Lexington Tax Evasion Lawyer

Both the federal and state government can file a tax evasion charge. In Lexington County, allegations of tax evasion are serious and could potentially result in significant jail time or a large fine. However, you may not have intended to break the law. You may have simply received bad tax advice from someone or made an innocent mistake when filing your state or federal income tax returns.

If the state or federal government has charged you with tax evasion, you should not try to fight the charge alone. Rather, you should seek the services of a dedicated fraud attorney. A Lexington tax evasion lawyer could answer all of your legal questions and may be able to provide you with a result-oriented representation throughout your case.

Understanding Tax Evasion

Tax evasion comes in all shapes and sizes. In some cases, a person may have under-reported their income. In other cases, they may have overstated their deductions. Other common examples of tax evasion include:

• Declaring false dependents on a state or federal tax return
• Failing to pay a known tax obligation
• Transferring assets to a family member to avoid paying taxes
• Moving funds to a tax shelter located offshore
• Hiding assets in an attempt to avoid paying taxes on them

Although state and federal tax evasion can take multiple forms, it always involves avoiding or attempting to avoid paying some type of tax – usually, income tax. In proving its case, the government must be able to show that the individual specifically intended to avoid paying taxes. They must have also known they had taxes due. For the government to meet its burden of proof, they must be able to demonstrate its case beyond a reasonable doubt. A Lexington tax evasion lawyer may have the knowledge and experience to help them build an argument against the government’s case.

Tax Evasion Penalties

To reach a guilty verdict or conviction for tax evasion, the prosecution must first be able to prove all the legal elements of the offense. If the prosecution meets its heavy burden, the trier of fact (i.e. the judge or the jury in the case) will enter a guilty verdict or conviction.

After a guilty verdict or conviction, the judge imposes a sentence. The penalties upon conviction for tax evasion can be significant. Felony tax evasion convictions – such as for filing an intentionally false income tax return – generally carry more significant penalties than misdemeanor offenses. Felony penalties may include imprisonment and hefty monetary fines. Moreover, federal convictions generally carry heavier penalties than do state-level convictions.

A misdemeanor for tax evasion may carry a fine of up to $250,000 and up to one year in prison. Someone charged with a felony for tax evasion is looking at three to five years in prison and heavy fines. Due to the severe penalties associated with a tax evasion charge, it is imperative for the defendant to obtain a well-trained criminal defense lawyer.

How a Lexington Tax Evasion Attorney Could Help

Tax evasion charges and convictions can be devastating and may have a lasting effect on your life. Therefore, you should not leave the outcome of your case to chance. Too much is on the line in a tax evasion case to go it alone.

A Lexington tax evasion lawyer could be your advocate through your hearings, trials, appeals, and other legal proceedings and can represent your interests in court. Call today to set up a free consultation.