How much your Texas criminal tax lawyer costs depends on the severity of the charges against you, any complications involved in your case, and its required workload. A simple matter involving missed taxes with a quick resolution tends to cost less than allegations involving widespread fraud, multiple parties, and a full trial. Another determining element is billing structure, with various firms using flat fees, hourly rates, or retainer expenses.
David Coffin PLLC can provide a cost estimate during your consultation.
Austin Criminal Tax Lawyer
Criminal Tax Attorney In Austin, TX
Facing accusations of tax-related criminal actions can be stressful, as they carry the potential for jail time, fines, and lasting consequences on your life. An Austin criminal tax lawyer can represent you during each stage of your case while guiding you through this troubling time.
Facing IRS Challenges? Get the Representation You Deserve!
About Us
The team at David Coffin PLLC is committed to assisting the people of Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, and other communities throughout Texas with their criminal tax matters. Our founding attorney, David B. Coffin, has over 25 years of experience in handling a wide range of cases. He was a trial lawyer for the Department of Justice in tax cases for 11 years before opening his own firm.
Overview of Criminal Tax Cases in Texas
Criminal tax cases are a large percentage of financial crimes filed each year. In 2025, 63.3% of cases handled by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) were tax-related, accounting for 1,380 initiated investigations, 834 recommendations for prosecution, and 589 sentenced individuals.
Criminal tax cases refer to a wide range of unlawful actions, such as the evasion, fraud, theft, and manipulation of the tax system. These cases can be processed either on the federal level by the IRS-CI or on the state level through the Texas Comptroller’s Criminal Investigation Department. A few criminal accusations that fall under criminal tax law include:
- Holding on to sales tax or similar funds meant for the government
- Lying on official tax reports
- Misrepresenting your business on official forms
- Intentional failure to pay owed taxes
- Delinquent tax return filing
- Manipulation of the tax benefit system
Austin criminal tax cases are processed at separate courthouses, depending on the investigative body. Cases prosecuted by the IRS-CI are handled through the United States District Court’s Western Division branch in town at 501 West Fifth Street, Austin, Texas 78701. Investigations headed by the CID are seen at the Blackwell-Thurman Criminal Justice Center, located at 509 West 11th Street, Austin, TX 78701.
Criminal Tax Defense Strategies
The most effective defense against criminal tax charges varies on a case-by-case basis. A few common strategies used include:
- Unintentional error: You may have submitted false information by accident. Intention is key for charges such as tax fraud.
- Trusting your accountant: Fraudulent behavior may have occurred under your name through your accountant, tax preparer, or other hired professional.
- Lack of strong evidence: The prosecution may lack strong evidence and rely on weak or false information.
- Statute of limitations. The IRS-CI may be pursuing charges that occurred before the six-year statute of limitations for federal tax offenses.
- Investigative mistakes: In some cases, the investigative team seizes evidence through unlawful means, fails to follow proper procedure, or makes other mistakes that can reduce or eliminate the charges against you.
Hire a Criminal Tax Lawyer
Criminal tax cases can be confusing legal matters that require a deep knowledge of tax law. While you may represent yourself, the potential for prison time and fees makes it recommended that you hire a criminal tax lawyer. Your Austin criminal tax attorney can represent you during each step of your case. They can gather supporting evidence, develop a defense strategy, and fight for you in all court proceedings.
If you feel guilty of wrongdoing or a conviction seems likely, your experienced legal counsel can negotiate a plea bargain that softens the impact of any criminal tax penalties on your life. A plea deal can lower fines and either shorten or waive prison sentences.
FAQs
How Much Does a Criminal Tax Lawyer Cost in Texas?
Speak With an Austin Criminal Tax Attorney Today
David Coffin PLLC understands how intimidating it can be to face criminal allegations. Our team can handle your case. We can use our decades of experience to advocate for you, both in and out of the courtroom.
Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation. In our meeting with you, we can learn your story, explain your rights, and explore potential pathways forward in your case. You may also visit our Southlake office, located on Miron Drive south of Northwest Parkway and a few blocks east of Southlake City Hall.
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