Tax Evasion Charges and Hiring a DC Tax Crime Attorney

Dealing with Tax Evasion Charges? Why You Need a DC Tax Crime Attorney

Tax evasion charges are serious business. If convicted, you could face hefty fines, years in prison, and a criminal record that will follow you for life. Don’t go it alone against the power of the government – hire an experienced DC tax crime attorney to protect your rights and future.

What Constitutes Tax Evasion?

The legal definition of tax evasion is the intentional, illegal failure to pay taxes owed to local, state or federal government. It involves an affirmative act to avoid paying taxes, such as deliberately underreporting income, improperly claiming deductions, hiding assets or money offshore, concealing sources of income, or using other fraudulent schemes to reduce tax liability[1].

Some examples of tax evasion include:

• Failing to file an income tax return when required to do so
• Filing a false or fraudulent return
• Claiming improper deductions or exemptions
• Hiding income
• Keeping two sets of books
• Making false statements on a tax return
• Concealing assets or sources of income
• Using a fake Social Security number
• Setting up secret offshore bank accounts or shell companies

How Serious are the Consequences?

Make no mistake – tax evasion is a felony crime that carries severe penalties under DC and federal law. Maximum sentences for a DC tax evasion conviction include[1]:

• Up to 5 years in prison
• Fines up to $10,000
• Restitution for all unpaid taxes plus interest and penalties

In addition to criminal penalties, the IRS will hit you with heavy civil fines up to 75% of the unpaid taxes. Your assets may be seized, and you’ll still owe back taxes plus interest and penalties. A tax evasion felony conviction also means:

• You’ll have a permanent criminal record
• Loss of certain civil rights and voting privileges
• Potential loss of professional licenses or certifications
• Difficulty finding future employment
• General damage to your reputation and credibility

With so much at stake, it’s critical to have an experienced tax crime attorney on your side from the very start of an investigation. Don’t wait until you’re indicted – the earlier your lawyer can get involved, the better your chances of avoiding criminal prosecution altogether or achieving the best possible outcome.

How Do Tax Evasion Investigations Begin?

Tax evasion charges never come out of the blue. They are the end result of an extensive investigation process by the IRS Criminal Investigation Division or federal agencies like the FBI or Department of Justice. Some common triggers that spark a criminal tax investigation include[2][3]:

• Tips from informants or whistleblowers
• Discrepancies or oddities noticed during an IRS audit
• Bank deposits that don’t match reported income
• Suspicious activity reported by banks, casinos or other third parties
• Businesses that deal heavily in cash
• Tax returns that differ drastically from year to year
• Large, questionable deductions or business expenses
• Offshore activity or foreign bank accounts

The IRS and DOJ use various invasive and aggressive investigative tactics, like:

• Surveillance
• Interviews of you, your family, friends, business associates
• Subpoenas for financial records, emails, texts
• Search warrants to seize evidence from your home or office
• Informants wearing wires or recording conversations

Facing this daunting firepower, it’s essential to have an experienced DC tax crime lawyer on your side from the very beginning. Don’t wait to hire counsel – the earlier your attorney can get involved, the better.

Can I Avoid Prosecution with Voluntary Disclosure?

If you believe you may be under investigation for tax evasion, you may still be able to avoid criminal prosecution through the IRS’s voluntary disclosure program. Under this program, you voluntarily disclose any past non-compliance, agree to pay back taxes, interest and penalties, and fully cooperate with the IRS investigation[4].

In exchange, the IRS agrees not to pursue criminal prosecution. However, the IRS makes no guarantees, and you must meet strict eligibility requirements for the voluntary disclosure program to apply. That’s why it’s critical to have an experienced DC tax attorney guide you through the process.

An attorney can advise you on program eligibility, navigate the complex application process, negotiate the most favorable settlement, and generally give you the best shot at avoiding criminal charges. The key is making the disclosure BEFORE the IRS contacts you first – waiting until you’re under investigation seriously weakens your position.

Fighting Tax Evasion Charges with an Experienced DC Tax Crime Attorney

If you are charged with tax evasion, don’t take it lightly. You need the very best legal defense team on your side. An experienced DC tax crime attorney can potentially help you avoid conviction or minimize penalties by:

• Negotiating with prosecutors for reduced charges or punishment
• Identifying procedural errors or problems with evidence collection
• Asserting your constitutional rights if investigators used improper tactics
• Presenting mitigating circumstances to cast your actions in a more favorable light
• Developing an alternative theory of the case and poking holes in the prosecution’s arguments
• Locating favorable expert witnesses
• Advising you on whether to take a plea bargain or go to trial

Every tax evasion case is unique, with options and strategies tailored to the specific facts and circumstances. With so much at stake, it pays to have the most skilled DC tax crime lawyer fighting for your best interests every step of the way.

Choosing the Best DC Tax Crime Attorney for Your Case

Not every tax attorney has the specialized skills and experience to handle criminal tax evasion cases effectively. When selecting counsel, you want someone with a proven track record, including[5]:

• Extensive knowledge of federal and DC tax codes and criminal law
• Experience as a former IRS trial attorney or prosecutor
• Strong relationships and negotiating skills in dealing with IRS/DOJ
• Excellent litigation skills if your case goes to trial
• A network of contacts and resources (forensic accountants, investigators, etc.)
• Knowledge of tax law loopholes and investigative tactics that can be leveraged for your defense
• A fee structure that provides value and keeps costs reasonable

Also prioritize clear communication, responsiveness, and compassion. This is one of the most stressful situations you will ever face. The right attorney will handle your case with the utmost discretion, understanding and concern for your welfare.

Act Fast to Protect Your Rights and Future

If you believe you may be under investigation for tax evasion, the worst thing you can do is stick your head in the sand. Act quickly to engage an experienced DC tax crime attorney before time runs out. The earlier counsel can get involved, the better your chances of avoiding criminal prosecution or minimizing penalties. Don’t go it alone against the IRS and DOJ – a skilled tax law attorney can protect your rights, freedom and financial future.

References

[1] https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/47-4101

[2] https://www.justice.gov/tax/about-division

[3] https://www.irs.gov/compliance/criminal-investigation/how-criminal-investigations-are-initiated

[4] https://www.irs.gov/compliance/criminal-investigation/voluntary-disclosure-practice

[5] https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/hiring-criminal-tax-attorney-help-with-irs-investigation.html