Serious Federal Tax Charges Require Focused Criminal Defense
Being contacted by IRS Criminal Investigation or the United States Attorney about possible tax evasion can turn your entire life upside down. One day you are running your business or going to work, and the next you are worried about prison, finances, and your reputation. If you are searching for a tax evasion attorney Austin, you are likely looking for clear answers and steady guidance, not scare tactics.
At Lance Kennedy Law, we focus our practice on criminal defense in Texas, including serious federal tax matters that involve IRS Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in this area. We understand how quickly an audit, a surprise visit from agents, or a target letter can escalate into a high stakes criminal case. Our goal is to step in early, help you understand where you stand, and build a plan that protects both your rights and your future.
Most people do not wake up one morning and discover they are charged with tax evasion. Instead, there is usually a series of events that raises concern. You may have received an unexpected visit from IRS Criminal Investigation agents at your home or office. You may have opened a letter from the U.S. Attorney’s Office stating that you are a target or subject of a federal investigation. In some situations, what started as a civil audit or inquiry about past returns suddenly feels much more serious.
It is important to understand the difference between a civil tax problem and a criminal tax investigation. Civil matters focus on how much you owe. Criminal cases focus on whether the government believes you willfully violated tax laws. When IRS CI becomes involved, the government is evaluating whether it can prove that you intentionally underreported income, overstated deductions, concealed assets, or otherwise tried to evade tax. That shift changes the rules for how you should respond.
The potential consequences of a criminal tax case can be severe. A conviction can bring the possibility of prison, significant fines, restitution, and a permanent felony record. For business owners and licensed professionals, the impact can extend to the loss of a company, damage to a career, and long term financial restrictions. The good news is that you do not have to move through this process alone. A knowledgeable tax evasion lawyer can help you understand what the government may be looking at and what options may be available.
Why Work With Our Tax Evasion Defense Team
When you are accused of tax evasion, the government does not assign your case to a beginner. Federal tax prosecutions are often handled by experienced prosecutors who work closely with IRS Criminal Investigation. Having a defense lawyer who understands their playbook can make a meaningful difference. At Lance Kennedy Law, we bring that perspective to every criminal tax case we handle.
Our lead attorney previously served as an Assistant United States Attorney and as a federal Assistant District Attorney in this field in Austin. This experience means we have stood on the government side of high stakes prosecutions and understand how charging decisions are made. We are familiar with how prosecutors evaluate evidence, how they view cooperation, and how they approach plea discussions and trial preparation. That knowledge informs how we analyze and defend your case.
What To Do If IRS Criminal Investigation Contacts You
When IRS Criminal Investigation reaches out, every instinct may tell you to explain yourself as quickly as possible. Agents often seem calm and professional, and they may present the conversation as an opportunity to clear up misunderstandings. It is natural to want to cooperate. However, once a criminal inquiry has started, anything you say can become part of a prosecution. Careful steps in the first hours and days can significantly affect the path ahead.
If agents appear at your home or office, you generally do not have to answer detailed questions on the spot. It is usually appropriate to be polite, ask for identification, and obtain their contact information. You can state that you wish to speak with counsel before having a longer conversation. This is not about hiding anything. It is about making sure you do not guess at answers, speak from memory about old tax years, or unintentionally create misunderstandings that are hard to correct later.
Potential Consequences Of Tax Evasion Charges
When you are facing tax evasion allegations, one of the first questions you may ask is, “What am I really facing?” Federal tax offenses can carry serious penalties. Exact outcomes depend on the statutes charged, the amount of tax loss attributed, the presence of related charges, and your background. However, it is helpful to understand the general categories of risk so you can make informed decisions.
At the criminal level, potential consequences include imprisonment, supervised release, fines, and restitution orders. In many tax cases, courts pay close attention to the amount of tax loss, whether the conduct occurred over multiple years, and whether there were efforts to conceal income or mislead authorities. These factors can influence the advisory guideline range and the arguments prosecutors may make at sentencing. In some situations, cases are resolved without imprisonment, but that depends on a combination of facts and advocacy.
There are also significant financial and professional consequences to consider. A conviction can affect ongoing tax obligations and may lead to additional civil assessments and penalties. Business owners may confront banking issues, challenges in maintaining licenses, and increased scrutiny of future filings. Professionals such as lawyers, accountants, or medical providers may face disciplinary proceedings that are separate from the criminal case.
The collateral impact on immigration status, ability to travel, and reputation in the community can be substantial, especially in a close knit professional environment. Part of an effective defense involves not only addressing the charges themselves but also planning for how to manage these broader effects. We work with clients to think through these issues so they are not caught off guard later.
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What Should I Do If IRS Agents Show Up At My Home Or Office?
