Tax Evasion Attorney in Lake Charles

Facing Tax Evasion Charges in Lake Charles? Contact Us Now

If you or your business have been contacted by the IRS or the Louisiana Department of Revenue about a tax investigation, or if you have been charged with tax evasion, it is crucial to have confidential, local support.

At Sudduth & Associates, LLC, we understand the weight these accusations carry. Our team delivers the type of support we would want for our own family: respectful, judgment-free, and always confidential. 

We work with clients throughout Lake Charles, rooted in a legacy of public service and a history of addressing complex legal challenges. If you are facing urgent circumstances, we offer prompt and same-day consultations, recognizing the importance of timing and privacy for your situation.

Speak with a Lake Charles tax evasion lawyer at Sudduth & Associates, LLC for a consultation. We offer the benefit of a former prosecutor and over 100 years of collective experience to clients facing state or federal tax charges. Call (337) 282-9003 or fill out our secure online form.

Understanding Tax Evasion Laws in Louisiana and Federally

In Louisiana, individuals and businesses can be charged with criminal tax evasion at both the state and federal levels, often for the same alleged conduct. A skilled Lake Charles tax evasion lawyer must be adept at defending against both jurisdictions.

Louisiana State Tax Evasion

Louisiana law criminalizes several willful acts related to tax compliance. The primary statute for criminal penalty for evasion states that any person who willfully does the following is guilty of a violation:

• Fails to file any required tax return or report.
• Files or causes to be filed with the Secretary of the LDR any false or fraudulent return, report, or statement.
• Fails to pay taxes, penalty, or interest.
• Aids or assists in the filing of a false or fraudulent return.

For state charges, a key focus is often the intent to defraud the Louisiana Department of Revenue through deliberate deception.

Federal Tax Evasion

Federal law defines tax evasion as the willful attempt to evade or defeat any federal tax imposed by the IRS or the payment thereof. This is a felony offense. Federal tax charges often overshadow state charges due to the lengthier prison sentences and higher fines imposed by the federal sentencing guidelines.

It is critical to note that while state and federal charges can overlap, the federal government typically pursues the more complex cases, often involving significant amounts of money or high-profile individuals.

Penalties and Collateral Consequences of Tax Evasion Convictions

The consequences of a tax evasion conviction are devastating, impacting your finances, freedom, and reputation long-term.

Direct Penalties

• Federal Tax Evasion (26 U.S.C. § 7201):
  • Offense: Felony tax evasion
  • Maximum imprisonment: Up to 5 years in federal prison
  • Maximum fine (individual): Up to $100,000
  • Other penalties: Cost of prosecution, restitution, supervised release
• Louisiana Tax Evasion (R.S. § 47:1642):
  • Offense: Felony tax evasion (tax amount ≥ $1,000)
  • Maximum imprisonment: Up to 2 years (with or without hard labor)
  • Maximum fine (individual): Up to $2,000
  • Other penalties: Restitution, penalties, and interest

Crucially, the court will always order restitution—the payment of the actual tax owed, plus interest and significant civil fraud penalties (which can equal 75% of the underpayment).

Collateral Consequences

A conviction for tax evasion will shatter your personal and professional life in Lake Charles:

• Professional Licenses: For CPAs, attorneys, financial advisors, and other licensed professionals, a felony conviction for a financial crime will likely result in the loss or revocation of your license.
• Reputation and Business: The public record of a tax evasion conviction will destroy the trust of clients, business partners, and financial institutions, making future financing or transactions nearly impossible.
• Immigration Status: Non-U.S. citizens face severe penalties, including potential deportation, as tax evasion is considered a crime of moral turpitude.

This is why engaging a Lake Charles tax evasion lawyer immediately, before charges are even filed, is the single most important action you can take.

Our Comprehensive Approach to Tax Evasion Defense

Defending against tax evasion is a battle of complexity and credibility. Our approach at Sudduth & Associates, LLC is built on our deep legal and prosecutorial experience.

Challenging the Element of Willfulness

The intent to commit tax evasion is the government's heaviest burden of proof. We deploy strategies designed to negate the specific criminal intent required:

• Honest Mistake or Negligence: We argue that the tax errors were the result of oversight, clerical error, or simple negligence in navigating the complex tax code—and not a deliberate attempt to evade tax.
• Reliance on Advice: We can assert the reliance-on-counsel defense, arguing that you reasonably relied on the advice of a competent accountant, CPA, or tax preparer. This transfers the error from criminal intent to a third-party error.
• Voluntary Compliance: Where appropriate, we use a proactive strategy of immediately filing amended returns and paying the tax due, which can be compelling evidence against the claim of long-term criminal willfulness to evade.

Attacking the Tax Deficiency

The government must prove a deficiency existed. We challenge this by:

• Forensic Auditing: Hiring independent forensic accounting experts to re-audit the taxpayer's records and show that the deficiency was either non-existent or minimal.
• Challenging Indirect Methods: The IRS often uses indirect methods (like the net worth or bank deposits method) to calculate income. We attack the assumptions made in these calculations, often showing the alleged unreported income was actually non-taxable (e.g., loans, gifts, or inheritances).

Our Lake Charles tax evasion lawyer leverages our over 100 years of collective experience to build a defense that is technical, aggressive, and designed to win.

How Our Team Supports People Accused of Tax Crimes

Choosing the right tax evasion lawyer in Lake Charles is essential during a highly stressful time. At Sudduth & Associates, LLC, we focus on personal attention, compassion, and clear communication with each client. We treat every person with dignity, ensuring your voice is heard and your privacy remains protected from start to finish.

Our legal professionals combine strong courtroom experience with a genuine family-first approach. Whether you are defending your business or facing unexpected government scrutiny as an individual, we strive to provide the knowledge and stability you need. 

We support clients from all backgrounds and offer bilingual consultations in English and Spanish, so language is never an obstacle to your defense. For urgent legal needs, our team will work to schedule same-day meetings when available.

Our team's knowledge of Louisiana statutes and local court procedures in Calcasieu Parish allows us to anticipate the likely steps in your matter. We help you understand each stage, potential outcomes, and the factors that can impact case results.

Smart Next Steps If You’re Under Investigation

If you are under investigation for tax evasion in Lake Charles, the steps you take at the very beginning can make a difference. It is best to avoid giving statements or handing over documents to investigators before meeting with an attorney. What you say could affect your case later, so calmly explain you wish to consult with legal counsel first. This is your right and an important protection.

To prepare for your meeting with our team, we recommend the following:

• Bring any tax records, communications, or financial documents you have received from agencies or investigators
• Write down details about any contact or conversations you have had with the IRS or Louisiana Department of Revenue
• Consult our team as soon as possible for informed legal guidance
• Do not discuss your case with others, including family or friends, until you have sought legal advice

The sooner you reach out to us at Sudduth & Associates, LLC, the more options you may have—whether that means responding to inquiries, negotiating with authorities, or building a strong defense. We offer discreet, urgent appointments to ensure your privacy is protected every step of the way.

Reach Out Confidentially Today

If you are concerned about a tax evasion investigation or white collar crime accusations in Lake Charles, starting a confidential conversation with our team is a step toward clarity and control. We provide a simple, discreet intake process, same-day appointments for urgent issues, and bilingual consultations if needed.

Sudduth & Associates, LLC is dedicated to supporting you with respect, privacy, and a compassionate approach shaped by a family legacy in Lake Charles. We know what is at stake and focus on giving you clear guidance—no judgment, just skillful defense from professionals who value your trust.

Contact our team online or call now at (337) 282-9003 for a confidential consultation. You deserve experienced, local support and personal attention every step of the way.