In Texas, jail time for tax evasion can vary based on the classification of the offense and the tax amount owed. If the owed amount is between $1,500 and $20,000, it is considered a state jail felony and may result in six months to two years in jail under Chapter 12 of the Texas Penal Code. If the owed amount exceeds $200,000, the offense may be classified as a first-degree felony, which carries a potential sentence of five to 99 years in prison.
Dallas Criminal Tax Lawyer
Criminal Tax Attorney In Dallas, TX
Being accused of tax evasion can be an intimidating and overwhelming experience. It can be especially worrying to know that, if convicted, you could face serious fines or prison time. If you find yourself in this precarious situation, a Dallas criminal tax lawyer may be able to counsel you and help you get a fair resolution.
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Why Choose David Coffin PLLC
Criminal tax laws can be complex and confusing, which is why it’s helpful to have a knowledgeable lawyer on your side. The attorneys at David Coffin PLLC have over 40 years of combined experience representing citizens of Dallas and surrounding cities in their criminal tax matters. We can help you understand your criminal tax case and work hard to seek a fair case resolution on your behalf.
Texas Criminal Tax Statistics
In fiscal year 2025, the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) branch identified nearly $4.5 billion in tax fraud. IRS-CI referred over 2,000 tax and other financial crime cases for prosecution in 2025. Of those cases, 1,611 ended in convictions. These statistics demonstrate how seriously the IRS-CI treats criminal tax matters.
In Dallas, tax crimes may be investigated at the federal level through the IRS-CI or at the state level through the Texas Comptroller’s Criminal Investigation Division (CID). The latter has a regional field office located at 11029 Shady Trail, #121 in Dallas, TX. The CID typically uses one of these enforcement methods for tax-related criminal cases:
- Pursuing allegations submitted by the general public or businesses
- Accepting law enforcement agency referrals
- Initiating in-house investigations
Common Criminal Tax Charges in Dallas
Criminal tax cases can include a wide variety of offenses. Some of the common types of criminal tax cases in Dallas include:
- Failure to file a tax return
- Intentionally filing a tax return with false information
- Tax evasion
- Tax-related identity theft
- Tax theft
- Employment tax fraud
Depending on the specifics of your case, it may be handled on the federal or state level. If your case is handled on a state level, it will likely be processed at the Dallas County District Courts, located in the historic Dallas County Courthouse at 2600 Lone Star Drive. Your Dallas criminal tax attorney can advise you through every step of your case and help prepare you for the likely outcome.
Criminal Classifications for Tax Crimes in Texas
Tax evasion in Texas can fall under a range of criminal classifications and associated penalties. Here are some of the potential criminal charges you could face for tax evasion:
- Class C misdemeanor for owed amounts up to $50
- Class B misdemeanor for amounts between $50 and $500
- Class A misdemeanor for amounts between $500 and $1,500
- State jail felony for amounts between $1,500 and $20,000
- Third-degree felony for amounts between $20,000 and $100,000
- Second-degree felony for amounts between $100,000 and $200,000
- First-degree felony for amounts above $200,000
When to Hire a Criminal Tax Lawyer
If you handle your criminal tax matters on your own, the outcome of your case could potentially affect the rest of your life. Therefore, it’s wise to hire a criminal tax lawyer who is experienced and can help you understand your rights. The skilled attorneys at David Coffin PLLC can provide the following services:
- Examine evidence. Both the prosecution and the defendant in criminal tax proceedings require strong evidence to prove their case. It’s important to have a skilled Dallas tax attorney who knows how to gather and review evidence while preparing your defense.
- Protect your rights. We can ensure your rights are protected throughout your case. You should never talk to law enforcement officers unless your lawyer is present. Otherwise, the prosecution could use anything you say against you. We can advise you on when to answer questions and when to stay silent.
- Represent you in court. We can advocate for your interests and represent you in court. Knowing that an experienced criminal tax lawyer is representing you can be incredibly relieving.
- Negotiate plea bargains. We can work to negotiate a plea deal to shorten your prison sentence, reduce your fines, or decrease your criminal charge if it seems likely that you may be convicted.
FAQs
Talk to an Experienced Dallas Criminal Tax Attorney
Let the lawyers at David Coffin PLLC help you fight your criminal tax charges. We can leverage our knowledge and experience to work toward a positive case outcome. Contact our firm to schedule your initial consultation and tell us about your criminal tax situation.
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