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Conspiracy to Commit Tax Fraud (26 U.S.C. 7206; 18 U.S.C. 371)

February 18, 2025

Last Updated on: 23rd March 2025, 11:28 pm

CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT TAX FRAUD

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If you’re reading this, it’s likely you or someone you care about is in trouble with the IRS. Let’s skip the small talk and get straight to the point: Tax fraud is serious, and a conspiracy charge that was brought under 26 U.S.C. 7206 and 18 U.S.C. 371 can put everything you’ve worked for at risk – you can lose your freedom, you can lose your family, you can lose your business, and more. I’m not here to make you feel cozy; I’m here to make you face reality and do something about it.
Let’s talk about what this crime involves, how the punishment can hit you, and what we, at Spodek Law Group, do to defend you.

WHAT IS “CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT TAX FRAUD?”

A conspiracy is something that was formed to commit tax fraud, it is basically an agreement between two or more people, who decided to cheat the government by lying on tax forms or hiding income. According to the IRS website, it can include a number of different crimes, such as filing false returns, not reporting certain income, or helping someone else do these things. Conspiracy that was discovered usually come with added penalties, because the government sees it as a plan to dodge your tax obligations. The consequence? You could face heavy fines, a bad record, and possible prison time.

Here’s why it’s even worse: Federal prosecutors who focus on tax crimes don’t mess around – they have unlimited resources. They have investigators who know the system, and they will work day and night to build a case. Once they think conspiracy is at play, they start going through bank records, pay stubs, and anything else they can get their hands on in order to prosecute you. Evidence that was illegally obtained can sometimes be thrown out in court, and this can weaken the case, which means the entire case could weaken, but that depends on your lawyer’s skill. If that evidence stands, you could lose your freedom and your money.

WHY YOU NEED TO TAKE THIS SERIOUSLY

People who are charged with conspiracy to commit tax fraud often underestimate how deep this rabbit hole goes. Trust me, ignoring it won’t make it go away. If you’re found guilty of the crimes in question, you might face a number of alleged penalties such as:

  • Hefty Fines: Fines that were imposed by the court can run into the hundreds of thousands of dollars, or more, depending on your case.
  • Prison Time: Sentences that were imposed for conspiracy can result in years behind bars, especially if large amounts of money are involved.
  • Permanent Criminal Record: A record that was created by a federal conviction can follow you for the rest of your life, making it tough to find a job or secure a loan.

OUR PHILOSOPHY

We’re Spodek Law Group, a nationwide federal defense law firm created by Todd Spodek. We tell it like it is: If you messed up, admit it. If the government overreached, we will destroy and disassemble their case to shreds. We don’t tolerate half-measures, and we certainly don’t accept victim mindsets. You either do the work needed to defend your future, or you roll over and let the system eat you alive. That’s your choice.

When we decide to represent someone, it’s because we believe there’s a real shot at a meaningful result. We will dig through every piece of evidence that was gathered against you, trying to figure out if there’s anything we can use to our advantage. This is serious stuff. If you want a lawyer who pretends everything is fine, look elsewhere. We push our clients to face the facts and go big.

LEGAL CODES THAT WERE VIOLATED

When we’re talking about 26 U.S.C. 7206, we’re talking about purposefully making false statements on tax documents. Meanwhile, 18 U.S.C. 371 covers conspiracy to commit any offense against the United States, including tax crimes. Both laws carry significant penalties that can pile up, because the government might try to charge you with multiple violations. In the end, the sentence that was handed down by the court can include prison time, fines, and restitution.

HOW WE’D DEFEND YOU

Here’s how we handle defending you, and below are some examples of possible defense strategies:

  • Challenge Improper Evidence: Evidence that was obtained illegally, or without proper warrants, can be thrown out. If that happens, the prosecution’s case can fall apart, which means your chances of a favorable outcome go up. No evidence means the prosecutor doesn’t have a way to build their case.
  • Prove Lack of Intent: Tax laws can be confusing, and confusion that led to a false return might not amount to criminal intent. If you didn’t know what you were signing, we argue that you never planned to commit fraud. Without intent, you’re not looking at criminal penalties – only civil penalties.
  • Expose Investigative Errors: Agents who were overzealous sometimes violate procedures or pressure witnesses to say things that aren’t true. That’s the kind of error we focus on, because it can get evidence discredited.
  • Negotiations to Minimize Damage: If the government’s case is strong, we work to negotiate charges down. That can keep you out of prison.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

Question Answer
Is conspiracy a separate crime? Yes. A conspiracy that was identified by prosecutors can lead to charges separate from the main offense. This adds more possible penalties.
What if I just followed someone else’s advice? If you did not understand your actions, or you relied on bad advice, we can argue lack of intent. However, ignorance isn’t always a guaranteed defense.
Can I avoid prison? Possibly. We can negotiate plea deals or highlight issues in the government’s case. Each situation is unique, so outcomes vary.
Should I talk to investigators alone? No. Anything that was said by you can be used against you. Get an attorney before making statements. Period.

Let’s get honest: If you’re under investigation or already charged, you’re in a fight. Are you going to waste time lying to yourself, or do you want real solutions? If you want real solutions, you must focus. Make no mistake—this won’t be easy. But if you’re willing to own up to what happened, or prove you didn’t do anything wrong, we’re here to build a strategy that works.

We believe in delivering real help, not fake sympathy. That’s how we get results. We hold you to high standards, because your future depends on it. If you’re prepared to do the hard work, Spodek Law Group can create a path forward.

CONTACT OUR FEDERAL DEFENSE LAW FIRM

We are Spodek Law Group, a nationwide federal defense law firm created by Todd Spodek, with over 50 years of combined experience. We handle tough federal cases coast to coast. We have an all-digital portal that lets you communicate with us anytime, anywhere. We’re available 24/7 and provide a risk free consultation.

Call us now, or fill out our online form, and let’s start fighting for your future. If you’re serious about beating conspiracy to commit tax fraud charges, or reducing the damage, now is the time to act.

No more excuses. You already know what’s at stake.

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RAJESH BARUA

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