Daytona Beach Criminal Lawyers Explain Avoiding Tax Crimes Conviction
Getting accused of tax crimes can be scary. The penalties are harsh, and the government seems to have unlimited resources to come after you. But with the right criminal tax defense, you can avoid conviction. Here’s what you need to know.
Common Tax Crimes
Some of the most common federal tax crimes include:
- Tax evasion – Intentionally trying to avoid paying taxes you owe, through illegal means like hiding income or lying on your return.
- Failure to file – Not filing a tax return when you’re required to.
- Filing a false return – Putting false information on your tax return, like fake deductions.
- Employment tax evasion – Not paying payroll taxes for employees of your business.
- Identity theft – Using someone else’s identity to file a fraudulent tax return and collect their refund.
The IRS and Department of Justice aggressively pursue suspected tax crimes. If convicted, you may face years in prison and owing huge fines. That’s why it’s critical to hire an experienced criminal tax defense attorney if you’re under investigation.
How Lawyers Defend Tax Crime Charges
Skilled Daytona Beach criminal tax attorneys have many strategies to get tax charges dismissed or reduced. Some top defenses include:
Lack of Intent
For tax evasion, prosecutors must prove you intentionally violated tax laws. If your lawyer can show you made an honest mistake or had no intent to break the law, they may get charges dropped.
Statute of Limitations
There’s a limited time frame for the government to charge you with a tax crime. If too much time has passed, the court may dismiss the case.
Improper Audits
The IRS must follow strict rules when auditing tax returns. If they violated your rights, your attorney can get evidence thrown out.
Negotiating Reduced Charges
Prosecutors often start with the most serious charges carrying long prison sentences. But skilled negotiators can sometimes get them to lower charges in exchange for a guilty plea.
What Happens at Trial
If your lawyer can’t get charges dismissed pre-trial, your case may go before a judge or jury. Prosecutors bear the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Your attorney’s job is to poke holes in their case by:
- Discrediting witnesses
- Objecting to evidence that violates your rights
- Presenting evidence that contradicts the prosecution
- Raising reasonable doubt about intent
If prosecutors fail to meet their burden, the jury should find you not guilty.
Sentencing Options If Convicted
If you lose at trial, your lawyer will advocate for the lightest sentence possible. Options may include:
- Probation – No jail time, but strict conditions like community service.
- House arrest – Serving sentence from home with electronic monitoring.
- Minimum security prison – More liberties and opportunities to leave than maximum security.
- Early release programs – Parole, halfway house, work release.
Lawyers negotiate using factors like your clean record, family obligations, health issues, remorse, and restitution paid.
Avoiding Tax Charges with Compliance
The best way to avoid tax crimes is staying compliant with your filings and payments. Strategies include:
- File on time, every year – Even if you owe, not filing is a crime itself.
- Report all income – Failing to report cash or other income leads to charges.
- Claim only lawful deductions – Improper deductions raise red flags.
- Keep excellent records – Documents support tax positions if audited.
- Pay on time – Late tax payments accrue penalties and interest.
- Get professional help – CPAs catch errors and organize records.
If you discover an innocent mistake, immediately file amended returns and pay what you owe. This shows good faith effort to comply.
Get a Free Case Review Today
Don’t go through a tax crimes investigation alone. Daytona Beach criminal tax lawyers provide skilled defense. Contact us for a free case evaluation and learn how we can help. The call is confidential, and you’ll feel much better knowing your rights are protected.