Last Updated on: 1st September 2023, 12:36 am
It is not a good idea to attempt to commit fraud against the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). They have almost unlimited resources to investigate cases both in the United States and throughout the world. If you think that you may have done something that could be construed as fraud, it is important to seek help immediately. Doing so can help protect your rights and potentially make a deal with the government.
What Can Happen If You’re Convicted of Tax Fraud?
If you are convicted of tax fraud, there is a good chance that you will go to jail for many years. There is also a chance that you could be ordered to pay restitution to the government or others who were impacted by your decisions. In addition to paying restitution, anything purchased with stolen funds will likely be repossessed. Furthermore, it may be necessary to pay a fine that could be be over $100,000 depending on the facts of your case.
Let Your Attorney Speak Directly With IRS Agents
Perhaps the most important reason to hire an attorney in your case is that he or she is authorized to speak on your behalf to the IRS. This matters because you may say or do something that could accidentally widen the scope of the investigation. Conversely, your attorney will make sure that any conversations with the government focus directly on the case at hand. In some cases, this will result in an investigation being ended relatively quickly without any penalties handed down.
Your Attorney Can Protect Your Rights During an Investigation
Having an attorney may ensure that the government conducts its investigation properly. This means that they will not be as eager to take your property without a warrant or talk to you without legal counsel present. If authorities make these or other types of mistakes in a case, it could be grounds for a dismissal. It could also be grounds for an appeal if you are eventually convicted.
An Attorney Could Guide You Through a Confession
The IRS may require that you provide a written confession in exchange for receiving a plea deal. This confession will likely outline your involvement in an alleged scheme or give the names of those who were involved in the plot with you. While the information that you provide could be what compels the government to offer a plea, you don’t want to be sloppy when providing it.
Your attorney will help to craft your statement in a way that doesn’t implicate you in other crimes or otherwise expand the case. It is also critical to make sure that a statement is accurate. If the IRS finds any discrepancies between what your saying now and what you have said in the past, it could undermine your credibility. However, your attorney may have notes or other ways to confirm that both current and past statements match.
Your Attorney Will Represent You Throughout Your Case
In the event that you are convicted, you have the opportunity to appeal that conviction. Your attorney will immediately file a motion to have the decision reconsidered. Generally speaking, a different judge will hear arguments related to an appeal and make a ruling. If necessary, you may be able to appeal the matter all the way to the Supreme Court.
As long as you want to continue trying the matter, your attorney will be there ready to provide a defense. The law says that you enjoy attorney-client privilege, which means that anything said to your attorney stays confidential. Even if you admit guilt, your legal counsel must continue working on your behalf in a good faith manner.
If you have been accused of tax fraud, you should take the allegation seriously. This means staying silent until you have had the chance to talk to an attorney. Although a legal professional cannot guarantee a specific outcome in a case, having one by your side is a must in any criminal case.