Tax Evasion Attorney in Norfolk

Serious Criminal Tax Charges Demand Serious Defense

If you have learned that you are under investigation for tax evasion in Norfolk or you have already been charged, you are facing a situation that can affect your freedom, finances, and reputation for years. You may be unsure how serious this really is or what to do next, but you know that waiting is not an option.

At Protogyrou Law, our tax evasion lawyers in Norfolk understand how overwhelming it feels when federal or state tax authorities are looking at your returns, your business records, and your personal finances. Our role is to help you regain a sense of control, explain what is happening, and work to protect your rights at every stage of the process.

A tax evasion accusation can jeopardize your freedom, career, and finances. Get a strong defense from an experienced Norfolk tax evasion attorney at Protogyrou Law. Call (757) 267-6611 or contact us.

Why Choose Protogyrou Law for Tax Evasion Defense in Norfolk

Facing a tax evasion allegation can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with prosecutors and agencies experienced in financial crime. Choosing the right legal team is critical to protecting your rights and navigating complex financial and criminal procedures.

Clients benefit from the following strengths when working with our Norfolk tax evasion lawyers:

• Extensive Criminal Defense Experience: Our attorneys have been defending clients in serious criminal matters since 1998, bringing over a century of combined courtroom experience to each case.
• Familiarity with Local and Federal Courts: We regularly appear in Norfolk Circuit Court, other Hampton Roads courts, and the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.
• Thorough Investigation and Preparation: We review years of tax returns, analyze business operations, and scrutinize government evidence. Our focus is on understanding intent, identifying honest errors, and building a defense tailored to each client.
• Trusted by High-Profile Clients: Judges, law enforcement officers, public figures, self-insured corporations, and national insurance companies have relied on our experience in serious criminal matters.
• Professional Recognition: Our attorneys have been recognized by Super Lawyers and Virginia Business Legal Elite. While honors do not determine the outcome of a case, they reflect our peers’ respect for our commitment to criminal defense and client advocacy.

We aim to guide clients through the tax evasion process with clarity and confidence. Our goal is to build a strategy that protects your rights, addresses the facts, and pursues the most favorable outcome possible.

Understanding Virginia Tax Evasion Charges

Many clients come to us after receiving a letter from the Internal Revenue Service or the Virginia Department of Taxation, or after an accountant has warned that an audit may turn criminal. Tax evasion typically involves allegations that a person or business willfully tried to avoid paying taxes that were lawfully owed. This is a criminal accusation, not a simple dispute with a tax bill.

Conduct that can lead to tax evasion or related criminal tax charges may include intentionally underreporting income, claiming false deductions, using false documents, hiding income through unreported accounts, or structuring transactions to conceal their true nature. The key issue in many cases is willfulness. Prosecutors often try to show that any errors were deliberate, while the defense may present evidence of mistake, misunderstanding, or reliance on others.

Investigations can be handled by IRS Criminal Investigation, by state tax authorities, or by both. Depending on the facts, charges may be brought in Virginia state court, such as the Norfolk Circuit Court, or in federal court, including the federal courthouse in Norfolk that serves the Eastern District of Virginia. Where your case is filed often depends on the type of tax involved, the amount at issue, and which agency led the investigation.

Penalties for a tax evasion conviction can be severe. They may include prison sentences, substantial fines, restitution or repayment obligations, and long-term supervision. Professionals can also face disciplinary action against their licenses, and individuals in sensitive positions can see security clearances or employment opportunities affected. Because of these risks, it is important to speak with a tax evasion lawyer in Norfolk to address both the criminal process and the broader impact of the case.

What To Do If Under Investigation of Tax Evasion

If you are under investigation or have been charged with tax evasion, consider taking these steps:

• Do not ignore letters, subpoenas, or summonses from the IRS or Virginia tax authorities, and keep copies of everything you receive.
• Avoid speaking with agents or investigators on your own, even if they say they only want to clear up a few questions.
• Preserve financial records, such as tax returns, bank statements, invoices, and communications with accountants, rather than altering or discarding them.
• Write down dates and details of any contact you have already had with investigators so your attorneys can evaluate what has been said.
• Contact a tax evasion lawyer promptly to review your situation before you decide whether to answer questions or provide documents.

It can be natural to lean on an accountant or tax preparer during a stressful audit or investigation. Accountants play an important role, but they do not represent you in the criminal justice system. We work to help clients coordinate with their financial professionals while keeping their constitutional rights at the center of every decision.

Our Approach To Tax Evasion Defense in Norfolk

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I go to jail for tax evasion?

A tax evasion conviction can carry the possibility of jail or prison, but not every case results in incarceration. Sentencing depends on factors such as the amount at issue, criminal history, and the court involved. We work to analyze your risk and pursue options that may reduce potential penalties.

Should I talk to IRS agents without a lawyer?

It is usually safer to speak with investigators only after you have consulted a tax evasion attorney. Statements made early in an investigation can be used against you later. We can help evaluate what information should be shared, and under what conditions, to protect your rights.

Will anyone find out about my tax charges?

Criminal court proceedings are generally public, and some cases attract media interest. However, not every matter receives attention. We take confidentiality seriously, and our experience handling high-profile and sensitive white-collar crime cases helps us address reputational concerns while we focus on your legal defense.

Talk To Our Tax Evasion Attorney in Norfolk

Facing tax evasion allegations is stressful, and trying to handle agents or prosecutors on your own can make a difficult situation even more complicated. You do not have to navigate this process alone. Our tax evasion lawyer in Norfolk can help you understand the risks and take informed steps to protect yourself.

Protogyrou Law provides strategic defense to protect your rights. Call (757) 267-6611 or contact us online to schedule a confidential consultation with a Norfolk tax evasion lawyer.