their losses due to investment fraud. We will thoroughly investigate your case, uncovering any misrepresentation or fraudulent activity, and fight to get you justice and the compensation you deserve.
If you have lost money due to negligence or fraud by a stockbroker or advisor, the easiest way to know if you have a case is to call our office at 800-732-2889. Here’s how our knowledgeable and experienced investment fraud law firm can advocate for you:
- Represent & Advise: We’ll stand as your legal representative, advising you on your rights and options throughout the process.
- Investigate & Analyze: We’ll thoroughly investigate your case, meticulously analyzing financial documents and potential fraudulent schemes to uncover evidence of wrongdoing.
- Identify Liable Parties: We’ll work strategically to identify all potentially liable parties, including brokers, financial advisors, and financial institutions.
- File Complaints & Lawsuits: We’ll file formal complaints with regulatory agencies (such as the SEC or FINRA) and, when necessary, initiate lawsuits to protect your interests.
- Litigate & Negotiate: We are skilled litigators ready to fight aggressively for you in court or arbitration. Additionally, we’ll negotiate tirelessly to secure the most favorable settlement possible.
- Recover Losses: Our ultimate goal is to recover your financial losses and protect you from further harm. We are results-driven and committed to achieving the maximum financial recovery you deserve.
Can I Recover my Investment Losses?
In order to recover your investment losses, you must prove that your broker-dealer or financial advisor defrauded you, breached their fiduciary duty to you as an investor or was negligent.
In most cases, this means filing a FINRA arbitration claim against the broker-dealer and/or representative.
The majority of securities fraud cases are handled by FINRA (Financial Industry Regulatory Authority) rather than being brought to the court system.
FINRA arbitration is a streamlined, cost-effective way to resolve disputes between investors and their brokers without going to court – it also allows you to collect punitive damages, which are not available in civil court.
As an investor, you have certain rights that must be respected and protected.
We’re currently investigating several financial firms and stockbrokers who may have been the subject of customer complaints, may be facing legal action, and who may have acted unethically and committed fraud in Louisiana, including:
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/william-mason-stifel-nicolaus-company/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/david-nadeau-edward-jones/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/james-lyons-raymond-james-associates /
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/timothy-fitzgerald-nylife-securities/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/brian-lawrence-morgan-stanley/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/troy-aucoin-commonwealth-financial-network/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/bryan-musso-wells-fargo-clearing-services/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/michael-austin-securities-america/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/louis-bayhi-nylife-securities/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/lester-lee-lpl-financial/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/kimberly-lowry-edward-jones/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/kerry-beslin-nylife-securities/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/keith-latterade-lpl-financial/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/joseph-cantrell-securian-financial-services/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/gilberto-breseno-arkadios-capital/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/daniel-abraham-lpl-financial/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/christopher-black-ubs-financial-services/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/charles-fenner-wells-fargo-clearing-services/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/chase-crump-private-client-services/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/ronald-menard-voya-financial-advisors/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/william-mason-stifel-nicolaus-company/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/darren-oglesby-money-concepts-capital/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/michael-barry-stifel-nicolaus/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/frank-akridge-mwa-financial-services/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/lisa-westmoreland-raymond-james/
Did You Know . . . Investment Fraud Attorney Robert Pearce Has Single-Handedly Collected Over $175 Million On Behalf of His Clients
In the last 20 years alone, Robert Pearce has recovered over $175 million for his investor clients. In fact, he has recovered funds for over 99% of his investor clients through various avenues of recovery, including settlements, arbitrations, and court litigation.
No investment fraud firm can ever guarantee the same or similar results in any given case. However, when you hire the Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce, P.A., you can sleep well knowing you are in qualified and capable hands. Attorney Robert Pearce has represented hundreds of investors over his 40 year career and in the last 20 years alone recovered over $175 million for his investor clients.
Robert Pearce will fight for your rights day in and day out to get you the recovery you are entitled to.
What Can an Investment Fraud Lawyer Do for Investors?
What Can an Investment Fraud Lawyer Do for Investors?
An investment fraud lawyer helps investors recover investment losses that they lost due to a financial advisor or broker who did not act in their best interest. Typically, the lawyer will help the investor recover their losses through a process called FINRA arbitration.
Investment Losses? Let’s talk.
or, give us a ring at 800-732-2889.
Client Testimonials
What Are the Statute of Limitations?
Time is of the essence when it comes to investment fraud cases. Both Louisiana and federal laws have statutes of limitations that set deadlines for filing legal claims. In Louisiana, the statute of limitations for fraud and other civil actions is very short, one year. This is why we allege breach of contract claims for violations of the FINRA Code which is incorporated by reference into the typical brokerage customer account agreements. Federally, the statute of limitations for securities fraud cases is typically five years from the date of the violation or two years from the date the fraud should have been discovered. It’s important to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure your claim is filed within the appropriate time frame.
Types of Investment and Securities Fraud Cases We Can Help Represent You With
In Louisiana, investors need to be aware of numerous common types of investment fraud. Unsuitable investments involve recommendations that don’t align with an investor’s needs, while forced liquidation happens when brokers sell assets without client consent or advice on margin calls.
Ponzi schemes promise high returns but rely on new investments to pay existing investors. Excessive trading, or churning, involves excessive transactions to generate commissions for the advisor. Misrepresentation includes providing deceptive or misleading information, and breach of fiduciary duty occurs when advisors prioritize their interests over the client’s.
Other frequent frauds include unauthorized trading, where trades are executed without client permission, and failure to supervise, where brokerage firms do not adequately monitor advisors. Overconcentration, or lack of diversification, increases risk by holding too much of a single investment. Theft or misappropriation of client funds involves brokers stealing money for personal use.
Mutual fund sales violations, excessive markups, and selling away, where advisors sell unapproved investments, are also common. Negligence, margin abuse, and conflicts of interest occur when advisors fail to adhere to industry standards or prioritize profits over client interests.
Contact a Louisiana Securities and Investment Fraud Attorney Today
The Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce, P.A., is a law firm specializing in representing defrauded investors recover. Louisiana investment fraud lawyer Robert Wayne Pearce specializes in getting individuals their money back from bad investments using any and all available methods.
If you are an investor who has recently dealt with investment loss due to potential securities or investment fraud, we want to help.
If you have questions about how to move forward, contact our team online or by phone at 561-338-0037 for a free confidential consultation with a Louisiana securities lawyer. We will fight aggressively for your financial recovery and for justice.
Our law firm serves clients across the state:
- New Orleans
- Baton Rouge
- Shreveport
- Lafayette
- Lake Charles
- Bossier City
- Kenner
- Monroe
- Alexandria
- Houma
- Slidell
- Central
- Ruston
- Hammond
- Sulphur
- Natchitoches
- Gretna
- Zachary
- Opelousas
- Baker
With extensive experience spanning several decades in FINRA securities arbitration, Robert Wayne Pearce stands as a leading authority in this domain, recognized both nationally and internationally.