Tax Evasion Attorney in Manhattan Beach

Facing Tax Evasion Allegations in Manhattan Beach? Contact Us Now

Facing a tax evasion investigation or charge in Manhattan Beach can upend your sense of security overnight. The risks include significant fines, the possibility of jail time, and lasting damage to your reputation and livelihood. 

Many people feel overwhelmed by this process, unsure where to turn or whom to trust. If you find yourself in this position, know that you are not alone—this is a situation that calls for knowledgeable, local help.

At Law Offices of J. Patrick Carey, our credentials include Board Certification in Criminal Law and a background as a former Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorney. Clients choose us because we combine this rare expertise with over 7,000 criminal cases handled, including complex financial matters. 

We are committed to defending the rights and futures of Manhattan Beach residents in tax evasion cases.

Contact a Manhattan Beach tax evasion lawyer who is a Criminal Law Specialist. We offer 24/7 availability for immediate guidance. Call our firm at (310) 695-1118 or contact us online.

Understanding Tax Evasion Laws in California

Tax evasion is a specific form of tax fraud that centers on the willful attempt to avoid paying taxes owed. It is prosecuted aggressively at both the state and federal levels, often targeting actions taken to conceal income or assets.

State Felony Tax Evasion

California law makes it a felony to deliberately file a fraudulent return or willfully attempt to evade or defeat the payment of any tax.

• RTC 19705 (Tax Fraud): Felony charges for intentionally manipulating or falsifying information on a tax return (e.g., underreporting income, claiming false deductions).
• RTC 19706 (Tax Evasion): Felony charges for the willful failure to file a return or supply information with the intent to evade taxes.

Federal Felony Tax Evasion

The federal statute is the most common charge for large-scale evasion. It is a felony punishable by up to five years in federal prison and fines up to $100,000 (or $500,000 for corporations).

The prosecution's choice of jurisdiction (state vs. federal) significantly impacts the potential penalty. Our firm is experienced in trial in both the Los Angeles County Superior Court and the Federal Central District of California, providing a comprehensive defense regardless of the jurisdiction.

Key Elements the Prosecution Must Prove: The Willfulness Hurdle

Tax evasion is unique because it is one of the few crimes where the government must prove an internal mental state—the specific intent to defraud. Our firm concentrates its defense on the prosecution's failure to meet this burden.

The prosecution (FTB or IRS) must prove three elements beyond a reasonable doubt:

• The Existence of a Tax Deficiency: The government must prove that the defendant owed more tax than we reported. We often challenge the State's accounting, utilizing forensic experts to demonstrate that the tax deficiency was either incorrect, non-existent, or was based on legitimate, legal tax avoidance strategies.
• An Affirmative Act of Evasion: The government must prove the defendant took a specific, affirmative step to conceal, mislead, or evade the tax. Examples include:
  • Filing a false return.
  • Hiding income in offshore accounts.
  • Destroying financial records.
  • Concealing assets from which the tax could be paid.
• Willfulness (Intent to Defraud): This is the most critical element. Willfulness requires proof that the defendant knew their actions were illegal and took them with the specific intent to evade a known legal duty.

We argue that any errors were due to negligence, inadvertent mistakes, reliance on faulty advice from a tax preparer, or a good-faith misunderstanding of the complex tax code. Simple carelessness is not tax evasion. Successfully defeating the "willfulness" element is the most direct path to dismissal or reduction of the felony charge.

Penalties and Collateral Consequences of a Tax Evasion Conviction

A conviction for tax evasion results in crushing financial and professional penalties:

• Imprisonment: Up to three years in state prison (CA) or up to five years in federal prison 26 U.S.C. 7201).
• Massive Fines and Restitution: Fines up to $250,000 (Federal) plus the costs of prosecution, and mandatory restitution for all back taxes, interest, and substantial civil fraud penalties (up to 75% of the unpaid tax).
• Professional License Revocation: A felony tax evasion conviction is a Crime Involving Moral Turpitude CIMT, leading to the mandatory revocation or suspension of professional licenses for doctors, accountants, financial advisors, and attorneys.
• Reputational Ruin: The public record of a felony conviction for dishonesty permanently destroys professional standing and creditworthiness.

How We Defend Tax Evasion Charges in Manhattan Beach

Every tax evasion case is different. In Manhattan Beach and across Los Angeles County, tax crime matters are typically prosecuted through coordinated efforts among the California Franchise Tax Board, the IRS, and the District Attorney’s Office. Many cases are heard at the Torrance Courthouse or in other LA Superior Court locations serving this region. By understanding the investigation practices and prosecution guidelines specific to these agencies and courts, we create tailored defense strategies from the start.

Here is how our firm approaches defending tax evasion charges:

• Review of government evidence. We scrutinize the prosecution’s files and how they gathered evidence, looking for any missteps or violations of your rights.
• Anticipation of prosecution tactics. Knowing local practices allows us to anticipate legal theories and counter their strategies from the beginning.
• Customized defense plan. We prepare a plan based on the prosecution’s likely moves, your records, and the unique aspects of your case.
• Negotiation and advocacy. When appropriate, we consider diversion programs, negotiated settlements, or trial if that best serves your interests.