If IRS agents arrive unexpectedly, your best step is usually to remain calm and avoid giving a detailed statement until you have spoken with a lawyer. You can ask to see identification, collect the agents’ names and contact information, and let them know you wish to talk with counsel before answering questions. You do not have to guess about old transactions or speak from memory about complex issues on the spot. Anything you say can become part of an investigative report that prosecutors later review. When clients contact us after a visit from IRS Criminal Investigation, we work to understand what occurred, review any documents that were presented, and plan how to handle future contact.
Does Being Under Investigation Mean I Will Be Charged With Tax Evasion?
Being under investigation does not automatically mean you will be charged, but it does indicate that the government is seriously evaluating potential criminal violations. IRS CI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office look at the evidence, the amount of tax at issue, the strength of any willfulness theory, and broader enforcement priorities before deciding whether to seek an indictment. Some investigations end without charges, while others result in different or fewer counts than first considered. Having a tax evasion lawyer involved during the investigative phase can help you understand your status and, in some cases, present information or legal arguments that may influence charging decisions.
Do I Need A Local Lawyer If My Tax Case Is In Federal Court?
Federal law is national, but having a lawyer who regularly appears in the court where your case is pending can provide practical advantages. If your case is filed in the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas, Austin Division, a defense lawyer based here will be familiar with the courthouse, local rules, and typical scheduling practices. Prior work inside the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Austin can also provide insight into how that office tends to approach tax cases. While you may see advertisements from firms based elsewhere, many clients prefer a tax evasion attorney who knows the local federal landscape and can meet with them in person as needed.
How Soon Should I Contact A Tax Evasion Attorney?
In our experience, it is usually better to speak with a lawyer sooner rather than later. Many clients first call us when they receive a letter from IRS CI, are contacted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, or sense that a civil tax issue is shifting toward something more serious. Early advice can help you avoid missteps, such as giving unsupervised statements, discarding documents, or taking tax related actions without considering criminal implications. Even if charges have not yet been filed, a defense lawyer can help you understand your status and prepare for possible next stages. If you believe you may be under investigation, waiting rarely makes the situation easier.
Confidential Consultation About Tax Evasion Charges
Facing tax evasion allegations is one of the most stressful experiences many people will ever encounter, but you do not have to face it on your own. A tax evasion lawyer Austin who understands both the federal system and the local landscape can help you move from uncertainty toward a clear plan. At Lance Kennedy Law, we bring together prior service as an Assistant United States Attorney and federal Assistant District Attorney in Austin, U.S. Army Judge Advocate experience, a strong federal trial record, and advanced education to guide clients through complex criminal tax matters.
To talk with a tax evasion attorney about federal charges or investigations connected to Austin, call (737) 324-7540.
If you were arrested for DWI, our firm can help you build a strategic defense to reduce or dismiss the charges against you. Some common legal strategies include:
Unlawful traffic stops. Police must have reasonable suspicion to pull you over, such as speeding or swerving. If the DWI stop was unlawful, we can challenge the evidence against you and fight for dismissed or reduced charges.
Lack of probable cause. Law enforcement must have probable cause to arrest you for DWI. If the officer arrested you without sufficient evidence of intoxication, we can file a motion to suppress all evidence gathered after the arrest.
Improper field sobriety tests. Standardized tests like the walk-and-turn or one-leg stand are frequently used to establish probable cause, but are often subjective and influenced by outside factors. We challenge the administration and accuracy of FSTs to prove they were improperly conducted or inconclusive.
Inaccurate chemical test results. Breath and blood tests can be inaccurate due to improper calibration or operator error. Medical conditions like diabetes and acid reflux can also mimic intoxication and cause false positives. We can identify any testing errors to dismiss inadmissible evidence from your case.
If you were charged with DWI on I-610, your driver’s license may be suspended unless you request an administrative license revocation (ALR) hearing within 15 days of your arrest. ALR cases are separate civil proceedings handled by the Department of Public Safety (DPS).
Failure to request a hearing within this timeframe can result in automatic license suspension, making it crucial to consult a knowledgeable DIW defense lawyer as soon as possible. Our lawyers can request an ALR hearing on your behalf and work tirelessly to restore your driving privileges.
No. While an aggravated DWI is not always a felony, it can elevate standard charges to a higher misdemeanor class or felony, depending on the specific aggravating factor involved.
We understand that facing criminal charges can be overwhelming and stressful. As dedicated federal criminal defense attorney with years of experience, I am committed to providing personalized legal counsel for your defense. My approach is tailored to meet your unique needs, ensuring that you have an ally to help get your life back.
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Let’s discuss your case, your goals, and what strategies are right for you.
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Work to get the best results possible so you can get your life back.
Choosing the right criminal defense attorney in Austin is an important decision. At Lance Kennedy Law, our criminal defense attorneys understand the weight of this choice and the trust you place in your legal representative. Our promise to you goes beyond just words, it’s a tangible commitment to excellence, transparency, and relentless advocacy as we navigate your case together.
