Tax Evasion Attorney in Minneapolis

Seasoned Criminal Defense For Serious Tax Charges

If you are under investigation for tax evasion or have already been charged, your freedom, finances, and reputation are all on the line. You may be hearing from the IRS, the Minnesota Department of Revenue, or federal agents and are unsure what to do next. At Brockton D. Hunter P.A., our tax evasion attorneys in Minneapolis defend individuals and business owners facing these high-stakes allegations in Minneapolis and the surrounding Twin Cities area.

Our firm has been based here since 2010, and our attorneys bring over 30 years of combined criminal defense experience to every case. Our team is led by a former President of the Minnesota Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and has been selected to the Minnesota Super Lawyers® list every year since 2011. 

Tax evasion cases are often built long before a charge is filed. Early legal guidance can shape how investigators, prosecutors, and judges view your situation. We are here to listen, explain your options in clear terms, and help you take meaningful steps to protect your future.

To discuss your situation with our tax evasion attorney in Minneapolis, call (612) 979-1112 or contact us online today.

Why Choose Our Firm For A Tax Evasion Case

When you search for a tax evasion lawyer in Minneapolis, you are not just looking for someone who understands tax codes. You need a criminal defense team that knows how to confront aggressive investigations, challenge the government’s evidence, and navigate state and federal courts in this area. That is the work we do every day at Brockton D. Hunter P.A..

Our attorneys have over 30 years of combined experience defending people against serious charges, from complex financial crimes to violent felonies. Our firm is led by a Minneapolis criminal defense attorney with a 10.0 Superb Avvo Rating and a history of leadership in the Minnesota Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. Being selected to the Minnesota Super Lawyers® list year after year reflects our standing among peers who see our work in court.

We are also a veteran-led firm. Our tax evasion attorneys in Minneapolis have served in the military, and we have helped shape Minnesota laws that favor treatment over incarceration for veterans with service-related psychological injuries. This perspective matters when defending veterans whose financial or tax decisions may have been influenced by trauma, deployments, or difficult transitions back to civilian life.

Clients come to us during one of the most stressful periods of their lives. We respond with tailored strategies, straightforward advice, and responsive communication. Our goal is to understand not only the documents and numbers in your case, but also your business practices, professional risks, and family concerns, then build a defense that reflects your whole story.

Understanding Tax Evasion Charges & Investigations

To make informed decisions, you need to understand what tax evasion actually is and how these cases develop. Tax law is complex, but the basic idea in a criminal case is that the government believes you intentionally tried to avoid paying tax that was legally due. Prosecutors must generally prove more than a simple error on a return or sloppy recordkeeping.

Many investigations begin when the IRS or the Minnesota Department of Revenue sees patterns that do not match reported income or deductions. Common examples include consistent underreporting of cash income, using multiple accounts to move funds without clear documentation, claiming false or inflated deductions, or failing to file returns over several years. Sometimes a civil audit uncovers issues that are later referred for criminal review.

There is a crucial difference between negligence and a willful attempt to evade tax. A missed form or misapplied rule, especially if corrected promptly, may remain in the civil system. On the other hand, steps that look like concealment or deliberate misstatements can be used to support criminal charges. Our tax evasion attorneys in Minneapolis help clients understand where their situation may fall on this spectrum and what evidence the government is likely to focus on.

Tax evasion allegations can lead to charges in federal court that serves the Twin Cities or in Minnesota state courts when state taxes are involved. Each system has its own procedures, sentencing structures, and participants. We are familiar with how these cases typically move forward in this region, and we explain these processes in plain language so you are not left guessing about what comes next.

What To Do If You Are Under A Tax Evasion Investigation

Finding out that your returns, business records, or bank accounts are under scrutiny is alarming. The steps you take now can have a major impact on your case, so it is important to proceed carefully and thoughtfully.

You may first notice a problem through a letter from the IRS, a notice from the Minnesota Department of Revenue, or a call from a special agent asking for an interview. In some situations, there are subpoenas for records or even a search of business premises. It can be tempting to explain everything right away, especially if you believe this is a misunderstanding, but statements made early are often used later in a criminal case.

Here are practical steps to protect yourself during an investigation:

• Do not ignore official notices. Failing to respond can limit your options and may lead to more aggressive enforcement, including referrals for prosecution.
• Do not destroy or alter records. Shredding, deleting, or changing documents can create separate criminal exposure and damage your credibility with the court.
• Be cautious in conversations. Limit discussions about your situation to your attorney. Well-meaning statements to friends, employees, or even your accountant may later be brought into court.
• Think carefully before speaking to investigators. Agents are trained to gather information that supports charges. Talking without counsel can lock you into statements that are hard to explain or correct later.
• Gather relevant documents. Collect returns, notices, accounting records, and correspondence so a defense lawyer can get a clear picture of what happened.