We support you through each phase, from pre-charge investigation to verdict or resolution. Our firsthand knowledge of how tax crime cases are pursued in Manhattan Beach offers you a decided local advantage.

What to Do If You Are Under Investigation or Charged

Many clients contact us as soon as they suspect an investigation—often before formal charges are filed. Early action is important for protecting your options and your future. If you have received a letter from the IRS or California Franchise Tax Board, or have been contacted by law enforcement regarding tax evasion in Manhattan Beach, your next steps matter.

Follow these immediate actions to protect yourself:

• Avoid answering questions or giving any statements to investigators without a lawyer present
• Do not contact law enforcement to explain or clear up the situation
• Collect all correspondence, notices, or paperwork you have received from government agencies
• Contact a tax evasion attorney in Manhattan Beach for professional legal advice
• Protect your privacy by limiting discussion of your situation to only those who need to know

By reaching out to Law Offices of J. Patrick Carey as soon as possible, you give us the opportunity to safeguard your interests immediately. We coordinate communication with investigators, provide clarity about the process, and focus our efforts on resolving your case in your favor whenever possible.

Why Choose Our Attorney for Your Tax Evasion Defense

Choosing the right attorney can shape your future. Not all lawyers are equally prepared for the complexities of a tax crime defense. Our firm is led by a Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist—a distinction held by only about 400 attorneys in California. This means your defense is in the hands of someone who has demonstrated advanced knowledge and skill in the field.

Pat Carey’s experience as a top Deputy District Attorney for Los Angeles County offers real strategic advantages. We know how prosecutors approach tax evasion cases involving the California Franchise Tax Board, the IRS, and local law enforcement. 

Our track record—over 7,000 criminal cases, including 65 jury trials—means we can identify the strengths and weaknesses in the government’s case early on. We focus on thorough, strategic representation that is built around the facts specific to your situation.

Our commitment is to give you individual attention, clear answers, and defense strategies that leverage experience and insight developed through years in Manhattan Beach and the broader Los Angeles County court system.

Contact Our Manhattan Beach Tax Evasion Lawyer Today

If you are under investigation or have been charged, do not wait to seek help. We offer confidential consultations at any time, day or night. By contacting Law Offices of J. Patrick Carey, you can expect a direct response from our Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist and a compassionate, strategic approach to your tax evasion defense in Manhattan Beach.

Call (310) 695-1118 or contact us online now for a prompt, confidential consultation with a tax evasion attorney in Manhattan Beach.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I go to jail for tax evasion in California?

Jail is a possibility for felony tax evasion cases in California, but outcomes depend on factors like the case details, the financial amount involved, your criminal history, and the defense mounted on your behalf. At Law Offices of J. Patrick Carey, we focus on negotiation, alternatives to custody, and leveraging every available option to reduce your risk. Courts in Manhattan Beach and throughout Los Angeles County use discretion based on whether you cooperate, make restitution, or fit other relevant criteria. Getting experienced legal counsel involved quickly can greatly improve your chance of avoiding jail when possible.

How can your firm help if I’m being investigated for tax evasion?

If you are being investigated, we can step in immediately to handle communications with authorities and make sure you do not risk self-incrimination. Because of our background as a former prosecutor, we understand how these investigations typically unfold and can act early to influence the direction before charges are finalized. We take confidentiality very seriously and prioritize your reputation and peace of mind. Early intervention often makes a significant difference in how your case progresses.

Do you have experience with cases like mine in Manhattan Beach?

Yes, our firm has represented many clients facing tax crime allegations in Manhattan Beach. Our attorney has handled thousands of criminal cases and regularly appears at the Torrance Courthouse and other Los Angeles County courts that oversee tax cases for local residents. This deep local experience allows us to bring practical insight into defending your particular matter.

What happens if I’ve already received a letter from the IRS or California FTB?

When you receive a letter from the IRS or the California Franchise Tax Board, it often means that a formal investigation is underway. Before you respond or share documents, contact our office for guidance. We can review the letter, explain its significance, and help you understand your rights. By acting carefully and seeking help before making contact with investigators, you protect yourself and preserve important legal options moving forward.

Will my case go to trial, or can it be resolved quietly?

Many tax evasion cases resolve through negotiation, plea agreements, or other alternatives without heading to a public trial. The right path depends on your case details, your previous legal history, and how tax crimes are handled by prosecutors and judges in Manhattan Beach. We focus on resolving matters as discreetly as possible while always preparing for trial to strengthen your negotiating position. Every step is designed to protect your privacy and secure the best result the circumstances allow.

How soon can I speak to an attorney about my situation?

You can contact our office 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and expect a prompt response. Because timing is crucial in tax investigation and defense, we prioritize urgent consultations for clients in Manhattan Beach. When you call (310) 695-1118, you will have the opportunity to connect directly with our attorney for tailored advice and next steps.

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