South Dakota investment and stockbroker 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 South Dakota.
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 South Dakota 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 Sioux Falls office line at (800) 732-2889.
Definition of Investment Fraud and Securities Fraud
Investment fraud, often synonymous with securities fraud, entails the use of deceitful tactics, such as spreading false or misleading information, to coerce investors into making decisions that lead to significant financial losses. Unscrupulous brokers might go as far as directly stealing investors’ funds or securities.
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.
When you initially engaged the services of your broker-dealer, you probably expected them to prioritize your best interests. Regrettably, numerous brokers and financial advisors fail to uphold their fiduciary responsibilities, or may even commit outright securities fraud. They could mislead you regarding investment opportunities, hide associated risks, excessively trade (or churn) to earn commissions, or impose hidden fees that overcharge you for their services.
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.
South Dakota and Federal Laws That Protect Investors
South Dakota investors benefit from a robust framework of protections designed to ensure fair and transparent markets. These safeguards include:
- Key Laws and Regulations
- South Dakota Uniform Securities Act: The cornerstone of South Dakota 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.
- South Dakota Business Corporations Act: This outlines shareholder rights and the responsibilities of company leaders, aiming to ensure that corporations act in the shareholders’ best interests.
- South Dakota Consumer Protection-Deceptive Trade Practices Act: This broad law empowers investors to take action against unfair or deceptive investment practices.
- Governing Agencies
- South Dakota Division of Insurance-Securities Regulation: This agency is the primary watchdog for the South Dakota securities industry. They register offerings, license brokers, investigate misconduct, and educate investors about their rights.
- Office of the South Dakota Attorney General (Consumer Protection Division): Focused on consumer protection, this office can intervene in cases of investment fraud or other deceptive practices that harm South Dakota 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
- South Dakota Securities Division: https://dlr.sd.gov/securities/
- Office of the South Dakota Attorney General, Consumer Protection Division: https://consumer.sd.gov/contact.aspx
- FINRA: https://www.finra.org/
- SEC – https://www.sec.gov/
How our South Dakota Securities Law Attorneys Can Help You
Yes, investment losses are a part of investing, but when brokers commit fraud, they can be held legally responsible. If you believe you have been a victim of investment fraud, it is important to contact an investment fraud lawyer with experience handling these types of cases. Regulatory bodies like the SEC or FINRA might also need to be alerted to potential market manipulation or insider trading.
The quicker you take action, the better your chances of securing compensation. At the Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce, P.A., we have assisted numerous investors in reclaiming losses caused by investment fraud. We will conduct a comprehensive investigation of your case to identify any instances of misrepresentation or fraudulent activity, and we will tirelessly work to secure the justice and compensation you rightfully 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 violated federal or South Dakota securities statutes, breached their fiduciary duty to you as an investor or acted negligently.
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 South Dakota, including:
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/brent-miller-nylife-securities/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/randall-bothwell-nylife-securities/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/travis-tupper-kovack-securities/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/cara-miller-mariner-wealth-advisors/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/james-anderson-ameritas-investment-corp/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/nicole-bertsch-american-independent-securities-group/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/kip-schmidt-woodbury-financial-services/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/douglas-schmitz-classic/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/steven-wurzer-morgan-stanley/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/dale-roehrich-parkland-securities-llc/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/james-syvertson-morgan-stanley/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/john-carlson-capital-financial-services/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/donavon-wagner-woodbury-financial-services/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/charles-larocca-lpl-financial/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/joseph-rozof-revere-securities/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/whittaker-mack-jp-morgan-securities/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/thomas-baumann-spartan-capital-securities/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/david-alvarado-phx-financial/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/travis-lippmann-spartan-capital-securities/
Did You Know . . . Investment Fraud Attorney Robert Pearce Has Single-Handedly Collected Over $175 Million On Behalf of His Clients
Over the past two decades, Robert Pearce has successfully recovered more than $175 million for his investor clients. Remarkably, he has secured funds for over 99% of his clients through different recovery methods, such as settlements, arbitrations, and court litigations.
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.
Our law firm works with clients throughout the state:
- Sioux Falls
- Rapid City
- Aberdeen
- Brookings
- Watertown
- Mitchell
- Yankton
- Huron
- Pierre
- Spearfish
- Box Elder
- Vermillion
- Brandon
- Sturgis
- Madison
- Belle Fourche
- Harrisburg
- Tea
- Milbank
- Canton
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 is the Cost to Hire a Securities Attorney?
An initial consultation with a securities attorney is typically free. During this consultation, the lawyer will review your case and give you an estimate of the legal fees. If you decide to move forward with the case, you will typically be asked to sign a contingency fee agreement.
A contingency fee agreement means that you will only have to pay the lawyer if he or she is successful in recovering money on your behalf. If the lawyer is not successful, you will not owe any legal fees.
What Are the Statute of Limitations?
Time is critical in investment fraud cases. Both South Dakota and federal laws impose statutes of limitations that establish deadlines for filing legal claims. In South Dakota, the statute of limitations for securities fraud aligns with federal guidelines, which typically allow five years from the date of the violation or two years from when the fraud should have been discovered to file a claim. It’s essential to consult with an attorney promptly to ensure your claim is filed within these time frames.
Contact a South Dakota 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. South Dakota 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 call our Sioux Falls office line at (800) 732-2889 for a free confidential consultation with a South Dakota securities lawyer. We will fight aggressively for your financial recovery and for justice.