When you contact us for a free consultation, our tax evasion attorneys in Minneapolis review how the investigation began, what the government is asking for, and any deadlines facing you. We then discuss realistic next steps, from managing communications with agencies to planning a defense if charges are filed. You do not need everything organized before you call. Our attorneys can help you sort through what matters and what does not.

How Tax Evasion Attorneys in Minneapolis Handle Tax Evasion Cases

Every tax evasion case has its own history, paperwork, and personal context. Our role is to take that complex picture and translate it into a clear defense strategy that addresses both the legal issues and the practical consequences you face.

We begin by reviewing the charging documents or investigative materials that are available, along with your returns and financial records. This review is aimed at understanding how the government believes a crime occurred, what evidence they have, and where the gaps or weaknesses may be. We look closely at intent, communication with preparers or advisors, and how the numbers were generated, not just the final figures on a return.

Our tax evasion attorneys in Minneapolis appear regularly in courts that serve Minneapolis and the Twin Cities region in state and federal criminal matters. This experience helps us anticipate how local prosecutors tend to approach plea discussions, what kinds of issues judges pay attention to, and which arguments may be effective in negotiations or at trial. We draw on our long history of obtaining charge reductions, dismissals, or acquittals in serious criminal cases when evaluating options in tax-related prosecutions.

We also make it a priority to stay in communication with you. Tax evasion charges are confusing and can take months or longer to resolve. We work to keep you informed about what is happening, what we are doing on your behalf, and what decisions may be coming up. Our focus is not only on legal motions and court appearances, but also on helping you understand how each step affects your business, employment, and family.

Consequences Of Tax Evasion Convictions & Why Early Defense Matters

Understanding the potential consequences of a tax evasion conviction is critical when deciding how to respond to an investigation or charge. These cases can carry serious penalties, and the impact often goes far beyond a single sentence or financial order.

On the criminal side, tax evasion can lead to prison or jail, probation, large fines, and restitution for the taxes the government claims you owe. In federal court, sentencing guidelines often consider the amount of alleged loss, your role, and your criminal history. In the Minnesota state court, judges consider similar factors within the framework of state law. Outcomes vary based on the facts, the evidence, and how the case is presented.

The collateral consequences can be just as significant. A conviction for a tax crime can affect professional licenses, employment opportunities, and business relationships. Banks, partners, and customers may react strongly when they see a fraud-related conviction on your record. For veterans, there may be concerns about benefits or existing or future security clearances.

Early defense work can influence how severe these consequences are. When we become involved before or soon after charges are filed, we may be able to address misunderstandings, provide context for the evidence, or present mitigating information that would not otherwise be in front of the prosecutor or court. While no attorney can control every variable in a criminal case, having a knowledgeable advocate engaged early gives you a stronger position from which to address the government’s claims.

Support For Veterans Facing Tax-Related Criminal Charges

Veterans who face tax evasion or other criminal tax allegations often carry burdens that civilians do not fully understand. Service-related trauma, injuries, or difficult transitions to civilian life can affect judgment, recordkeeping, and financial decisions. As a veteran-led firm, we recognize how these experiences can shape a person’s situation and how important it is that the courts hear the full story.

Our tax evasion attorneys in Minneapolis have served in uniform, and we have taken that experience into our legal work. We have contributed to the development of Minnesota laws that favor treatment over incarceration for veterans with psychological injuries related to their service. These laws reflect a recognition that, in some cases, underlying conditions should be addressed directly instead of focusing solely on punishment.

In tax-related criminal cases involving veterans, we look carefully at service history, deployments, medical issues, and life events that may have affected how finances were handled. This does not change the fact that the government is alleging a crime, but it can matter in understanding intent, assessing risk, and advocating for appropriate outcomes in state or federal courts that serve the Twin Cities region.

We speak the language of military culture and understand the importance of clearances, VA benefits, and service records. When you come to us as a veteran or as a family member of a veteran, you can expect a conversation that respects your service and focuses on both legal defenses and your long-term stability. Our free consultations provide a private space to talk through your situation and consider options.

Your conversation with us is confidential, and there is no obligation to move forward if you decide we are not the right fit. Call us at (612) 979-1112.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Be Charged With Tax Evasion For An Honest Mistake?

Honest mistakes on tax returns usually lead to civil problems rather than criminal charges, but there are situations where repeated or serious errors draw criminal scrutiny. Prosecutors in tax evasion cases generally try to show that you acted willfully, meaning you knew the law required certain reporting or payment and chose to evade that duty. A single misapplied rule that you promptly correct is often treated differently from a pattern of omissions that looks like concealment.

