Obstructing Tax Administration lawyer Prince George’s County, MD
Federal charges for obstructing tax administration are among the most serious white-collar matters a person can face. In Prince George’s County, Maryland, these cases are investigated by the IRS Criminal Investigation Division and prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland. If you have been contacted by IRS special agents, have received a target letter, or are under investigation for conduct falling under 26 U.S.C. § 7201 or related tax obstruction statutes, you need an experienced federal defense attorney who understands how the Greenbelt division of the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland operates. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys concentrate on defending individuals against federal tax obstruction allegations. They appear regularly at the Greenbelt federal courthouse, located at 6500 Cherrywood Lane, Greenbelt, MD 20770, which handles cases arising in Prince George’s County and surrounding areas. The stakes include potential imprisonment, substantial fines, restitution, and supervised release—all within a system that offers no parole. A prompt, strategic response can shape the direction of an investigation long before an indictment is returned. To request a consultation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What Federal Obstructing Tax Administration Means in Prince George’s County
Obstructing tax administration is not a state tax offense—it is a federal felony. The governing statutes include 26 U.S.C. § 7201 (attempt to evade or defeat tax), § 7202 (failure to collect or pay over tax), § 7203 (willful failure to file, pay, or keep records), § 7206 (false or fraudulent statements), and § 7212(a) (endeavoring to obstruct or impede the due administration of the Internal Revenue Code). Each carries its own penalties, but a conviction under § 7201, for example, can result in up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $100,000 ($500,000 for corporations), and the cost of prosecution. In Prince George’s County, these charges are investigated by the IRS Criminal Investigation Division, often with support from the FBI or other federal agencies. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland—specifically the Greenbelt division—handles the prosecution. Grand jury proceedings are secret, and a person may not learn of an investigation until a subpoena or search warrant arrives.
Prince George’s County residents and businesses appear at the Greenbelt federal courthouse, a modern facility easily accessible from I-95, I-495, Route 202, and the Route 1 corridor. The court serves communities including Upper Marlboro, Bowie, College Park, Laurel, Hyattsville, Greenbelt, Largo, Fort Washington, Lanham, Clinton, Capitol Heights, Oxon Hill, and Suitland. Federal magistrate judges handle initial appearances and arraignments, while district judges preside over pretrial motions, plea hearings, and trials. The Speedy Trial Act and the court’s own scheduling orders drive the pace of proceedings. Because the federal system applies advisory sentencing guidelines and mandatory minimums in some cases, the pretrial phase—including discovery review, motion practice, and discussions with the Assistant U.S. Attorney—is critical. Individuals and businesses in the county who are under investigation or charged should understand that IRS special agents build cases meticulously, often over months or years, using financial records, bank documents, and witness interviews.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Federal Tax Obstruction Cases
Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys take a direct, detail-oriented approach to federal tax obstruction matters. Early involvement is essential. Before an indictment is returned, counsel can engage with the investigating IRS agent and the AUSA to present facts, correct misunderstandings, and, where possible, dissuade the government from seeking charges. If an indictment has already been filed, the defense team conducts a thorough review of the evidence—including tax returns, bank records, forensic accounting reports, and witness statements—to identify viable challenges. The government’s case in tax obstruction often rests on proving willfulness, and a defense that undermines the willfulness element can materially alter the outcome.
The firm’s approach includes evaluating whether the government followed proper procedures during the investigation, whether any statements were obtained in violation of a taxpayer’s rights, and whether the available records support the alleged underreporting or evasion. Sentencing exposure is assessed under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, including any applicable offense-specific adjustments, role enhancements, and acceptance-of-responsibility reductions. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel also collaborate with forensic accountants and other professionals when a case demands it, ensuring that the financial analysis is as rigorous as the legal argument. Because the firm handles federal matters in multiple jurisdictions, it brings a wide-ranging perspective to each case, always adapting to the practices of the specific U.S. Attorney’s Office and the assigned district judge. The defense team works to achieve a favorable resolution—whether through a pretrial disposition, a negotiated plea that limits exposure, or, when appropriate, a contested trial.
About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced law since 1997 and is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. A former prosecutor, he understands how government investigations are built and has concentrated a substantial portion of his practice on federal criminal defense, including tax obstruction and related financial crimes. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). His experience handling matters in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, including the Greenbelt division, gives clients the benefit of familiarity with local federal procedures and the Assistant U.S. Attorneys who appear in that court.
