Obstructing Tax Administration lawyer Harford County, MD

An IRS criminal investigation or a federal charge for obstructing tax administration can upend your life overnight. If you are facing allegations in Harford County, Maryland—whether you have received a target letter, been contacted by IRS Criminal Investigation agents, or have already been indicted—you need defense counsel who understands the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland and the federal court process. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring extensive legal experience to federal tax obstruction matters. We handle cases in Harford County and throughout Maryland. To request a consultation, call (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

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What an Obstructing Tax Administration Charge Means in Harford County

Harford County residents and businesses facing a federal obstructing tax administration charge will see their case proceed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland. The court has divisions in Baltimore and Greenbelt; tax obstruction matters are typically handled in Baltimore. Federal tax obstruction charges are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, often in coordination with the Department of Justice Tax Division. Unlike Maryland state tax offenses, federal charges carry the weight of the federal sentencing guidelines and the investigative resources of IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI).

Harford County, located northeast of Baltimore and home to Bel Air, Aberdeen, Havre de Grace, Edgewood, Fallston, Jarrettsville, and Forest Hill, falls within the federal judicial district anchored in Baltimore. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents clients from Harford County and across Maryland. Our Rockville location serves Harford County by appointment; we appear regularly in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland.

Federal prosecutions for obstructing tax administration rest on statutes within the Internal Revenue Code, most notably 26 U.S.C. § 7212(a), which makes it a crime to corruptly obstruct or impede the due administration of the Code, and other sections addressing false returns, failure to file, and tax evasion. These are serious felony matters. The investigative phase often involves subpoenas, interviews with revenue agents and special agents, and the potential for indictment before a federal grand jury. Early engagement of counsel—before charges are filed—can make a meaningful difference in how a case unfolds.

How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Handle Federal Obstruction Cases

When a client in Harford County comes to Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. with an obstructing tax administration matter, we begin by examining the government’s investigation. Our approach includes a thorough review of the administrative record, evaluating whether an administrative proceeding has been converted into a criminal investigation, and identifying any procedural or constitutional issues. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, draws on his experience with criminal trial work to assess the government’s case and to prepare a defense strategy tailored to the client’s circumstances.

Our representation covers all phases: pre-indictment advocacy, post-indictment litigation, plea negotiations, and trial. We work to challenge the government’s evidence, to negotiate with the prosecutor where appropriate, and to present mitigating information. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys collaborate on case preparation, bringing additional litigation experience. We understand the local federal practice in the District of Maryland, including the expectations of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the court’s procedural requirements.

Because federal tax obstruction cases can involve complex financial records and voluminous documents, we coordinate with forensic accountants and tax professionals as needed. We focus on building a defense that addresses both the legal elements of the charge and the facts of the underlying tax dispute.

About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced since 1997 and is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. His background as a former prosecutor gives him insight into how the government builds a criminal case. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). He is supported by the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys, who bring extensive litigation experience and contribute to the defense of federal criminal matters.

The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys include experienced litigators who concentrate their practice on criminal defense. Together, the team brings extensive combined legal experience to each matter. The firm maintains a Rockville, Maryland location and serves clients throughout Harford County, including Bel Air, Aberdeen, Havre de Grace, Edgewood, Fallston, Jarrettsville, and Forest Hill. Our location is by appointment; we can be reached at (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is obstructing tax administration under federal law?

Obstructing tax administration under federal law means corruptly impeding or obstructing the Internal Revenue Service’s ability to administer the Internal Revenue Code. The primary statute, 26 U.S.C. § 7212(a), makes it a felony to corruptly endeavor to obstruct or impede the due administration of the revenue laws. The government must prove that the defendant acted willfully and with a corrupt intent. Cases are investigated by IRS Criminal Investigation and prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The charge covers a range of conduct, from interfering with an IRS audit to destroying records.

What are the penalties for obstructing tax administration in federal court?

A conviction for obstructing tax administration carries the potential for imprisonment, a fine, supervised release, and restitution. The specific penalty depends on the statute charged, the defendant’s criminal history, and the sentencing guidelines calculation. Under 26 U.S.C. § 7212(a), the statutory maximum includes a term of years in prison. Federal sentencing guidelines are advisory but strongly influence the sentence. The court also may order the defendant to pay the taxes owed plus interest and penalties. Every case is different; a thorough defense can affect the outcome.

How does the federal criminal process work for tax obstruction in Harford County?

A federal tax obstruction case begins with an IRS-CI investigation, which may lead to a grand jury indictment in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland. After indictment, the defendant is arraigned and the court sets conditions of release. Pretrial motions, discovery, and plea negotiations follow. If the case goes to trial, a jury will decide guilt. Sentencing occurs later, with the judge applying the federal sentencing guidelines. The court’s calendar and the complexity of the case determine the timeline. Having counsel from the start is essential.

Do I need a lawyer if I am under investigation for obstructing tax administration?

Yes, you should contact an experienced federal criminal defense attorney immediately if you learn you are under investigation for obstructing tax administration. IRS-CI special agents are trained to build criminal cases. Anything you say can be used against you. A lawyer can communicate with the government on your behalf, assess the strength of the evidence, and work to protect your rights. Early representation can sometimes influence whether charges are filed. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for a consultation.

What should I do if I receive a target letter or a grand jury subpoena from the IRS?

If you receive a target letter or a grand jury subpoena from the IRS, you should not speak to investigators until you have consulted a lawyer. A target letter indicates you are the focus of a criminal investigation. A subpoena may require you to produce documents or testify. An attorney can help you understand your obligations and can negotiate the scope of the request. Do not destroy or alter any documents; that could lead to additional charges. Reach the firm at (888) 437-7747 for a consultation.

How can a defense lawyer challenge an obstructing tax administration charge?

A defense lawyer can challenge the charge by contesting the government’s evidence of corrupt intent, the willfulness of the act, or the connection between the defendant’s conduct and the obstruction of the IRS’s functions. Defenses may also involve attacking the admissibility of evidence obtained through unconstitutional searches, asserting that the defendant acted on the advice of counsel, or demonstrating that the civil tax dispute was not criminal in nature. The appropriate strategy depends on the specific facts. A thorough review of the investigative file is a critical first step.

For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

If you are in Harford County and facing federal criminal tax allegations, also review our practice pages for nearby counties:

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