The challenge is that the government often interprets actions in the light most favorable to its case. What you view as a misunderstanding may be portrayed as intentional fraud. Our attorneys review the specific facts, the documents, and your communications with preparers or advisors to see how your conduct might be characterized. During a free consultation, we can discuss whether your situation seems closer to a civil issue, a criminal risk, or something in between, and what steps may help protect you.

Should I Talk To IRS Or State Investigators Before I Hire A Lawyer?

Speaking with investigators before getting legal advice carries a significant risk. Agents from the IRS or Minnesota Department of Revenue are trained to gather facts that support potential charges, and they often take detailed notes about what you say and how you say it. Statements that feel harmless in the moment can later be used to suggest that you admitted knowledge of certain facts or agreed with the government’s version of events.

Having a tax evasion attorney in Minneapolis involved before any interview is usually the safest approach. We can help you understand what investigators are likely trying to learn, advise you on whether to meet with them at all, and if a meeting makes sense, prepare you and attend. In some cases, we handle communications directly, so you do not feel pressured to respond on the spot. A brief call with our team before talking to agents can help you avoid missteps that are difficult to undo.

What Are The Possible Penalties If I Am Convicted Of Tax Evasion?

Penalties for tax evasion depend on whether the case is in federal or Minnesota state court, the amount the government claims it lost, your role in any alleged scheme, and your prior record. Generally, the range can include prison or jail, probation, fines, and restitution for unpaid taxes and interest. Federal sentencing guidelines and state sentencing rules provide frameworks, but judges have some discretion within those structures.

Beyond the formal sentence, there can be long-term effects. A conviction for a tax crime can make it harder to hold certain jobs, maintain professional licenses, or operate a business that relies on financial trust. For veterans and government employees, such a conviction may affect clearances or specific assignments. During a consultation, we talk through the potential ranges for your situation and the factors that could influence an outcome, while being clear that no lawyer can promise a particular result.

How Will Your Firm Handle My Tax Evasion Case?

We handle each tax evasion case by first working to understand the full picture of what has happened, both on paper and in your life. Our attorneys review returns, records, and charging documents, as well as any notices or correspondence, to see how the government is framing the case. We then talk with you in detail about your role, your business or employment, and any interactions you have had with investigators or tax authorities.

From there, we discuss possible paths, which may include challenging aspects of the government’s evidence, addressing questions about intent, or exploring negotiations where appropriate. Throughout this process, we keep you informed and involved in decisions. Our experience in courts that serve Minneapolis and the wider Twin Cities region helps us anticipate procedural issues and common approaches from prosecutors. While the specific steps we take depend on your case, our overall approach is thorough, strategic, and focused on your long-term interests.

I Am A Veteran Facing Tax Charges. Will My Service Matter?

Your military service can be very important in understanding and presenting your case. Service often involves frequent moves, deployments, and stressors that can complicate finances and recordkeeping. Some veterans also live with psychological injuries that affect decision-making or concentration, which may be directly connected to their service.

As a veteran-led firm, we pay close attention to these factors. We have worked on laws in Minnesota that support treatment-focused responses for veterans with service-related conditions, and we bring that perspective into our criminal defense practice. In a tax-related case, your service and any related conditions may be relevant to questions about intent and to how a judge views appropriate sentencing options. During your consultation, our tax evasion attorneys in Minneapolis take time to learn about your military history and discuss how it may intersect with the legal issues you face.

How Much Will It Cost To Hire A Tax Evasion Defense Lawyer?

The cost of defending a tax evasion case varies based on factors such as whether the case is in state or federal court, how many years of returns and records are involved, and how contested the issues are. Cases that require extensive document review, expert consultation, or a trial will generally require more attorney time than matters resolved earlier through negotiation or limited motion practice.

We offer free initial consultations, so you can speak with us about your situation before making any financial commitments. During that conversation, we explain how we structure our fees for this type of case and what you can expect in terms of communication and involvement. Our goal is to be clear and upfront, so you can decide whether working with our firm is the right choice for you.

How Quickly Should I Contact A Lawyer After Getting A Tax Notice?

It is usually best to contact a lawyer as soon as you suspect that a notice or audit could lead to a criminal investigation. Early involvement allows us to help you understand what the government is asking for, what deadlines you face, and how your responses could affect the path of the case. Waiting until agents are already recommending charges limits the opportunities to address issues before they reach a prosecutor.

Some notices are routine and remain in the civil system, while others are early signs of a deeper review. During a free consultation, we can look at the letters or documents you received and help you gauge how serious the situation may be. From there, we discuss whether you need continued representation and what the next sensible steps are for your circumstances.

When you contact us for a free consultation, you speak with a team that understands both complex criminal law and the courts that handle these matters.