Mr. Sris is supported by the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys, who include a former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney with extensive trial experience in both state and federal court. The Of Counsel attorneys contract directly with the firm and bring their own litigation backgrounds to the defense of tax obstruction cases. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience. Results may vary. Together they work to protect the rights of clients facing IRS criminal investigations and federal prosecutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I am facing obstructing tax administration charges in Prince George’s County?
If you are facing obstructing tax administration charges in Prince George’s County, contact a federal criminal defense attorney immediately and do not discuss your case with anyone else. IRS special agents are skilled at interviewing witnesses and targets; anything you say can be used against you. Preserve all relevant documents—tax returns, bank statements, correspondence with the IRS, accounting records—but do not destroy or alter anything, as that can result in additional obstruction charges. Prompt involvement of counsel allows your attorney to interact with the Assistant U.S. Attorney and the investigating agent before a charging decision is made, which can sometimes prevent an indictment or shape the scope of the charges. The statute of limitations for tax offenses runs for six years under 26 U.S.C. § 6531, but the investigation may have been ongoing for some time, so do not delay in seeking legal guidance.
What are the penalties for obstructing tax administration under federal law?
Penalties for obstructing tax administration depend on the specific statute charged, the amount of tax loss, and the defendant’s criminal history. Tax evasion under 26 U.S.C. § 7201 carries up to five years in prison, a fine up to $100,000 ($500,000 for corporations), plus the costs of prosecution. Willful failure to file under § 7203 is a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year and a fine, but multiple counts can be aggregated. Filing a false return under § 7206(1) is a felony with up to three years imprisonment per count. Obstructing the administration of the tax laws under § 7212(a) is a felony with up to three years in prison. The Federal Sentencing Guidelines base the severity largely on the tax loss; higher losses dramatically increase the advisory range. Restitution to the IRS is almost always ordered. There is no parole in the federal system, so any sentence imposed will result in the defendant serving the majority of the term, minus good-time credit.
How does the IRS Criminal Investigation Division build a tax obstruction case?
IRS Criminal Investigation (CI) builds a tax obstruction case by collecting financial records, interviewing witnesses, and analyzing tax returns to establish willfulness. Special agents are trained forensic accountants who review bank statements, income records, expense documentation, and third-party reporting (such as 1099 forms). They look for patterns of underreporting, hidden assets, sham transactions, and false deductions. They may also conduct undercover operations or use confidential informants. Once they believe they have evidence of a willful violation, they prepare a Special Agent’s Report and refer the matter to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for prosecution. The process can take months or even years. A person under investigation may learn of it only when a subpoena or search warrant is served.
Do I need a lawyer for federal tax obstruction charges in Prince George’s County?
Yes, anyone facing a federal tax obstruction charge should be represented by an experienced federal criminal defense attorney. The federal system operates differently from state court. The rules of evidence, sentencing guidelines, and pretrial procedures are complex. The U.S. Attorney’s Office has substantial resources, and federal prosecutors have high conviction rates. An attorney who knows the Greenbelt division of the U.S. District Court can evaluate the strength of the government’s case, identify defenses, and negotiate with the AUSA. Without a lawyer, a defendant is at a serious disadvantage, particularly when the government’s investigation has been underway for months. Representation also ensures that constitutional rights are protected during interviews, searches, and court proceedings.
How do I find an obstructing tax administration lawyer near Prince George’s County?
You can find an obstructing tax administration lawyer near Prince George’s County by contacting Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation. The firm’s attorneys appear regularly at the Greenbelt federal courthouse and focus on federal criminal defense, including tax obstruction matters. The Rockville location, at 199 E. Montgomery Avenue, Suite 100, Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850, is a convenient meeting point for clients from Prince George’s County. Consultations are by appointment. Phone lines are answered at all hours, every day. During the consultation, you can discuss the specifics of your case, learn about the federal process, and decide whether the firm is the right fit for your defense.
For additional information, you may explore these resources: Federal Criminal Lawyer Montgomery County, MD, Federal Criminal Lawyer Howard County, MD, Federal Criminal Lawyer Anne Arundel County, MD, Federal Criminal Lawyer Frederick County, MD, and Federal Criminal Lawyer Baltimore County, MD.
U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland | IRS Criminal Investigation | U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Maryland
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