Frequently Asked Questions About Tax Evasion Charges In Federal Court
IRS-CI Pressure Points: Use this site to follow the IRS-CI path from audit pressure to criminal exposure, then move quickly to a defense plan before the record hardens. This page, faq, keeps the focus on tax evasion so the site does not read like a recycled template.
Answers to the most common questions about federal tax evasion charges, investigations, and defense.
Q: I haven't been charged yet, but I think I'm under investigation. Should I hire a lawyer?
Yes. Immediately. Pre-indictment representation is often the most valuable legal service a federal defense attorney provides. An attorney can interact with investigators on your behalf, potentially prevent charges from being filed, and — at minimum — ensure you don't make statements or take actions that worsen your position.
Q: Federal agents want to talk to me. Should I speak with them?
No. Politely decline. Tell them you want to cooperate but need to speak with your attorney first. Then say nothing else. Even innocent statements can be used to build a case — law enforcement is permitted to misrepresent evidence during interviews. False statements to federal agents (18 U.S.C. § 1001) are a separate felony, often carrying more prison time than the underlying offense.
Q: What's the conviction rate for federal tax evasion cases?
Federal prosecutors have an overall conviction rate above 90%. However, this number includes plea agreements, where defendants plead guilty to reduced charges. The trial conviction rate is lower, and with experienced counsel, many cases resolve on significantly better terms than the original indictment.
Q: How long does a federal tax evasion case take?
From indictment to resolution (by plea or trial), most federal tax evasion cases take 6-18 months. Investigations before indictment can take 1-3 years. Appeals add 12-18 months.
Q: Can I get a federal tax evasion charge expunged?
Federal law does not provide for true expungement of federal convictions in most circumstances. Some limited post-conviction relief is available — pardons, commutations, or narrow legal challenges — but these are rare. This is one of many reasons to fight the charge with experienced counsel from day one.
Q: What's the difference between a target, a subject, and a witness?
A target is someone the government believes committed a crime and intends to charge. A subject is someone whose conduct is within the scope of the investigation but hasn't been designated a target. A witness is someone the government believes has information but hasn't committed a crime. These designations can change as the investigation develops.
Q: Should I accept a plea deal?
It depends on the specific deal, the strength of the government's evidence, the Guidelines exposure, and your priorities. Some plea deals offer genuine benefit — reduced charges, lower Guidelines range, certainty. Others are barely better than losing at trial. An experienced federal attorney can evaluate the offer against the evidence and advise you.
Q: Can I be released on bail in a federal tax evasion case?
Yes, pretrial release is possible in many federal tax evasion cases, but it's not automatic. The government often moves for detention in financial crime cases, arguing flight risk due to access to assets. A strong release plan — secured bond, third-party custody, location monitoring — is essential.
Q: Will I go to federal prison if convicted of tax evasion?
Most federal tax evasion convictions result in prison time. First-time offenders may receive sentences below the Guidelines range, but probation-only sentences for federal felonies are rare. The actual sentence depends on the offense level, criminal history, and the quality of the defense presentation at sentencing.
Q: How much will a federal tax evasion defense cost?
Federal criminal defense is expensive. Retainers typically range from $25,000 to $100,000+ depending on the complexity of the case, whether it goes to trial, and the attorney's experience. Some attorneys offer payment plans. The cost of not hiring experienced counsel — in years of lost freedom — is far greater.
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Legal Disclaimer: This website provides general information about federal criminal defense. It does not constitute legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is formed by reading this content. Every case is different. Consult a qualified federal criminal defense attorney about your specific situation.
