Tax Evasion Lawyer Burlington County — Defending Against Federal Criminal Tax Charges
A federal tax evasion charge in Burlington County is a serious felony under 26 U.S.C. § 7201, carrying penalties of up to five years in prison and $100,000 in fines per count. The IRS Criminal Investigation Division (CID) pursues these cases aggressively. As a former prosecutor, Mr. Sris of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. understands the government’s tactics.
Federal Tax Evasion Law and Statute
Tax evasion is a specific intent crime defined under federal law. The government must prove you acted willfully to evade a tax you knew you owed. This is distinct from negligence or a good-faith mistake. The statute requires the prosecution to establish three elements beyond a reasonable doubt: the existence of a substantial tax deficiency, an affirmative act of evasion, and willfulness. Defenses often center on the lack of willful intent, such as reliance on a tax professional’s advice or interpretations of tax law.
Last verified: April 2026 | U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey | New Jersey Legislature
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the federal tax evasion statute, see 26 U.S.C. § 7201 (Cornell Legal Information Institute). For local federal court procedures and rules, visit the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey website.
Insider Procedural Edge for Burlington County Federal Tax Cases
Federal tax evasion cases in New Jersey are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and investigated by IRS CID agents. The process often begins with an audit that turns into a criminal referral. The government builds its case through financial records, bank statements, and interviews. In our experience, early intervention by a tax fraud defense lawyer Burlington County is critical, even at the audit or investigation stage before formal charges are filed.
- Initial Investigation: The IRS CID conducts a covert investigation, gathering evidence through summonses, interviews, and forensic accounting.
- Prosecutorial Review: The case file is presented to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, which decides whether to seek an indictment from a grand jury.
- Grand Jury & Indictment: If indicted, the case proceeds in U.S. District Court. The indictment lists the specific counts of evasion.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Negotiation: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges. Parallel discussions may occur about a potential plea to a lesser charge.
- Trial or Resolution: The case proceeds to a federal jury trial if a favorable plea agreement cannot be reached.
Potential Penalties for Tax Evasion
In Burlington County, a federal tax evasion conviction under 26 U.S.C. § 7201 is a felony with severe penalties, including imprisonment, substantial fines, and the requirement to pay the owed tax plus interest and civil fraud penalties.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tax Evasion (26 U.S.C. § 7201) | Felony | Up to 5 years per count | Up to $100,000 ($500,000 for corporations) per count | Payment of tax owed + interest + civil fraud penalty (75% of underpayment), probation, reputational damage. |
| Aiding & Abetting / False Return (26 U.S.C. § 7206) | Felony | Up to 3 years per count | Up to $100,000 per count | Similar financial penalties and collateral consequences. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Firm’s Experience in Federal Tax Defense
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to federal cases. Our approach to defending against IRS criminal charge lawyer Burlington County matters involves a detailed forensic analysis of the government’s financial evidence and a challenge to the element of willfulness. We prepare every case as if it is going to trial, which positions us for stronger negotiations. Our firm-wide record includes over 4,739 case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%.
Case Results & Defense Approach
While specific local results for tax evasion are not published to protect client confidentiality, our firm’s strategic defense in federal financial crimes has led to favorable resolutions. These include securing pre-indictment declinations, negotiating reductions to misdemeanor tax charges, and obtaining favorable plea agreements that avoid prison time. Every case is unique, and we develop a case-specific strategy after a thorough review of the IRS’s evidence and the client’s circumstances.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Burlington County Tax Evasion Defense Lawyers
Our New Jersey location serves clients throughout Burlington County. We are accessible via the NJ Turnpike, I-295, and Route 130. If you need a tax evasion lawyer Burlington County near Mount Holly, Mount Laurel, or Moorestown, contact us for a consultation.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New Jersey Location — 44 Apple St, 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (732) 651-9900
By appointment only.
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
We serve communities including: Mount Holly, Mount Laurel, Moorestown, Burlington City, Cinnaminson, Evesham, Medford, Bordentown, Pemberton, Willingboro, and Marlton.
Frequently Asked Questions: Tax Evasion Defense
What is the difference between tax evasion and tax avoidance?
No. Tax avoidance is the legal use of deductions and credits to minimize tax liability. Tax evasion is the illegal act of deliberately concealing income or falsifying deductions to avoid paying taxes owed. The key distinction is willful intent to defraud the government.
Can I be charged with tax evasion if I simply made a mistake on my return?
No. A mistake, error, or negligence is not tax evasion. The government must prove you acted willfully—with the specific intent to violate a known legal duty. An honest mistake is a defense to a criminal tax evasion charge, though you may still owe back taxes and penalties.
What should I do if an IRS criminal investigator contacts me?
It depends. You should immediately consult with a tax fraud defense lawyer Burlington County before speaking with the agent. Anything you say can be used against you. An attorney can communicate with the IRS on your behalf, assess the investigation’s scope, and advise you on your rights, including the right to remain silent.
What are common defenses to a tax evasion charge?
Several defenses exist. A lack of willfulness is primary, such as relying on a CPA’s advice. Others include the statute of limitations (typically 6 years), insufficient evidence of a tax deficiency, or that an alleged “affirmative act” was merely passive inaction. Each defense requires detailed factual and legal analysis.
Is it possible to avoid prison time for tax evasion?
Yes. While the statute allows for prison, outcomes vary. Through skilled negotiation, it may be possible to plead to a lesser misdemeanor charge, argue for a sentence of probation and home confinement, or present mitigating factors to the judge. The best chance to avoid prison starts with hiring an experienced defense attorney early.
Related Legal Resources
If you are dealing with a related federal criminal matter, see our page on Federal Criminal Defense in Burlington County. For broader New Jersey defense information, visit our state hub: New Jersey Criminal Defense Lawyer. We also assist clients in neighboring counties like Camden County.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding your specific situation.
Burlington County cases are handled by our New Jersey tax evasion practice, where the whole process is set out.
Your case in Burlington County, New Jersey
Federal charges are heard in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey (Newark, Trenton and Camden), not in county court; related state charges are heard in the Criminal Part of the Law Division. In Burlington County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Burlington Vicinage (8th Vicinage), 49 Rancocas Road, Mount Holly, NJ 08060, telephone (609) 518-2500, open Mon-Fri 8:30AM-4:30PM. Court procedures change; confirm the current schedule on the official vicinage website or with the clerk before you file or appear.
The governing law for this topic is Title 18 of the United States Code and the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles Burlington County matters from its New Jersey location at 44 Apple St 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724; meetings are by appointment. Request a New Jersey consultation at (888) 437-7747 or (609) 983-0003.
Related New Jersey pages: Burlington County NJ lawyers directory · Tax Evasion Lawyer Bergen County, NJ · Tax Evasion Lawyer Hudson County, NJ · Tax Evasion Lawyer Monmouth County, NJ.