Tax evasion charges can change your life overnight. Whether the allegations involve underreporting income, hiding assets, or overstating deductions, the government treats these cases with intense scrutiny.
Federal and state tax authorities have vast resources at their disposal, and a conviction can mean massive fines, prison time, and long-term damage to your personal and professional life.
At DeGraff Hicks Law Group, our Cocoa Beach tax evasion lawyers know how intimidating this process can be. Our role is to protect your rights, challenge the government’s case, and work to secure the best possible outcome for your future.
If you’re facing tax evasion charges in Cocoa Beach or Brevard County, call our white-collar crimes defense lawyers at (321) 44-SHARK today.
What is Tax Evasion?
Tax evasion occurs when someone willfully attempts to avoid paying taxes they owe by engaging in fraudulent or deceptive practices (26 U.S.C. § 7201). This is different from legal tax avoidance, where individuals minimize taxes owed through lawful means.
Common tactics that may lead to tax evasion charges include:
- Underreporting income — Failing to disclose all sources of income.
- Overstating deductions — Claiming inflated or false expenses to reduce taxable income.
- Hiding assets offshore — Moving money to foreign accounts to conceal it from tax authorities.
- Falsifying records — Altering or destroying financial documents to mislead investigators.
Even small mistakes in reporting can raise suspicion, but to convict, the prosecution must prove that actions were intentional.
Legal Elements of Tax Evasion
To prove tax evasion, prosecutors generally must establish:
- Willful attempt to evade or defeat taxes — The defendant knowingly and intentionally tried to avoid taxes owed.
- Existence of a tax deficiency — There was an actual tax liability that was not paid.
- Affirmative acts constituting evasion — The defendant took deliberate steps to conceal income, falsify records, or misrepresent financial activity.
Courts look closely at “willfulness.” Honest mistakes, miscalculations, or misunderstandings of tax law are not the same as criminal evasion.
Legal Consequences of Tax Evasion
The penalties for tax evasion are severe and may include:
- Criminal fines — Up to $100,000 for individuals under federal law.
- Incarceration — Prison sentences of up to 5 years for each count of tax evasion.
- Restitution — Repayment of taxes owed, plus interest.
- Civil penalties — Additional financial penalties, often equal to a percentage of the unpaid taxes.
Sentencing can vary based on the amount of taxes evaded, whether there was a pattern of conduct, and whether the case is handled at the state or federal level. An experienced Cocoa Beach tax evasion lawyer can craft a strong defense for your case.
Defending Against Tax Evasion Charges
Possible defenses to tax evasion include:
- Lack of willfulness — Demonstrating that the defendant did not intentionally evade taxes.
- Insufficient evidence — Arguing that the prosecution cannot prove income was concealed or deductions were falsified.
- Mistake or ignorance of the law — Showing that errors were due to misunderstanding rather than fraud.
- Violation of rights — Suppressing evidence obtained through unlawful searches, seizures, or overreach by investigators.
Because tax evasion cases often involve thousands of documents and complex financial records, skilled defense from a Cocoa Beach tax evasion lawyer is essential.
How a Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help
At DeGraff Hicks Law Group, we know how tax evasion cases are investigated and prosecuted.
Our Cocoa Beach tax evasion lawyers:
- Examine financial records and government evidence for errors or inconsistencies.
- Challenge the prosecution’s theory of willfulness or intent.
- Protect your constitutional rights during audits, investigations, and trial.
- Work with tax experts and forensic accountants to uncover favorable evidence.
- Develop tailored defense strategies to minimize exposure and fight for the best outcome.
Whether through negotiation, settlement, or trial, our Cocoa Beach tax evasion lawyers fight to protect your future.
Entrust Your Defense to Our Skilled Cocoa Beach Tax Evasion Lawyers
Tax evasion charges are serious and complex, but an accusation is not a conviction. With the right legal defense, you can challenge the government’s case, protect your assets, and safeguard your freedom.
At DeGraff Hicks Law Group, we are here to stand with you every step of the way. Call our Cocoa Beach tax evasion lawyers today at (321) 44-SHARK to schedule a confidential consultation.
