Buffalo Tax Evasion Lawyer
Call a Buffalo Criminal Defense Attorney Now!
When it comes to white collar crimes, tax evasion, or “Criminal Tax Fraud” as it is called in New York, carries some of the worst potential penalties of any of the potential charges. As defined by New York Penal Law 1806, criminal tax fraud is:
“a tax fraud act or acts […] with the intent to evade any tax due under this chapter, or to defraud the state or any subdivision of the state, the person pays the state and/or a political subdivision of the state (whether by means of underpayment or receipt of refund or both), in a period of not more than one year [more or less] than the tax liability that is due.”
This can be done by filing a return that would indicate you owe less than your actual tax liability, or by obtaining a return that is far greater than what you are actually owed.
Because of the serious nature of this crime, it is important to ensure you obtain legal representation from an experienced and successful Buffalo criminal defense lawyer. The skilled professionals at The Rossi Law Firm have over 40 years of experience representing clients in court. Their dedication to those they represent and their ethical conduct has earned them a long list of accolades, including Super Lawyers honors, a 10.0 Superb Rating from Avvo, and an AV® Preeminent™ rating from Martindale-Hubbell®.
Make a smart choice when fighting back against your tax evasion charges; call The Rossi Law Firm today at (716) 854-5555 to schedule an initial consultation.
The Impact of a Criminal Tax Fraud Conviction
Of all of the crimes considered “white collar,” Criminal Tax Fraud carries some of the highest penalties, depending on the nature of the money that was fraudulently deprived from the government. There are five degrees of severity of tax evasion, most of which are considered a felony and carry penalties including jail time, severe fines, and possible loss of other rights or privileges, including some professional licenses or memberships.
Criminal tax evasion is classified as follows:
- Fifth degree: A misdemeanor charge committed by defrauding the government of an amount of $2,999 or less over a period not exceeding one year. Punishable by up to one year in prison.
- Fourth degree: A class “E” felony charge committed by defrauding the government of an amount ranging between $3,000-$10,000 over a period not exceeding one year. Punishable by up to four years in prison.
- Third degree: A class “D” felony charge committed by defrauding the government of an amount ranging between $10,000-$50,000 over a period not exceeding one year. Punishable by up to seven years in prison.
- Second degree: A class “C” felony charge committed by defrauding the government of an amount ranging between $50,000-$1,000,000 over a period not exceeding one year. Punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
- First degree: A class “B” felony charge committed by defrauding the government of an amount in excess of $1,000,000 over a period not exceeding one year. Punishable by up to four years in prison.
Don’t face the extreme penalties of tax evasion without obtaining legal representation from The Rossi Law Firm. Contact us today.