Tax Evasion Attorney in Monmouth County

Serious Criminal Tax Defense When Everything Is At Stake

If you are being investigated or charged with tax evasion in Monmouth County, you are facing far more than an ordinary tax problem. Criminal tax allegations can threaten your freedom, your finances, and the reputation you have built with your family and community. You should not try to navigate this alone.

At Law Offices of Carlos Diaz-Cobo, we focus our practice on serious criminal defense across New Jersey, including state and federal tax crime cases. From our office on Main Street in Freehold, we work with clients who have received IRS letters, grand jury subpoenas, or visits from investigators and who need clear, strategic guidance right away.

Our founder is a Certified Criminal Trial Lawyer recognized by the New Jersey Supreme Court, a distinction held by fewer than 2 percent of attorneys in the state. That level of courtroom training, combined with nearly two decades of criminal defense practice, allows our team to approach complex tax evasion allegations with the seriousness they demand.

Your defense against white-collar charges requires a specialized approach. Secure the aggressive and affordable representation of the Law Offices of Carlos Diaz-Cobo. Call (848) 207-2709 or reach out online today for your free consultation and start protecting your reputation.

Understanding Tax Evasion Laws in New Jersey

New Jersey law classifies tax evasion as a serious criminal offense, typically prosecuted as a third-degree indictable offense (the New Jersey equivalent of a felony). Under the New Jersey State Tax Uniform Procedure Law and related criminal statutes, tax evasion occurs when an individual or business willfully attempts to evade or defeat any tax imposed by the state.

It is essential for a Monmouth County tax evasion lawyer to differentiate between several related but distinct tax offenses:

• Tax Evasion: The deliberate, illegal attempt to avoid paying taxes owed. This often involves hiding assets, maintaining "double books," or creating sham transactions to lower tax liability.
• Failing to File a Return: While sometimes a mistake, purposefully failing to file a required tax report or return with the intent to evade tax is a criminal act.
• Filing a False Return: Intentionally providing false or misleading information on a tax document, such as inflating deductions or falsely claiming dependents.
• Failure to Collect or Remit Tax: Often seen in business contexts, this involves failing to turn over sales tax or employee payroll withholdings to the state.

One of the most important distinctions our firm makes is the difference between tax evasion and "tax avoidance." Tax avoidance is the legal utilization of the tax regime to your own advantage, such as claiming legitimate deductions or credits. We fight to show that our clients were engaged in legal financial planning or made good-faith errors, rather than engaging in criminal evasion.

Penalties and Collateral Consequences of Tax Evasion in New Jersey

The consequences of a tax evasion conviction in New Jersey are severe and extend far beyond the courtroom. Because it is generally a third-degree crime, the statutory penalties include:

• Prison Sentence: A conviction can result in 3 to 5 years in New Jersey State Prison.
• Hefty Fines: You may face criminal fines of up to $15,000 per count, though for certain tax crimes, fines can escalate significantly—sometimes up to $100,000 for individuals.
• Restitution and Interest: In addition to criminal penalties, you will be required to pay the full amount of the unpaid taxes, plus substantial civil penalties and accrued interest, which can often double or triple the original amount owed.

The collateral consequences of a felony-level conviction are equally life-altering. You will have a permanent criminal record that can disqualify you from professional licensing in fields like law, medicine, accounting, or real estate. Employment opportunities may vanish as you become "unbondable" for many positions. 

Furthermore, a conviction for a crime of dishonesty can permanently damage your credibility in any future legal or business dealings. Hiring a Monmouth County tax evasion lawyer who offers a free consultation is your first step in mitigating these devastating risks.

Our Comprehensive Approach to Tax Evasion Defense

Defending a tax evasion charge requires detailed legal and financial analysis. Our approach begins with reviewing records and charging documents to understand how prosecutors claim willfulness and calculate alleged tax issues. We examine the reasoning behind financial entries, your reliance on accountants or advisors, and whether the government’s assumptions and calculations are accurate.

We also explore defenses such as negligence rather than intent, incomplete or unreliable records, and flaws in how evidence or interviews were handled. Clients are kept informed about all options, including negotiation or trial in New Jersey or federal court. With trial-certified leadership, we prepare each case thoroughly while helping clients make informed, confident decisions throughout the process.

At the Law Offices of Carlos Diaz-Cobo, we believe that a strong defense is built on meticulous preparation and a refusal to be intimidated by the government's resources. Our methodology includes:

• Attacking Intent: We focus on the "Good Faith Defense." If we can show you relied on the advice of a tax professional or made a legitimate mistake in interpreting the law, the element of "willfulness" is destroyed.
• Forensic Re-Auditing: We don't take the Division of Taxation’s numbers at face value. We look for overlooked deductions, credits, and accounting methods that prove you did not actually owe the amount claimed.
• Protecting Your Rights During Audits: We shield you from "eggshell audits" where civil investigators are secretly gathering evidence for a criminal referral.
• Bilingual Advocacy: We offer services in both Spanish and English, ensuring that all our clients fully understand the complexities of their defense and can communicate effectively with their legal team.

Why Choose Our Criminal Defense Team

Tax evasion allegations require experienced criminal defense, not just tax or accounting help. Prosecutors focus on proving willful conduct that can result in felony convictions and prison time. Our team understands both complex financial evidence and the courtroom strategies needed to defend against serious criminal charges.

Founded in 2006, our firm is known for aggressive, strategic, and personalized advocacy. Led by Mr. Diaz-Cobo, a New Jersey Supreme Court–certified Criminal Trial Lawyer, we bring advanced trial experience to high-stakes cases. Our work has earned recognition from national and state legal organizations for preparation, skill, and courtroom effectiveness.

We are admitted to practice in multiple state and federal courts, allowing us to handle cases that expand into federal investigations. Beyond credentials, we treat every client with dignity and respect, taking time to listen and explain options clearly. Our firm values accessibility, including serving Spanish-speaking clients with care and understanding.

Reach out to a Monmouth County tax evasion lawyer who is a Certified Criminal Trial Lawyer with a proven track record. Take advantage of our free consultation by calling (848) 207-2709 or contact us online now.