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When an IRS agent knocks on the door or a taxpayer receives a notice of a tax investigation, the shock and fear can be enormous. After all, the targeted taxpayer faces real consequences that could include six or seven-figure debts, liens, property seizure, and, most frightening of all, incarceration. Texas criminal tax Lawyer Lawrence Brown formerly worked as a DOJ Tax Division trial attorney before founding the firm. He, therefore, understands the strategies and tactics that U.S. prosecutors employ and knows how to successfully challenge them.
Investigation witnesses and targets cannot afford to wait to hire counsel, and with so much at stake, they should seek the best representation they can find. Brown, PC has 25 years of experience representing high-profile clients in some of the biggest criminal tax cases to be prosecuted by the government.
Protecting High-Profile Individuals Charged With a Tax Crime
Our clients include some of the best-known names in business, entertainment and sports, as well as high-profile professionals in the financial, legal, medical and business sectors. We recognize the potentially life-changing consequences of criminal prosecution. Beyond the devastating financial repercussions and the loss of freedom, individuals face extensive damage to their reputations and careers.
The government may claim to just have a few questions or just want to view a document. Even if that is the case, this is the time to hire an experienced Texas criminal tax lawyer. Cooperation should not equate to giving up rights.
Our goal is to stop the government from filing charges, which we can often do if we are retained during the early investigative stage. In addition, through our early involvement, we can prevent prosecutors from finding incriminating evidence and be in a strong position to negotiate a favorable settlement.
Corporate Tax Crimes
Having represented some of the biggest names in the corporate world, we have a proven history of reaching equitable settlements quickly. We handle tax fraud claims that involve such complex issues as tax evasion, money laundering, corrupt practices, investor fraud, accounting fraud, and illegal foreign accounts. Our team has been successful in saving corporations millions of dollars in tax fraud penalties, back taxes, interests and fines.
Companies targeted in corporate tax fraud investigations can face hundreds of thousands of dollars, if not millions of dollars, in fines. In some cases, corporate tax fraud investigations can lead to charges against the company’s owners, executives and personnel as well. As a result, hiring an experienced Texas criminal tax lawyer at the first sign of a potential investigation is critical. At Brown PC, we represent both companies and individuals, and if your company is facing scrutiny, we can help you protect your company, yourself, and your employees.
Possible Causes of a Criminal Tax Investigation
When facing a criminal tax investigation, it is important to understand why. Identifying the cause of the investigation can help you understand the investigation’s scope, assess your risk and formulate a defense strategy that is tailored to the specific circumstances at hand. Some examples of potential triggers for criminal tax investigations involving IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS CI) and the Texas Comptroller include:
- A recent federal tax audit that uncovered evidence of criminal tax fraud
- A tip from a company insider or external whistleblower
- A referral from another federal law enforcement agency
- Automated review of corporate tax filings for possible “red flags”
- Information publicly disclosed in corporate filings, in the news media or on social media
Why is it important to know the cause of a criminal tax investigation? Let’s say, for example, that IRS CI received a tip from another federal agency. In this scenario, not only could you (or your company) be at risk for facing criminal tax charges, but prosecutors may be working to substantiate other non-tax-related charges as well.
To determine the cause of your (or your company’s) criminal tax evasion, your Texas criminal tax lawyer at Brown PC will work to gather the relevant information through various means. This includes means such as interfacing with the investigating agency and conducting an attorney-client privileged internal review, among others. Once we know why you (or your company) is facing scrutiny, then we can begin building and executing a targeted and cohesive defense strategy.
Types of Criminal Tax Cases
We defend individual and corporate taxpayers during investigations targeting all types of federal tax crimes in Texas. This includes common allegations such as:
- Abusive tax schemes
- Failure to file returns
- Filing false returns
- Underpaying tax liability
- Claiming fraudulent refunds
- Making false statements to federal agents
- Assisting with the preparation of false returns or participating in a tax fraud conspiracy
Penalties for Federal Tax Crimes in Texas
In criminal cases, the penalties for tax fraud, tax evasion and other tax law violations can be severe. This is true at both the state and federal levels.
For example, under Texas law, many tax crimes can be prosecuted as third-degree felonies. These crimes carry up to a $10,000 fine and 10 years of imprisonment. But, state tax crimes can also be prosecuted as second-degree or even first-degree felonies in some cases.
At the federal level, the fines for tax crimes can be far more substantial. For example, one of the most common federal tax charges, attempting to evade or defeat tax in violation of 26 U.S.C. Section 7201, carries up to a five-year prison term plus a $100,000 fine for individuals and a $500,000 fine for corporations.
Strategic Communications
Our firm also offers unique strategic communication services to deliver expert PR advice in collaboration with our litigation team to minimize impact of the tax investigation on reputation and brand. This one-of-a-kind service also avoids a common problem that outside PR professionals do not understand the law and may make damaging incriminating statements. Our strategic communication approach recognizes that public relations and legal defense should go hand in hand.
Speak With a Dedicated Texas Criminal Tax Lawyer
With freedom and financial health at stake, you need a Texas criminal tax lawyer who has the experience, determination, and innovation to help you through investigation and trial. Brown, PC is comprised of Texas criminal tax lawyers who deliver excellent, aggressive defenses. Contact our office today to discuss your legal rights and options.