The U.S. tax code is notoriously complicated. For a few unlucky taxpayers, that means an audit, an investigation and perhaps charges of tax fraud or tax evasion. Tax fraud is a federal felony carrying up to three years in prison, a fine of up to $100,000 or both; tax evasion carries up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000 ($500,000 for businesses). You may be charged with tax fraud or tax evasion if you willfully and knowingly:

• Submit false tax documents to the federal government
• Submit false tax documents on someone else's behalf, regardless of whether that person is aware of the deception
• Submit a written declaration containing false information under penalty of perjury
• Destroy records
• Conceal or remove taxable income or property
• Attempt in any way to evade a tax you already owe

For some taxpayers, an audit or criminal tax charges are a nasty surprise stemming from honest mistakes or misbehavior by a tax preparer or spouse. These people should never be convicted of tax fraud or tax evasion, because both crimes require that the behavior be "willful" -- that is, you must have done it on purpose. Other taxpayers face charges of tax evasion or tax fraud related to conduct that they knew about. The IRS is cracking down on this behavior, driven in part by revelations about practices at overseas banks. In many cases, these clients can settle their cases without a prosecution by paying fines and back taxes. A West Palm Beach tax fraud criminal defense attorney can negotiate with the federal government on behalf of these clients for a fair payment that puts the trouble behind them.

Balliro defends individuals and businesses throughout Florida who are accused of tax crimes. We prefer to get involved in tax cases at the audit stage, long before charges are even filed -- so we can help ensure that they never are filed. If that's not possible, our Naples tax fraud criminal defense lawyers will mount a strong defense to the charges against you, using forensic accounting and the complexities of the tax code to show that you did not intend to defraud the federal government. If you need to work out a settlement with the IRS, we can help find a settlement that preserves your freedom and ends the charges against you.

Balliro has successfully defended many Floridians accused of serious crimes, including white-collar crimes. Unlike some other criminal defense law firms in South Florida, we are not afraid to take our cases to trial, if that's what it takes to defend our clients' rights. In fact, as former public defenders and prosecutors, we have taken hundreds of cases to trial. Because our Miami-Dade tax fraud criminal defense attorneys have years of experience in criminal law, we understand that legal trouble doesn't just happen from 9 to 5, Monday through Friday. That's why we are committed to always being available to our clients and potential clients -- 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The Fort Lauderdale tax evasion criminal defense lawyers at Balliro  offer free, confidential consultations to all potential clients. To set one up, please contact us online or call us toll-free from anywhere in Florida at 1-866-ARRESTED.