Many different types of tax fraud can result in charges under federal and Colorado law. No matter the nature of the tax fraud charges, a conviction could lead to severe penalties and wide-reaching effects on your life. If you were charged with tax fraud in Colorado Springs, you need a defense attorney to protect your constitutional rights and tell your side of the story.
The Colorado tax fraud defense lawyers at Peakstone Law Group, formerly known as Patterson Weaver, are ready to answer your questions and build the strongest case we can for your future. Though we’re based in Colorado Springs, many of our clients come from throughout the southern Front Range, including greater El Paso, Teller, Pueblo, Park, and Fremont Counties.
Contact our office 24/7 for a confidential, free consultation about your legal options for fighting charges related to alleged tax crimes.
Why Choose Our Colorado Springs Tax Fraud Defense Firm?
With over four decades of combined experience among our criminal tax attorneys, we have fought thousands of cases on behalf of our clients. Since no two charges are alike, we take pride in designing personalized strategies that focus on the unique details of each case. We also have extensive knowledge of the local court system, thanks to founder Patterson S. Weaver’s experience as a former felony prosecutor.
Innovation is at the core of our process, and we harness the latest tools and resources to serve you to the best of our ability. Our client portals let you easily and securely share information with your legal team and check your case’s status. When a court date is near, we’ll send you a text reminder and help you prepare. We’re also available 24/7 by phone, live chat, or text to answer your questions.
Check out some of our positive client testimonials to find out more about what it is like to have our law firm on your side. For example, one of our past clients wrote:
“Patterson was friendly, kind, and understanding when I met him. He recognized my needs and explained how he would help me upon our consultation. He understood that I was trying to get the best deal with the court and for my wallet. Though lawyers are expensive, Patterson saved me a lot of money and got the job done. My case was settled with a very favorable outcome. I appreciate Patterson and his paralegal Karie very much. Thanks much. Would refer to Patterson for affordable, effective legal defense any day.” – Phillip
What Is Tax Fraud?
Tax fraud occurs when someone takes deliberate actions to defraud the tax system or evade tax obligations. Colorado Revised Statutes 39-21-118 defines multiple forms of tax fraud, some of which are classified as misdemeanors and others as felonies. However, the word in common across all of them is “willful.” Prosecutors must prove that a defendant intended to violate tax law or skip their state tax obligations. You cannot be convicted for an unintentional mistake.
26 USC 7201 defines tax evasion and fraud at the federal level. Any deliberate attempt to evade a federal tax established in Title 26 is a felony. The maximum sentence for individuals is five years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000. For corporations, the fine cannot exceed $500,000.
While many tax fraud cases involve only one jurisdiction, some pertain to both Colorado state and federal laws. Our tax evasion defense lawyers can explain the specific statutes and potential penalties that apply to the criminal charges you face.
Common Reasons People Face Tax Fraud Accusations
Some examples of common reasons why Coloradans may face state or federal tax fraud charges include:
- Underreported income – Cash transactions, large gifts, side hustles, and investment dividends are some common types of taxable income that many taxpayers accidentally miss on their returns.
- Inflating credits and deductions – The government may investigate a taxpayer it believes is exaggerating legitimate deduction amounts, claiming credits they’re not entitled to, or writing off personal-use items and services as business expenses.
- Failing to file taxes – Someone may commit tax fraud by refusing to file tax returns when they are required to do so. Investigators tend to prioritize situations where someone repeatedly fails to file for several years.
- Concealing assets – It is fraud for taxpayers to hide assets or income to dodge their tax obligations. That may include keeping unreported foreign bank accounts, not disclosing cryptocurrency holdings, or arranging transactions to get around reporting requirements.
- Giving false information – Someone may commit tax fraud by deliberately writing off false business expenses, incorrectly reporting their income, or otherwise misleading tax agencies to lower their liability.
Potential Defenses Against Tax Fraud Charges
Our criminal defense attorneys stand ready to prepare a defense tailored to your case’s specific circumstances. We could use one or more of these common strategies, depending on your situation:
- No willful intent – With this strategy, the defense team acknowledges that a mistake was made but argues it was accidental.
- Reliance on professional advice – Taxpayers should be able to trust the advice of accountants, attorneys, and tax return preparers. If you followed guidance from a certified professional in good faith, the court may find you not responsible for the resulting fraudulent activity.
- Insufficient evidence – Prosecutors must prove each element or component of tax fraud beyond a reasonable doubt. That is the highest standard of legal proof, and there is no room for weak, incomplete evidence or inaccurate interpretations of financial documents.
- Closed filing period – Some types of tax fraud charges are subject to a statute of limitations. The court can dismiss a case outright if the prosecution files it after the legally prescribed time limit.
How Our Tax Fraud Lawyers Can Help You
Our team of tax fraud attorneys can help you through all stages of the legal process, including:
- Initial review – We start with a thorough review to spot weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and identify strategies we can use.
- Handling inquiries – We can respond to inquiries and audit requests from the IRS and Colorado Department of Revenue on your behalf.
- Compiling evidence – We frequently work with financial experts who can analyze your financial records, offer their perspectives on potential evidence, and help explain it to a jury at trial.
- Participating in negotiations – Before trial, we can pursue a plea agreement that may reduce your charges or lessen penalties.
- Representing you at trial – If your case proceeds to trial, we will faithfully and aggressively defend you in court.
Get Help from Our Tax Evasion Defense Attorneys Now
If you’re facing tax evasion charges or are under investigation for tax fraud or not paying taxes in Colorado Springs, the tax evasion attorneys at Peakstone Law Group are ready to answer your questions, review your case, and fight for the best possible outcome. We’re a big-city firm with a small-town approach to legal representation, and our goal is to get to know you, explain the law in plain language, and treat you as the unique person you are rather than a number on a docket.
Contact our office today for a free case review in complete confidence and without further obligations.