Tax Evasion Attorney in Oklahoma City

Work Directly With a Seasoned Tax Evasion Lawyer in Oklahoma City—Former Prosecutor

If you are facing allegations of tax evasion in Oklahoma City, it's critical to work with a tax evasion attorney who is invested in your case and answers directly to you. With more than 17 years of experience and thousands of criminal defense cases handled, I take pride in offering hands-on guidance every step of the way.

Clients often feel overwhelmed when confronted by complex and high-stakes tax charges, but direct, ongoing communication is a cornerstone of my representation. Unlike other law firms that route your concerns through administrative layers, I am the person you speak to at every critical juncture, from your initial call to court appearances and negotiations. 

This one-on-one approach ensures you always receive timely updates, practical advice, and genuine reassurance throughout what is often one of the most stressful times of your life. By choosing a tax evasion lawyer in Oklahoma City who is both accessible and accountable, you are better equipped to make informed decisions as your case unfolds.

Contact a tax evasion attorney in Oklahoma City to protect your rights. I am available 24/7. Call (405) 504-1858 or reach out online.

Understanding Tax Evasion Laws in Oklahoma

In Oklahoma, 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 Oklahoma Statutes, Title 68, Chapter 1, which deals with the Oklahoma Tax Code. Federal tax evasion is a distinct and often more severe charge, defined under 26 U.S.C. § 7201. 

Both state and federal law require the prosecution to prove two fundamental elements to secure a conviction: willfulness and an affirmative act of evasion. This is a crucial distinction from a simple mistake or oversight on a tax return. A knowledgeable tax evasion attorney in Oklahoma City will meticulously analyze the specific statute under which you are charged to find any weaknesses in the prosecution's case.

• 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 an Oklahoma City 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 Oklahoma City, I 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 Degrees of the Tax Evasion Offense

In Oklahoma, 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.

• Oklahoma State Tax Evasion: Oklahoma law makes it a crime to willfully fail to file a tax return, to willfully fail to pay a tax, or to make a false statement in a tax return. These offenses can be misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the circumstances. For example, tax evasion of a sales tax can be a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the amount of tax evaded.
• Federal Tax Evasion (26 U.S.C. § 7201): This is a felony offense. A conviction for federal tax evasion is punishable by a fine of up to $100,000 for an individual ($500,000 for a corporation) and/or a prison sentence of up to five years. The court can also order you to pay the costs of prosecution and the back taxes, penalties, and interest.

A knowledgeable Oklahoma City tax evasion lawyer will work to prevent any enhancement of your charges and will fight for a resolution that minimizes the impact on your life.