Obstructing Tax Administration lawyer Wicomico County, MD

A federal charge of obstructing tax administration can upend your life. When the IRS Criminal Investigation division turns its attention to a taxpayer in Wicomico County, the case moves into the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, where the Assistant United States Attorney brings the prosecution. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., and his Of Counsel defend clients throughout the Eastern Shore, including Salisbury, Fruitland, Delmar, Mardela Springs, Sharptown, and Pittsville. The firm’s Rockville location serves Wicomico County by appointment, and prospective clients can reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

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What an Obstructing Tax Administration Charge Means in Wicomico County

Obstructing tax administration is a federal felony prosecuted under the Internal Revenue Code. The offense involves corrupt interference with the lawful functions of the IRS, such as destroying records, intimidating an IRS employee, or using force to impede a tax investigation. Because the charge arises under Title 26, it falls within the exclusive jurisdiction of the federal courts. For Wicomico County residents, the case is filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, which convenes in Baltimore and Greenbelt. Federal prosecutors at the USAO for the District of Maryland handle these cases with the extensive resources of the Department of Justice.

The IRS Criminal Investigation division investigates allegations of tax obstruction. Agents review financial records, conduct interviews, and may execute search warrants. Once the investigation is complete, the case is presented to a grand jury, which typically hears evidence in a closed proceeding. If the grand jury returns an indictment, the defendant appears for an arraignment before a federal magistrate. Pretrial motions, discovery, and plea negotiations follow. If the matter proceeds to trial, a jury in the U.S. District Court decides the facts, and if convicted, the defendant faces sentencing under the advisory Federal Sentencing Guidelines. The federal system has no parole, and any term of imprisonment is followed by a period of supervised release. Fines, restitution, and asset forfeiture may also be imposed.

The firm’s representation extends to all communities in Wicomico County. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel appear at federal court proceedings in Baltimore and Greenbelt, and they work with clients to navigate the procedural and substantive complexities of a federal tax case. The distance from the Eastern Shore to the federal courthouses means that careful scheduling and early preparation are important. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel coordinate with federal prosecutors and the court to manage appearances efficiently while giving each matter the attention it requires.

How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Federal Tax Obstruction Cases

Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor who founded the firm in 1997, brings decades of trial experience to every federal criminal matter. His background in the prosecution provides insight into how the government builds its case, strengths and weaknesses in the evidence, and the pressures that agents and Assistant U.S. Attorneys apply. This perspective informs the defense strategy from the earliest stages of an investigation.

Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel work methodically. They examine the indictment or target letter, review discovery for procedural and factual defenses, and evaluate whether statements or records were obtained in compliance with constitutional and statutory safeguards. Where appropriate, they negotiate with the prosecution to reduce charges or seek a pre-indictment resolution. If trial is the client’s choice, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel prepare the case thoroughly, challenging the government’s evidence and presenting the defense before a jury in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland. Sentencing advocacy includes presenting mitigating evidence and challenging the application of the Sentencing Guidelines to the court. Throughout the matter, clients receive straightforward communication about the status of the case and the options available.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has been admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. His experience includes service as a former prosecutor, and he testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). He personally handles every federal criminal matter the firm accepts.

Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience. The Of Counsel attorneys include litigators who have prosecuted cases in Maryland state courts, providing additional insight into government investigations that may cross state and federal lines. On any federal tax obstruction case, the client benefits from the collaborative approach of a lead trial lawyer and the thorough preparation of the firm’s Of Counsel team. Results may vary. in any matter.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to be charged with obstructing tax administration?

Obstructing tax administration is a federal criminal charge alleging that a person corruptly interfered with the IRS’s ability to assess or collect taxes. The government must prove that the defendant acted willfully and with the intent to impede the lawful functioning of the Internal Revenue Service. Common allegations include destroying financial records, hiding income from an IRS auditor, or threatening an IRS officer. The charge is a felony and carries the potential for a term of imprisonment. Unlike state tax charges, a federal tax obstruction case is handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and subject to the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. Because the government has broad investigative powers, anyone facing such an allegation should seek legal advice promptly. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747.

How does the IRS investigate federal tax obstruction cases?

The IRS Criminal Investigation division conducts federal tax obstruction investigations using forensic accounting, witness interviews, and in many cases search warrants. CI agents are trained law enforcement officers who can execute search warrants, seize financial documents, and compel testimony through the grand jury. They often coordinate with other federal agencies such as the FBI, the Postal Inspection Service, or the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration. Investigations can take months or longer. Once the IRS completes its investigation, it refers the case to the Department of Justice, which decides whether to seek an indictment. Anyone who learns they are under investigation should not speak to agents without counsel present. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

What are the potential penalties for obstructing tax administration?

A conviction for obstructing tax administration can result in a substantial term of imprisonment, large fines, and a period of supervised release. The specific penalty depends on the statute charged, the defendant’s conduct, and any applicable sentencing enhancements under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. There is no parole in the federal system. The court may also order restitution and forfeiture of assets. Even after the term of incarceration ends, the defendant serves a term of supervised release with conditions that may include restrictions on employment and travel. Because the consequences are severe, having an experienced defense attorney who practices in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland is critical. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

Do I need a lawyer if I am contacted by IRS Criminal Investigation?

If an IRS CI agent contacts you, you should decline to discuss the matter until you have spoken with a federal criminal defense attorney. Agents are trained to gather information that can be used against you. Anything you say can be used in a later prosecution. Even a seemingly innocent statement can corroborate an element of the offense the government must prove. You have the right to counsel and the right to remain silent. Before any meeting, a lawyer can determine the scope of the investigation and advise you on whether and how to respond. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel handle federal tax cases for individuals in Wicomico County and throughout Maryland. Call (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation.

How long does a federal criminal tax obstruction case typically last?

The timeline for a federal tax obstruction case varies significantly depending on the complexity of the investigation, the number of defendants, and the court’s calendar. Some cases resolve through pre-indictment negotiation in a matter of months. Others proceed through a full jury trial and sentencing, which may extend the matter over a year or more. The Speedy Trial Act imposes certain deadlines, but the practical timeline is often driven by discovery production, motion practice, and plea discussions. Counsel who understands the federal court’s practices in the District of Maryland can help manage expectations and avoid unnecessary delays. For a case-specific timeline assessment, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747.

What is the difference between state and federal tax charges?

Federal tax charges, including obstructing tax administration, are prosecuted in U.S. District Court under federal statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, while state tax charges are brought in Maryland state court under Maryland tax law. Federal cases are handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and investigated by federal agencies such as IRS-CI. State charges are prosecuted by the State’s Attorney for Wicomico County and heard in the District Court of Maryland or the Circuit Court, depending on the severity. Federal sentences generally involve longer terms of incarceration and no parole. The procedural rules and evidentiary standards also differ. An attorney who appears in both federal and state court can help you understand the implications of each forum. For a consultation, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

For additional resources, consult the following official primary sources: IRS Criminal Investigation, U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, and U.S. Code Title 26 (Internal Revenue Code).

Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Rockville Location by appointment only: 199 E. Montgomery Avenue, Suite 100, Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850. Reach us at (888) 437-7747.

Reviewed by Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder

Admitted in Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York

Practicing since 1997

Last reviewed: July 2026

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Results may vary. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.