Tax Evasion Attorney Dallas
» Print This PageFacing Federal Tax Evasion Charges in Dallas? A Felony Conviction Means Up to Five Years in Federal Prison and $100,000 in Fines.
A letter from the IRS Criminal Investigation Division doesn’t arrive by accident.
If the federal government is investigating your tax filings or you’ve been charged with tax evasion, the situation is far more serious than most people realize.
Tax evasion is a federal crime under 26 U.S.C. § 7201, and a conviction carries up to five years in federal prison, fines of up to $100,000 for individuals or $500,000 for corporations, full restitution of all taxes owed, and a permanent felony on your record.
The IRS Criminal Investigation Division may have been building a case against you for months or years before you were ever contacted.
They’ve already reviewed your financial records, bank accounts, and tax returns looking for evidence of underreporting income, making false statements, or hiding assets.
Many people make the mistake of trying to explain their way out of a criminal tax investigation without legal counsel.
They talk to IRS special agents without an attorney, attempt to amend returns or move money, or assume the criminal charges will go away on their own.
These mistakes can turn a defensible case into a federal conviction.
The difference between a civil tax penalty and years in federal prison often comes down to whether you had an experienced tax evasion defense attorney protecting your rights from the start.
How Michael Lowe Can Help You Fight Tax Evasion and Tax Fraud Charges
When you’re facing a criminal tax investigation or federal tax evasion charges, you need a criminal defense attorney who understands how federal prosecutors build tax fraud cases, how the IRS Criminal Investigation Division operates, and what it takes to challenge the government’s evidence in federal courts.
Michael Lowe provides strategic criminal defense for individuals and businesses facing tax evasion charges, tax fraud charges, and related federal criminal offenses in Dallas and throughout Texas.
Federal Tax Evasion Defense (26 U.S.C. § 7201)
Tax evasion occurs when the federal government alleges you willfully attempted to evade or defeat a tax imposed by federal law.
Michael Lowe challenges every element of the prosecution’s case, including whether a tax deficiency existed, whether your actions were truly willful, and whether the government can prove an affirmative act of evasion beyond a reasonable doubt.
Tax Fraud Defense and False Tax Return Charges
Filing a false tax return under 26 U.S.C. § 7206 is a separate federal crime carrying up to three years in federal prison.
Michael Lowe defends clients accused of making false statements on tax returns, whether the allegations involve underreporting income, claiming improper deductions, or submitting fraudulent documentation.
IRS Criminal Investigation and Audit Defense
An IRS audit can quickly escalate into a criminal investigation if agents suspect willful tax fraud.
Michael Lowe intervenes early to protect your rights, manage communications with federal investigators, and prevent statements that could be used against you in federal court.
Payroll Tax Fraud and Employment Tax Cases
Business owners who fail to collect, report, or pay payroll taxes face serious criminal penalties and personal liability.
Michael Lowe defends employers against federal charges related to payroll tax obligations and willful failure to remit taxes owed to the federal government.
Offshore Account and Unreported Income Defense
The federal government has intensified enforcement against taxpayers who use foreign bank accounts to avoid paying taxes or who fail to file required reports under the Bank Secrecy Act.
Michael Lowe represents clients facing federal charges related to offshore accounts, unreported foreign income, and structured transactions.
Voluntary Disclosure and Pre-Charge Intervention
If you know your tax filings contain errors, acting before the IRS discovers the problem can make the difference between criminal charges and a civil resolution.
Michael Lowe guides clients through voluntary disclosure strategies that can reduce or eliminate the risk of criminal prosecution.
A Former Prosecutor Who Knows How the Federal Government Builds Tax Evasion Cases Against You
Federal tax fraud cases are built on financial records, bank account activity, and years of documentation compiled by the IRS Criminal Investigation Division before you ever know you’re a target.
Most defense lawyers see this evidence for the first time after charges are filed.
Michael Lowe spent years as a prosecutor, which means he understands how federal prosecutors prove willfulness, the pressure points they use in plea negotiations, and the weaknesses they hope defense attorneys won’t find.
His Board Certification in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization since 2007 tells federal prosecutors that your case won’t be handled with guesswork.
