Los Angeles Federal Tax Crimes Attorney

Were you charged with a federal tax crime in Los Angeles, California? Contact Perlman Defense Federal Criminal Lawyers at (747) 373-0477 for a free case assessment. Our Los Angeles federal tax crimes attorneys can help you work toward the most favorable outcome available to you.

We know how this nuanced area of the law works as well as anyone. Federal criminal cases often involve powerful government agencies, experienced prosecutors, complex investigations, and serious potential penalties. Our award-winning federal criminal defense law firm will make your case a top priority from the start. 

Why Choose Perlman Defense Federal Criminal Lawyers if I’m Facing Federal Tax Crime Charges in Los Angeles, CA?

Federal prosecutors don't bring tax charges lightly. By the time charges are filed, IRS Criminal Investigation is confident it has sufficient evidence to pursue a case against you.

Perlman Defense Federal Criminal Lawyers is a highly respected federal criminal defense firm in Los Angeles, CA. 

Here's why clients trust our Los Angeles federal criminal defense attorney with their federal tax cases:

• Attorney Daniel Perlman has well over two decades of experience defending clients against serious federal charges
• We have earned honors and recognition from The National Trial Lawyers (Top 100 Trial Lawyers) and the National Association of Distinguished Counsel (Nation’s Top One Percent).
• We have a thorough understanding of the federal court system in the Central District of California.

When our Los Angeles federal tax crime attorney represents someone facing tax charges, we fight tirelessly to protect their rights and future. Call our law office in Los Angeles, CA, today to get started with a free case review.

A Brief Overview of Federal Tax Crime Law

Federal tax crimes are prosecuted under Title 26 of the United States Code. The government must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you intentionally violated a tax law you knew existed. Making a mistake on your return, even a significant one, is not a crime. Deliberately concealing income or fabricating deductions is.

The most commonly charged federal tax offenses include:

Tax Evasion (26 USC § 7201)

Tax evasion is the most serious federal tax offense. Under this statute, it is a felony to willfully attempt to evade or defeat any federal tax. The government must prove three things: that a tax deficiency existed, that you committed an affirmative act of evasion, and that you acted willfully. 

Filing a False Return (26 USC § 7206)

You don't have to hide millions in offshore accounts to face federal charges. Simply signing a tax return that you know contains materially false information is a felony under this statute. Every return includes a declaration that you're signing under penalty of perjury. 

Willful Failure to File or Pay (26 USC § 7203)

Failing to file a required tax return or failing to pay a tax when due can be charged as a misdemeanor if the government can prove the failure was willful. 

Additional Federal Charges You May Face

Federal tax cases frequently involve charges beyond the core tax statutes. Prosecutors often layer additional counts to increase pressure on defendants. Some of the related offenses that may accompany tax crime charges include:

• Tax conspiracy (18 USC § 371): Conspiring with one or more people to defraud the United States by impeding the IRS
• Aiding or assisting in filing a false return (26 USC § 7206(2)): Helping someone else prepare or file a fraudulent return
• Obstruction of the IRS (26 USC § 7212): Attempting to impede or obstruct the administration of the tax code

The more charges you face, the more important it becomes to have an experienced federal criminal defense lawyer in Los Angeles protecting your interests. 

Potential Penalties for a Federal Tax Crime Conviction in Los Angeles

The penalties for federal tax crimes vary depending on the specific offense, the amount of tax loss involved, and other factors. Federal sentencing guidelines take all of these considerations into account when considering both financial and non-financial impacts.

For the most serious offense, tax evasion under § 7201, a conviction can lead to:

• Up to 5 years in federal prison
• Fines of up to $100,000 for individuals or $500,000 for corporations, though higher fines possible under federal sentencing law
• Costs of prosecution
• Restitution to the IRS for unpaid taxes

For filing a false return under § 7206, penalties include:

• Up to 3 years in federal prison
• Fines of up to $100,000 for individuals or $500,000 for corporations

For willful failure to file under § 7203, a misdemeanor conviction can result in:

• Up to 1 year in prison
• Fines of up to $25,000 for individuals or $100,000 for corporations

Keep in mind that federal judges often impose sentences based on the total tax loss, and the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines can push sentences higher when large dollar amounts are involved.

Collateral Consequences

The consequences of a federal tax crime conviction extend well beyond the sentence the court imposes.

Some of the collateral consequences you may face include:

• A permanent federal felony on your record
• Difficulty securing employment
• Loss of professional licenses or certifications
• Immigration consequences for non-citizens, potentially including deportation
• Damage to your personal and professional reputation
• Loss of voting rights during incarceration

Some of these consequences can affect you indefinitely. Having a qualified federal defense attorney on your side can make all the difference. 

How Federal Tax Investigations Work

Most federal tax cases begin with an investigation by IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI). Learning about how this process unfolds can help you make better decisions about your defense.

IRS-CI agents typically begin with a review of your financial records. They may also interview witnesses and work with forensic accountants to reconstruct your income. These investigations can take a year or more before any charges are filed.

If IRS-CI believes it has a viable case, the matter is referred to the Department of Justice Tax Division, which then decides whether to authorize prosecution. The case is then assigned to a U.S. Attorney's Office, in this instance the Central District of California. From there, the prosecutor presents the case to a federal grand jury, which decides whether to return an indictment.

This long investigative process is exactly why early intervention matters. If you learn that you are under investigation, contacting a federal defense attorney before charges are filed can significantly improve your position.

What Defenses Can I Raise Against Federal Tax Charges?

The government bears the burden of proving every element of your charges beyond a reasonable doubt. This is the highest standard in American law, and it leaves room for a qualified defense attorney to challenge the prosecution's case.

At the beginning of your case, we will investigate the facts and determine the strongest defense strategy for your situation.

Possible defenses to federal tax charges include:

• Lack of willfulness
• Reliance on professional advice
• Insufficient evidence of a tax deficiency
• Constitutional rights violations
• Expiration of the statute of limitations

Many of these strategies require substantial evidence and resources to present effectively, which is why hiring a federal criminal defense attorney from the start is critical.

Schedule a Free Case Evaluation With Our Los Angeles Federal Tax Crimes Attorney

Federal tax charges in Los Angeles must be taken seriously, but it's critical to remember that you're innocent until proven guilty. You likely still have time to fight back with the right legal help.

At Perlman Defense Federal Criminal Lawyers, our Los Angeles federal tax crimes attorney has more than two decades of experience and is here to help you every step of the way. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.