Los Angeles Tax Crimes Defense Lawyer
Tax filings can be complicated, especially if you are running a healthcare practice or operating a small business without a lot of outside help, and it’s easy to make a mistake. Let’s be clear; innocent mistakes are not illegal, and they should not be prosecuted or result in penalties and convictions. Nevertheless, the IRS goes after suspected tax crimes quite aggressively, and your livelihood could be at risk if the government thinks you are trying to cheat them out of their due. The Law Offices of Stanley L. Friedman can help. Don’t delay or take any steps until you’ve talked to an attorney. Contact us now to consult with an experienced and successful Los Angeles tax crimes defense lawyer.
When You’re Under the Microscope: Recognizing an Investigation Before It Goes Too Far
It often starts with subtle signs. Maybe you’ve noticed unusual inquiries about your financial records, or perhaps there’s been an unexpected review of your tax returns. These could be signals that you’re under investigation for tax crimes, and it’s crucial not to dismiss these early warning signs.
As a former federal prosecutor, Stanley L. Friedman is familiar with the playbook used by the authorities in these cases. Tax agencies don’t typically announce an investigation until they’ve gathered substantial information. So, if you’re getting hints of scrutiny, it’s time to get ahead of the curve. Contacting an experienced attorney who understands the federal system can make a significant difference.
Often the IRS starts with an informal review of documents or a formal audit to decide if the tax filer made unintentional errors or committed fraud. It’s important to know that the IRS Criminal Investigation Division (“CID”) possesses the full investigative powers of a law enforcement agency, and an audit can lead to a criminal investigation in the blink of an eye. The statements you make during an audit can raise red flags with the IRS; your statements can incriminate you, and they can be used against you. The Law Offices of Stanley L. Friedman can help you navigate these tricky waters, supporting your returns with documentation and justification to avoid prosecution while protecting your constitutional rights.
Tax Evasion
Charges of tax evasion could get filed based on an underpayment of taxes or the failure to file a tax return when required. The IRS doesn’t intentionally prosecute people for minor mistakes, but if the government believes you are deliberately hiding or underreporting income, creating fictitious deductions or diverting funds, they will aggressively pursue charges that could end up with you getting hit with a steep fraud penalty and even facing up to five years in prison. This is, of course, on top of having to pay the taxes you owe.
Tax Perjury
The crime of tax evasion requires taking an affirmative step to avoid paying taxes you owe. Tax perjury, on the other hand, can be charged based on including materially false information on a tax return. The difference is subtle, but it is significant enough to make tax perjury easier for the government to prove than tax evasion. The penalties for tax perjury are nonetheless steep, as high as a $250,000 fine and up to three years in prison per count. Underreporting income, overstating deductions, or taking credits one is not entitled to could all lead to a tax perjury charge.
Why Experience Matters in Tax Crime Defense
Stanley L. Friedman has nearly three decades of experience in defending individuals in complex criminal cases, including those involving healthcare and financial fraud—the very kinds of cases he once prosecuted as an Assistant U.S. Attorney. With an in-depth understanding of federal tax laws and insider knowledge of government prosecution tactics, Mr. Friedman can anticipate the moves of the opposing side, ensuring that your defense is always a step ahead. His hands-on experience in the courtroom means he’s not just theorizing about your defense—he’s putting proven strategies to work for you.
A Recognized Expertise in White Collar Criminal Defense
In Los Angeles, a city that’s no stranger to high-profile legal battles, Stanley L. Friedman has established himself as a distinguished name in white-collar criminal defense. This recognition didn’t come from just hard work alone; it’s also a testament to the positive outcomes he’s achieved for his clients.
If you are being investigated for tax crimes in Los Angeles, or if you’ve been charged with criminal offenses such as tax evasion or tax perjury, don’t delay in getting the best legal representation you can find. Call the Law Offices of Stanley L. Friedman at 213-629-1500 for immediate advice and assistance in developing a strategy to achieve the best outcome in your case.
