Los Angeles Federal Tax Evasion Attorney

Have you been charged with federal tax evasion in Los Angeles, California? Contact Perlman Defense Federal Criminal Lawyers at (747) 373-0477 for a free consultation with a Los Angeles federal tax evasion attorney. A conviction could result in years in federal prison and lasting damage to your personal and professional life.

Our firm has 25+ years of experience handling federal criminal defense matters, including complex white-collar cases. We can review the allegations against you, explain your options, and help you prepare a response to the government’s case.

Contact our law offices to learn more. We offer a free initial consultation to review your charges and discuss your legal options.

How Perlman Defense Federal Criminal Lawyers Can Help With Tax Evasion Charges in Los Angeles, CA

Federal prosecutors and IRS investigators may gather financial records and other evidence well before charges are filed. By the time a case reaches federal court, the government may already have substantial financial evidence. However, prosecutors still must prove every element of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt.

The team at Perlman Defense Federal Criminal Lawyers understands the challenges of federal tax cases and the procedures involved in federal prosecutions. We can review the government’s evidence closely and identify factual or legal issues that may affect the case.

When you hire our Los Angeles federal criminal defense attorneys, we can:

• Conduct an in-depth review of the evidence and financial records in your case
• Challenge the government's proof of willfulness and intent
• Retain forensic accountants and other qualified experts when appropriate
• Negotiate with federal prosecutors regarding charges or potential resolutions
• Protect your constitutional rights throughout the federal court process
• Represent you at trial and present available defenses

Call our law offices in Los Angeles, CA, today to schedule your free case evaluation.

Federal Tax Evasion Under 26 U.S.C. § 7201

Federal tax evasion is defined under 26 U.S.C. § 7201. This statute makes it a felony to willfully attempt to evade or defeat any tax imposed by federal law.

To obtain a conviction, the government must establish three elements beyond a reasonable doubt:

• A tax deficiency existed, meaning taxes were due and unpaid
• You acted willfully, meaning you knew you had a legal obligation and deliberately chose to violate it
• You committed an affirmative act of evasion, such as filing a false return or concealing assets

Failure to pay taxes, by itself, does not establish tax evasion under § 7201. The government must prove an affirmative act of evasion in addition to the other required elements.

What Penalties Could I Face for a Federal Tax Evasion Conviction?

A conviction under 26 U.S.C. § 7201 can carry serious federal penalties. 

Depending on the circumstances, you could face:

• Up to five years in federal prison
• A fine of up to $250,000 for an individual or $500,000 for an organization
• Restitution or other orders requiring payment of tax losses, depending on the case
• Payment of the costs of prosecution

Additional charges can carry separate penalties and increase a defendant’s overall sentencing exposure. A felony conviction can also create collateral consequences involving employment, professional licensing, reputation, and other areas of life.

What Defenses Are Available Against Federal Tax Evasion Charges?

Willfulness is a central element of a federal tax evasion prosecution. The federal tax code is complex, and not every mistake on a tax return amounts to criminal conduct. The available defenses depend on the facts and evidence in the case.

Potential defenses can include:

• Lack of willfulness: Billing, reporting, or filing errors may have resulted from a mistake or misunderstanding rather than a deliberate attempt to evade taxes.
• Good-faith reliance on a tax professional: Evidence that you relied in good faith on advice from an accountant or tax attorney may be relevant to whether the government can prove willfulness.
• No tax deficiency: The government may be unable to prove that a tax was actually due and owing.
• Statute of limitations: A prosecution may be barred by the six-year statute of limitations under 26 U.S.C. § 6531, depending on when the alleged offense and affirmative acts of evasion occurred.
• Unlawfully obtained evidence: If investigators obtained evidence through an unlawful search or seizure, the defense may have grounds to seek suppression of that evidence.

Additional defenses may apply depending on the circumstances. Tax evasion cases often involve detailed financial records, communications, returns, and other documentation, so careful review of the evidence can be important.

Schedule a Free Consultation With a Los Angeles Federal Tax Evasion Lawyer Today

Federal tax evasion charges in Los Angeles, CA, are serious, but being charged does not mean you will be convicted. You have the right to challenge the government’s evidence and present any defenses supported by the facts.

Perlman Defense Federal Criminal Lawyers can review the allegations, explain the charges, and identify defenses that may apply to your case. Contact our Los Angeles federal tax evasion attorneys today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about your legal options.