San Antonio Criminal Tax Lawyer
Trusted Criminal Tax Attorney In San Antonio, TX
Accusations of tax fraud, tax evasion, or other types of misconduct involving taxes can be frightening. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when facing charges that may result in fines, prison time, and a lasting impact on your life. A San Antonio criminal tax lawyer can represent you through this difficult period. They can counsel you during each step of your case and fight for a resolution that works for you.
Facing IRS Challenges? Get the Representation You Deserve!
About Us
David Coffin PLLC has spent decades representing the people of San Antonio, Dallas-Fort Worth, Southlake, and other cities throughout Texas in their criminal tax matters. Our founding attorney, David B. Coffin, has over 25 years of legal experience handling cases, both as a trial attorney for the Department of Justice’s tax division and in his own practice.
Overview of Criminal Tax Cases in Texas
Criminal tax cases represent a common focus for the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) branch. In Fiscal Year 2025, the IRS-CI reported handling financial crimes accounting for $10.59 billion, with $4.5 billion from tax fraud. The agency investigated 1,380 cases of tax crimes, with 834 resulting in prosecution recommended and 589 individuals sentenced.
Criminal tax cases encompass a variety of offenses, including failing to pay taxes, misrepresenting your financial status, and other unlawful actions related to taxation. These cases can be investigated at the state level, through the Texas Comptroller’s Criminal Investigation Division (CID), or at the federal level with the IRS-CI.
Criminal tax charges can take many forms. Common types of cases include:
- Filing an intentionally false tax return
- Tax evasion
- Tax theft
- Identity theft for tax purposes
- Employment tax fraud
- Failure to file a tax return
The courtroom in which your criminal tax case is processed depends on the type of charge. State-level matters are handled at the Cadena-Reeves Justice Center at 300 Dolorosa, 4th Floor, San Antonio, TX 78205. Federal-level offenses are under the United States District Court—Western District of Texas, with a location in town at 262 West Nueva Street, San Antonio, Texas 782017.
Hire a Criminal Tax Lawyer
Tax-related legal matters can be confusing and frustrating to handle on your own. With the potential for years in jail and thousands in fines, it is recommended that you hire a criminal tax lawyer. Your San Antonio criminal tax attorney can be at your side for each stage of your case, from the initial investigation to the final court verdict.
A few services that David Coffin PLLC can provide include:
- Protection during the investigation: Before filing official charges, the IRS-CI or CID usually approaches people for interviews during the investigative process. It’s crucial to never speak to law enforcement without your lawyer present, as any statement in a meeting can be twisted and used against you by the prosecution. We can protect you against leading questions and guide you through any necessary hearings.
- Examine evidence: Criminal tax accusations often rely on strong evidence, both for the prosecution and the defendant. Your attorney can review law enforcement’s evidence and gather supporting information for your defense.
- Strategize your defense: The strongest defense against a criminal tax accusation is always different in each case. David Coffin PLLC can assess your situation and determine a well-suited approach.
- Representation in court: Your criminal tax lawyer can represent you in all hearings and advocate for your interests, both in and out of court.
- Negotiate during plea bargain talks: If a conviction seems likely, a plea bargain can be crucial in mitigating the charge’s impact on your life. Plea deals can reduce fines, shorten prison sentences, and lower the type of crime that goes on your record. Experienced legal counsel can negotiate on your behalf during discussions and fight for a deal that works for you.
FAQs
What Is the Difference Between Tax Evasion and Tax Fraud in Texas?
The main difference between tax evasion and tax fraud in Texas is the level at which unlawful activity occurs, the intent, and the surrounding circumstances. Tax evasion is the intentional failure to pay what you owe to the government. Tax fraud is characterized by reporting false information to either avoid paying taxes or obtain benefits. These crimes may occur in the same scenario.
How Much Does a Criminal Tax Lawyer Cost in Texas?
How much your Texas criminal tax lawyer costs depends on the work hours your case requires, its complexity, and the level of charges you face. A delinquent tax report accusation with a quick correction and settlement tends to cost less than a defense against an accusation of large-scale federal fraud. Another contributing factor is the various pricing models firms use, including hourly rates, flat fees, and retainer expenses.
Can You Go to Jail for a Criminal Tax Conviction in Texas?
In Texas, you may serve a jail or prison sentence for a criminal tax conviction. The likelihood relies on the severity of the accusations and any additional charges. Failing to pay taxes collected for an amount between $50 and $500 is a Class B misdemeanor, which is less likely to result in imprisonment. However, that same offense is a first-degree felony if the amount owed is over $200,000, and that typically results in prison time, along with other criminal tax penalties.
How Long Does a Criminal Tax Case Take in Texas?
How long your criminal tax case takes to resolve is based on the severity of the charges involved, their complexity, and whether litigation is required. Tax matters tend to involve forensic accounting and a detailed overview of the involved evidence, making the simplest case take several months with a speedy settlement, while accusations involving multiple parties and a trial can take years. Your criminal tax lawyer can analyze your situation and provide a loose timeline for your case.
Speak With a San Antonio Criminal Tax Attorney Today
Our firm can fight for you against any accusations of criminal tax charges. We have decades of experience in and knowledge of both federal and state-level tax laws, and we can use those skills to make a positive difference in your case.
Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation. In this meeting, we can learn your story, discuss your rights, and go over potential legal strategies against accusations of criminal tax behavior.
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