Criminal Defense Law Blog

Swiss Bank Accounts: Are They Still a Tax Shelter?

Even people with no banking experience and no personal experience with the Swiss banking system are generally aware of the reputation of that system when it comes to providing a way to hide money. The federal government is also well aware of this reputation, and has taken measures to make it less attractive to people seeking to avoid paying taxes. A recent news story suggests that despite these countermeasures, some people are still using Swiss banks as a tax shelter of dubious legality.

By Robert G. Stahl, Esq.|2024-08-12T10:45:16-04:00September 12th, 2016|Categories: Tax Fraud|Tags: Tax Fraud|0 Comments

How can a sex crime in New Jersey lead to federal charges?

Violating a state law in New Jersey does not, normally, expose someone to the possibility of federal criminal penalties. This is not, however, the situation if the state crime is a sex offense requiring that a convicted person register as a sex offender.

By Robert G. Stahl, Esq.|2024-08-11T19:44:14-04:00September 12th, 2016|Categories: Sex Crimes|Tags: Federal Crimes|0 Comments

Tax Fraud Charges Comes with Stiff Penalties

Now that tax season is over, you may be worried about getting audited. Common mistakes, such as math errors, and red flags, such as filing a return as "self-employed," make it more likely that you will be audited. Still, the IRS understands that the tax code is complicated and that people make mistakes. As a result, the IRS distinguishes mistake or negligence from tax fraud, as discussed in an earlier post.

By Robert G. Stahl, Esq.|2024-08-19T19:30:32-04:00September 12th, 2016|Categories: Penalties, Tax Fraud|Tags: Tax Fraud|0 Comments

What is the definition of a conspiracy?

Any time that the alleged commission of an illegal act involves more than one person, it is possible if not likely that they will be charged with a criminal conspiracy. But what exactly is a conspiracy, and how do prosecutors attempt to prove it in court?

By Robert G. Stahl, Esq.|2021-05-26T10:26:19-04:00September 12th, 2016|Categories: Conspiracy|Tags: Federal Crimes|0 Comments

What is a White Collar Crime?

Insurance fraud, mortgage fraud, embezzlement and income tax evasion are different forms of white-collar crime. white-collar crimes charges involve some form of deception, but violence is generally not used to carry them out.

By Robert G. Stahl, Esq.|2024-08-22T10:41:10-04:00September 12th, 2016|Categories: White Collar Criminal Defense, White-Collar Crime Penalties|Tags: Fraud|0 Comments

The Distinction between Tax Fraud Cases and Negligence

Most Union County taxpayers have no reason to fear a federal IRS tax fraud charge. The reason is that less than one percent of taxpayers are the subject of allegations of tax fraud that result in a conviction in any given year. But tax fraud does happen. In fact, 75 percent of income tax fraud charges are made against individual taxpayers.

By Robert G. Stahl, Esq.|2024-08-18T17:46:38-04:00September 12th, 2016|Categories: Tax Fraud|Tags: Tax Fraud|0 Comments

The Perfect Storm: More Government Criminal Laws and Penalties

One of the earmarks of the steady expansion of government at the New Jersey state level and the federal level is that more and more laws and regulations make it easier to find yourself in violation of them. It is similar to walking through a minefield: the more mines that are laid in your path, the more likely it is that you will finally step on one of them.

By Robert G. Stahl, Esq.|2024-08-19T19:19:38-04:00September 12th, 2016|Categories: Penalties, White Collar Criminal Defense, White-Collar Crime Penalties|Tags: Fraud|0 Comments

What are the Elements of a Fraud Charge?

Fraud crimes are found in the New Jersey criminal statutes and under federal laws, as well. A broad definition of fraud would be the intentional use of deceit or deception by an individual for his or her personal or monetary benefit.

By Robert G. Stahl, Esq.|2024-08-18T14:48:29-04:00September 12th, 2016|Categories: Fraud Charges|Tags: Fraud|0 Comments

How New Jersey Defines the Crime of Forgery

The general notion of forgery is of someone signing another person's name on a document for financial gain, such as writing a check on someone else's account or creating a fake will. While these examples are correct as far as they go, they do not capture the full meaning of how New Jersey defines the crime of forgery.

By Robert G. Stahl, Esq.|2024-08-16T17:42:21-04:00September 12th, 2016|Categories: Falsifying Documents|Tags: Fraud|0 Comments

Federal plea bargaining: an overview

Many crime drama television programs feature scenes of contentious negotiations between prosecutors and defense attorneys as the latter attempt to find a way to reduce the charges or the possible punishment against their clients, commonly known as plea bargaining. But how does this concept work in actual practice when one is faced with federal charges?

By Robert G. Stahl, Esq.|2024-08-06T15:01:08-04:00September 12th, 2016|Categories: Plea Bargaining|Tags: Federal Crimes|0 Comments