Tax Evasion Attorney in Birmingham
Protecting Your Future When Tax Charges Arise
Finding out that state investigators or law enforcement are looking into your taxes can be frightening. You worry about prison, heavy fines, and what this might mean for your business or career. If you are facing criminal tax allegations in Birmingham, you need clear guidance and steady defense, not more confusion.
At Revill Law Firm, we focus our work on criminal defense in Alabama, and that includes defending people accused of tax-related crimes. From our office in Birmingham, we help clients understand what they are really facing and what options may be available. Our team offers free case evaluations so you can speak with a tax evasion defense lawyer before deciding how to move forward.
Protect your business and your freedom from aggressive tax prosecutions. Hire a Birmingham tax evasion lawyer who understands the math and the law. We offer flexible payments and a free consultation to get you through this crisis. Reach out to us at (205) 928-6544 or through our contact form today.
Understanding Tax Evasion Laws in Alabama
Tax evasion is a specific intent crime. Under Alabama Code § 40-29-110, the state must prove that you "willfully" attempted in any manner to evade or defeat any tax imposed by the state or the payment thereof.
The Difference Between Avoidance and Evasion
It is perfectly legal to practice tax avoidance—using legal methods like deductions, credits, and tax-sheltered investments to minimize your liability. Tax evasion, however, involves illegal "affirmative acts" designed to deceive the government. Common allegations we defend in Birmingham include:
- Omission of Income: Failing to report cash receipts or offshore accounts.
- Inflated Deductions: Claiming personal expenses as business expenses or creating "sham" partnerships.
- Double Bookkeeping: Maintaining two sets of financial records to hide the true nature of a business’s profitability.
- Sales Tax Suppression: Utilizing "phantom-ware" or automated sales suppression devices to underreport retail sales.
It is important to understand that not every mistake on a return is a crime. Simple errors, poor record keeping, or misunderstandings of complex rules are often treated as civil matters. In a criminal tax case, investigators usually focus on whether they can try to prove intent to mislead or deceive. As your Birmingham tax evasion lawyer, we focus on the element of "willfulness."
The Penalties of a Tax Evasion Conviction in Birmingham
In Alabama, tax evasion is a Class C felony for state purposes, but if prosecuted federally, the penalties can be even more draconian under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Criminal and Financial Penalties
- Prison Time: Up to 5 years in prison for each count of evasion.
- Fines: Up to $100,000 for individuals ($500,000 for corporations) in state cases. Federal fines can be significantly higher.
- Restitution: You will be ordered to pay back every cent of the tax owed, plus compounded interest.
- Fraud Penalty: The Alabama Department of Revenue typically adds a 50% civil fraud penalty to the underlying tax due.
Professional and Personal Impact
Beyond the jail cell, a tax evasion conviction is considered a "crime of moral turpitude." For Birmingham professionals, this means the automatic loss of CPA licenses, law licenses, or medical board certifications. It also results in a permanent federal record that makes securing a loan or a corporate board position nearly impossible.
Why Choose Our Firm For Tax Evasion Defense
Choosing the right defense team is one of the most important decisions you will make after learning about a tax investigation or charge. You need lawyers who understand both Alabama criminal law and the practical realities of dealing with complex financial allegations. Our firm has concentrated on criminal defense work across the state since 2010, and we bring that experience to every tax-related case we handle.
Our attorneys appear regularly in Jefferson County Circuit Court and other courthouses across Alabama. Because our work is focused solely on criminal defense, we are used to handling cases where the stakes are high. We have managed a wide range of serious charges, including DUI, drug offenses, violent crimes, and appeals. That background helps us navigate the complex procedural and constitutional questions that often arise in tax evasion matters, such as how evidence was obtained or whether investigators respected your rights.
Many clients are especially worried about the possibility of a public trial. Our attorneys place strong emphasis on negotiation and exploring alternative resolutions when appropriate. In some situations, it may be possible to work toward reduced charges or sentencing options that limit the long-term effects on your record and livelihood. At the same time, we prepare cases as if they may go to trial, which can strengthen our position in discussions with prosecutors.
Don't let a tax dispute turn into a prison sentence. Let the tax evasion attorney in Birmingham at Revill Law Firm lead your defense. With 24/7 availability and flexible payment options, we are your strongest advocates. Call (205) 928-6544 or contact us online now.
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The Tax Evasion Defense Process in Birmingham
If you have been contacted by a Special Agent from the IRS Criminal Investigation (CI) division or an investigator from the Alabama Department of Revenue, the clock is already ticking.
- The "Primary Investigation": This is the quiet phase where agents gather bank records and interview your associates without your knowledge. If you suspect you are being watched, we need to act immediately.
- The Subject Interview: Agents may show up at your home or office in Birmingham to "ask a few questions." Do not speak to them. As your tax evasion attorney in Birmingham, we handle all communications to ensure you do not inadvertently provide evidence against yourself.
- The Special Agent Report (SAR): If the agent finds evidence of fraud, they recommend prosecution. We fight at this stage to have the case referred back to the civil division.
- Grand Jury and Indictment: If the case proceeds, a Grand Jury will decide if there is probable cause. We use the discovery process to expose the flaws in the government's financial reconstructions.
- Trial or Resolution: We are seasoned trial lawyers. If the government’s case is built on shaky accounting, we present a clear, compelling narrative to the jury to secure an acquittal.
Steps To Take If You Are Under Investigation
Learning that your taxes are under scrutiny can leave you unsure about what to do next. Some people hope the matter will go away if they stay quiet, while others are tempted to explain everything directly to investigators. Both reactions can create problems. Taking a few careful steps early can make a real difference in how your case develops.
You might first learn of a problem through a letter from a state revenue investigator, a notice that has been forwarded from a prior audit, or contact from law enforcement in or around Birmingham. No matter how you receive the news, it is wise to treat the situation as serious. What you say and do at this stage can affect whether charges are filed and what those charges may be.
When you suspect or know that you are under investigation, it is helpful to:
- Pause before speaking with investigators or auditors and avoid giving detailed explanations until you have legal advice.
- Gather tax returns, bank records, business ledgers, and correspondence that may relate to the years or issues in question.
- Refrain from altering, discarding, or backdating any financial documents, because changes can be misinterpreted and raise further suspicion.
- Make notes about how and when you were contacted, who was present, and what was said during each interaction.
- Reach out to a tax evasion attorney in Birmingham who can review the situation and speak with authorities on your behalf.
When you contact Revill Law Firm, we review any letters, subpoenas, or requests for information that you have received. We talk with you about your background, your business or employment situation, and any prior interactions with tax professionals. Our attorneys then work to develop a plan for responding that protects your rights and avoids unnecessary admissions.
In many cases, we can handle communications with investigators directly. This helps ensure that responses are accurate, complete, and consistent with your defense strategy. It also gives you space to focus on your work and family while we deal with the legal process. The sooner we are involved, the more options we typically have for addressing concerns before they grow into more serious criminal accusations in Birmingham, AL courts.
Talk With Our Tax Evasion Defense Attorney in Birmingham Today
If you believe you are under investigation for tax evasion or you have already been charged, you do not have to face this alone. Meeting with our attorneys can help you understand your position, avoid missteps, and begin building a defense that fits your life and goals in Birmingham, AL.
At Revill Law Firm, we devote our work to defending people in Alabama criminal courts, and we strive to provide clear communication and steady guidance at every stage. Your consultation is free, and it is a straightforward way to get answers from a tax evasion lawyer in Birmingham.
Call (205) 928-6544 or reach out online to schedule your free case evaluation today.