Tax Evasion Attorney in Laredo

Strategic Defense For Federal Crimes Backed By Proven Experience

When you are facing allegations of tax evasion in Laredo, having the right tax evasion lawyer in Laredo on your side can make all the difference. At Altgelt Law Office, P.C., we deliver proactive, defense-driven guidance, shaped by more than 20 years of hands-on prosecutorial experience and a strong commitment to protecting your rights in complex criminal cases. 

Our team partners closely with you from the earliest moments, ensuring your side of the story is heard by investigators, prosecutors, or in court. We take time to explain your legal options, address urgent questions about tax law, and outline next steps so you can move forward with confidence.

Tax evasion cases in the Laredo region often involve extensive investigations by authorities, with strict requirements for timely and accurate responses to requests for financial documentation. Laredo's proximity to the U.S.-Mexico border can add unique challenges, including cross-border business transactions or scrutiny of international accounts. 

Our tax evasion attorneys in Laredo understand how local, state, and federal agencies pursue these cases, and we leverage that insight to provide thorough, regionally attuned legal solutions. We use our in-depth trial experience and understanding of local court rules in Webb County to pursue the best outcome possible for every client.

Facing a tax evasion charge? We are former prosecutors who offer free consultations and bilingual services. Call (956) 758-3001 or contact us online to speak with a tax evasion attorney in Laredo today.

Understanding Tax Evasion Laws in Texas

In Texas, the laws governing tax evasion and other tax-related crimes are complex and are often prosecuted at both the state and federal levels. State charges are primarily found in the Texas Penal Code, Chapter 32, which deals with fraud offenses, and the Texas Tax Code. The federal law, 26 U.S.C. § 7201, is often used for more severe cases involving large-scale operations or a significant amount of money. 

Both state and federal law require the prosecution to prove two fundamental elements to secure a conviction: willfulness and an affirmative act of evasion. The prosecution must prove each of the following elements beyond a reasonable doubt:

• Existence of a Tax Deficiency: The state or federal government must prove that you owed taxes that were not paid. This is often established by a forensic accountant who will analyze your financial records and determine the amount of tax that was allegedly evaded.
• Willfulness: This is the most crucial element. The prosecution must prove that you acted willfully and with the specific intent to evade taxes. A simple mistake or an error in a tax return is not enough. The government must prove that you were aware of your legal duty to pay taxes and that you deliberately chose not to.
• Affirmative Act of Evasion: The prosecution must prove that you took an affirmative action to evade taxes. This is a crucial element that a Laredo tax evasion lawyer will challenge. Examples of affirmative acts include:
  • Concealing income or assets.
  • Maintaining a double set of books.
  • Making false statements to IRS agents.
  • Destroying financial records.
  • Creating false deductions.

The prosecution's case often relies on a combination of financial records, bank statements, witness testimony, and the testimony of forensic accountants. As a seasoned tax evasion attorney in Laredo, we will challenge the government's evidence at every turn, scrutinizing the methods used to collect and analyze the evidence and questioning the credibility of their witnesses.

Classifications and Penalties of a Tax Evasion Offense

In Texas, tax evasion is a serious criminal offense. The penalties increase significantly with the amount of tax evaded and whether the offense is a state or federal crime.

• State Tax Evasion: Texas law makes it a crime to intentionally or knowingly evade a tax, which can be a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the amount of tax owed. For example, tax evasion of less than $2,500 is a Class A misdemeanor, and tax evasion of $200,000 or more is a first-degree felony.