For you, this means every piece of financial evidence, every IRS special agent report, and every alleged false statement will be examined for errors and constitutional violations.
Michael Lowe has defended clients in federal courts across Texas since 2003, handling complex criminal tax fraud cases where the stakes include years in federal prison.
That experience matters when prosecutors are pressuring you to accept a plea deal on tax fraud charges that could follow you for life.
Your Freedom Is at Stake. Get Experienced Tax Evasion Defense Now.
Every day you wait without legal counsel is a day the federal government continues building its case against you.
If you’re under investigation by the IRS Criminal Investigation Division, if you’ve received a target letter from federal prosecutors, or if you’ve already been charged with tax evasion or tax fraud, you need to act now.
Michael Lowe offers a free consultation to discuss your case and explain your defense options.
Call (214) 526-1900 today.
The sooner you have experienced legal counsel on your side, the stronger your defense will be.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tax Evasion Charges in Dallas
What is the difference between tax evasion and tax fraud?
Tax evasion specifically refers to the willful attempt to evade or defeat a tax under federal law. Tax fraud is a broader term covering any deliberate deception used to reduce tax liability, including filing false tax returns, claiming fraudulent deductions, or hiding income. Both are serious federal crimes carrying criminal penalties including prison time and significant fines.
What does the government have to prove to convict someone of tax evasion?
Federal prosecutors must prove three elements beyond a reasonable doubt: that a tax deficiency existed, that the defendant took an affirmative action to evade or defeat the tax, and that the defendant acted willfully. Willfulness means the defendant knew they had a legal duty to pay taxes and intentionally violated that duty. An honest mistake or misunderstanding of complex tax laws doesn’t qualify as tax evasion.
What are the criminal penalties for federal tax evasion?
Under 26 U.S.C. § 7201, federal tax evasion is a felony punishable by up to five years in federal prison and fines up to $100,000 for individuals or $500,000 for corporations. Courts commonly order full restitution of all unpaid taxes plus interest. Filing a false return under 26 U.S.C. § 7206 carries up to three years in prison. Civil penalties can stack on top of criminal penalties.
Can an honest mistake on my tax return lead to criminal charges?
Generally, no. Federal tax evasion requires proof of willfulness, meaning the government must show you intentionally and knowingly attempted to evade taxes. Simple errors or misunderstandings of tax laws are not criminal offenses. However, if the IRS believes a pattern of errors suggests intentional fraud, they may pursue a criminal investigation.
What should I do if an IRS special agent contacts me?
Don’t speak to an IRS special agent or any federal investigator without a defense attorney present. Anything you say can be used against you in federal court. Don’t destroy documents, move money between bank accounts, or attempt to amend tax returns without legal counsel. Contact an experienced tax evasion defense attorney immediately.
How long does the IRS have to bring tax evasion charges?
The statute of limitations for federal tax evasion is generally six years from the date of the alleged offense, which is typically the date the fraudulent return was filed. Certain circumstances can extend this period. If you suspect you may be under investigation for past tax crimes, seek legal counsel to understand whether charges can still be filed.
What is the IRS Criminal Investigation Division?
The IRS Criminal Investigation Division is the law enforcement arm of the Internal Revenue Service responsible for investigating criminal violations of federal tax laws. IRS-CI special agents review bank accounts, financial records, and other evidence that federal prosecutors use to bring criminal charges. These investigations often run for months or years before a taxpayer is contacted.
How much does a tax evasion lawyer in Dallas cost?
Legal fees for tax evasion defense vary depending on the complexity of the case and whether it goes to trial in federal court. Michael Lowe offers a free initial consultation to evaluate your case and discuss fee structures. Given the severe penalties a conviction carries, experienced legal counsel is an investment in protecting your future.
Can tax evasion charges be reduced or dismissed?
Yes, depending on the facts of your case. A skilled defense attorney may demonstrate that the government can’t prove willfulness, that financial discrepancies resulted from errors rather than fraud, or that constitutional violations occurred during the investigation. Negotiating with federal prosecutors can sometimes result in reduced charges or civil resolution instead of criminal prosecution.
