Florida Federal Tax Fraud Case

In Panama City, Florida, four people were convicted of federal tax fraud in court in September. This month they were sentenced to prison terms along with restitution payments required to be paid to the IRS. The four people, two of whom are from Miami, were accused of being conspirators in defrauding the federal government through bogus tax returns. The fraudulent federal returns were filed in 2008 and 2009 and sought more than $19 million in returns. Two of the defendants were sentenced to six and a half years in federal prison and ordered to pay nearly $250,000 in restitution to the IRS. A third defendant was sentenced to more than five years in prison along with a $250,000 restitution bill. The fourth defendant was sentenced to more than two years in prison and $160,000 in restitution.

Tax fraud is an example of a white collar crime which is generally a nonviolent crime seeking financial gain through deception or misrepresentation. These types of crimes may be prosecuted at the state or federal level. In the case above, defrauding the IRS is a federal offense. Other examples of white collar crimes include embezzlement, forgery, identity theft, investment scams, credit card fraud, bank fraud, insurance fraud, money laundering, extortion, price fixing, and more. These are generally charged as felonies punishable by jail or prison terms, fines, restitution, and probation. A criminal conviction of a white collar crime can spell the end of any professional career and the ruin of one's reputation and social standing.

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving South Florida

If you have been accused of a white collar crime, you should immediately enlist the services of a reputable and trusted criminal defense lawyer. In South Florida, you can turn to The Law Offices of Eric M. Matheny, serving those in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties. Mr. Matheny has considerable knowledge, skill, and experience with which to defend you. Part of this experience comes from his background as a former prosecutor; he understands the mindset of the prosecution and can strategize a defense plan against it.

Mr. Matheny has valuable trial experience and has handled cases involving DUI, armed robbery, burglary, domestic violence, drug crimes, weapon charges, murder, and more. He has been featured in various media, from radio shows to Florida newspapers. Take advantage of his proven commitment and legal ability. Contact his firm 24 / 7 to schedule a consultation with him about your criminal case.