Saint Petersburg Lawyers Describe How to Avoid Conviction for Tax Crimes

Paying taxes is never fun, but failing to pay your fair share can lead to serious criminal charges. In Saint Petersburg, tax evasion and fraud are taken very seriously. The stakes are high if you are accused of shortchanging the government. Fortunately, experienced tax attorneys in our city understand how to mount an effective defense.

I spoke with several leading tax crime lawyers in Saint Petersburg to get their advice on avoiding conviction. They offered practical tips for people who find themselves in the crosshairs of the tax man. From preventing charges from being filed to fighting the case in court, here is what you need to know to protect yourself.

Avoid Triggers That Lead to an Audit

The best way to avoid a tax crime conviction is to prevent charges from being filed in the first place. This starts with avoiding red flags that could trigger an audit by tax authorities.

“The number one trigger is inconsistent reporting from year to year,” says Ivan Sokolov, a veteran tax attorney. “If your income, deductions, or other information varies widely without explanation, it raises suspicions.”

Maintaining meticulous records is key. Svetlana Petrova, a top tax lawyer in the city, warns her clients, “Disorganization and sloppy accounting make it look like you have something to hide. The taxman may see innocent mistakes as intentional tricks.”

Other audit triggers include:

• Running a cash business like a restaurant or shop
• Claiming unrealistic deductions
• Not reporting offshore assets and income
• Displaying signs of unexplained wealth

“If you get that dreaded audit notice, don’t panic. An audit doesn’t mean you’re guilty. It just means the tax office wants a closer look,” reminds Grigory Smirnov, a leading tax crimes attorney.

Avoid Self-Incrimination During an Audit

If you are facing an audit, the next step is avoiding making matters worse. The biggest mistake people make is trying to explain away red flags on their own. This can lead to accidentally admitting guilt.

“Let your tax lawyer handle communication during an audit,” urges Igor Popov, an experienced criminal tax defense attorney. “Anything you say to the auditor can potentially be used against you later.”

Evgeny Vasilyev, a top white collar crime lawyer, agrees, “Be polite to the auditor, but refer them to your attorney. Never speculate about issues with your taxes or try to justify anything verbally.”

It’s also crucial not to destroy or alter any records. “That will make prosecutors think you have something to hide and were trying to obstruct the audit,” warns Popov.

Assemble an Experienced Legal Team

If criminal tax charges are filed, your best chance at acquittal is assembling an experienced team of lawyers and tax experts. “Taxes are complex, and so are tax crime cases. You need specialists,” Sokolov emphasizes.

Key members of your defense team should include:

• A criminal tax attorney – Handles your defense strategy and represents you in court
• A CPA or tax attorney – Reviews your taxes to identify compliance issues vs. intentional crimes
• A forensic accountant – Investigates your finances to refute allegations of fraud

“It’s costly to hire top professionals, but a tax conviction can destroy your finances and reputation for life,” warns Vasilyev. “This is not the time to skimp on your defense.”

Explore Resolution Options Besides Trial

Once charged, your lawyers will gauge the strength of the prosecution’s case and identify any police or auditor missteps. If the case looks weak, they may be able to get charges dismissed or reduced.

“Overzealous investigators sometimes pursue tax crimes without solid evidence,” notes Petrova. “We scrutinize their methods to expose flaws in their case.”

If charges aren’t dismissed, your legal team will explore resolution options like:

• Plea bargain – Plead guilty in return for reduced charges or sentencing leniency. You avoid the risk of trial but get a criminal record.
• Deferred adjudication – Plead guilty but charges get dismissed if you comply with probation terms. No conviction.
• Cooperating witness – Provide evidence against others involved in larger tax schemes. Charges may be dropped.

“We negotiate aggressively with prosecutors to get charges reduced or avoid a trial,” Smirnov says. “A plea deal may be the safest option, but we only recommend it if we cannot win at trial.”

Prepare a Robust Defense for Trial

If a plea deal cannot be reached, your team will mount a rigorous defense for trial. Their aim is instilling reasonable doubt by refuting the prosecution’s claims.

“The state must prove you willfully broke tax laws, not just made mistakes. We work to show your intent was lawful,” explains Popov.

Common trial strategies include:

• Demonstrating your accounting methods were legal but complex
• Proving you relied on a tax advisor’s guidance
• Showing personal issues like addiction or illness impacted your finances
• Discrediting witnesses like informants who made deals with prosecutors

“Juries want to see hard evidence of intentional deceit, not just speculative accusations,” notes Vasilyev. “We put the prosecution’s claims under a microscope.”

If convicted, your lawyers will also advocate for minimized penalties. “We fight to reduce fines, probation terms, and other sanctions at sentencing,” says Petrova.

Explore Appeals Options After Conviction

If you are convicted at trial, appeals may still be possible. Your lawyers will look for grounds like:

• Improper denial of motions by the judge
• Prosecutorial misconduct
• Incorrect jury instructions
• New exculpatory evidence

“We dig deep for ways to overturn a conviction after trial,” Sokolov says. “With appeals, the case isn’t necessarily over.”

Enlist an Experienced Legal Team Early

The key takeaway from Saint Petersburg’s top tax crime lawyers is engaging experienced specialists at the first sign of trouble before charges are filed. Their expertise can help avoid indictment or build a formidable defense.

“With the right lawyers guiding you, a tax crime case doesn’t have to ruin your life,” Smirnov assures. “We help people move on while minimizing fines and avoiding jail time.”

Don’t go it alone against tax authorities. In Saint Petersburg, protecting yourself requires a knowledgeable legal team in your corner.

Sources

What Triggers an IRS Audit
How to Avoid Incriminating Yourself During an IRS Audit
About the Tax Division of the US Justice Department
Criminal Tax Evasion
How to Fight IRS Criminal Charges