Attorney In Florida Sentenced In Seven Figure Tax Fraud Case
According to reporting from WPEC, Michael L. Meyer, an attorney from South Florida, has been sentenced to federal prison as part of a multi-million dollar tax fraud case. Mr. Meyer marketed and sold services called “Ultimate Tax Plan”—and the Department of Justice (DOJ) contends that that “plan” was used to help wealthy individuals unlawfully avoid their tax liability. Here, our Orlando white collar criminal defense lawyer discusses the case in more detail.
The Charges and the Sentence: Tax Fraud Conviction Leads to Federal Prison
Florida attorney Michael L. Meyer was recently sentenced to two years in federal prison for orchestrating a tax fraud scheme that allegedly centered on fake charitable contributions. The DOJ contends that Mr. Meyer touted the scheme (Ultimate Tax Plan) from 2013 to 2021. According to the allegations raised in the criminal complaint, the plan was effectively an illegal tax shelter that was used to help high net-worth people reduce tax liability through bogus charitable donations. In total, the DOJ estimated that the defendant secured more than $10 million in proceeds.
Initially, the federal government took civil legal action against Mr. Meyer in the Spring of 2018. He was eventually ordered by a court to stop organizing, promoting, and/or selling his tax planning services. A criminal case was subsequently brought against the defendant. Michael L. Meyer was convicted of conspiracy to defraud the United States and tax evasion. He is now set to serve two years in federal prison.
Conspiracy to Defraud the United States is a Federal Felony Offense
Conspiracy to Defraud the United States is a felony white collar criminal offense. A person convicted of this type of fraud charge can face very serious penalties, including an extended prison. Here are key points to know about the white collar charge of Conspiracy to Defraud the United States:
- The Statute: Conspiracy to Defraud the United States arises under 18 U.S.C. § 371.
- The Elements: A conviction for this criminal charge requires 1) An agreement where two or more persons conspired or agreed to defraud the United States or any agency thereof, 2) An overt act where the parties worked to further the objectives of the conspiracy, 3) Intent.
- The Penalties: Conspiracy to Defraud the United States is a serious criminal offense. It can carry a wide range of penalties, including a maximum of five years in federal prison.
Of course, any person accused of a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty. You have the right to defend yourself against any charge, including a Conspiracy to Defraud the United States allegation. An experienced Florida white collar criminal defense lawyer can help.
Contact Our Florida Tax Fraud Defense Attorney Today
At The Baez Law Firm, our Orlando white collar criminal defense lawyer has the skills and legal expertise to handle tax fraud cases. If you or your loved one was arrested and charged with a tax fraud offense, please do hesitate to contact us today for a confidential case review. From our Orlando law office, we defend tax fraud charges throughout Florida.
Source:
cbs12.com/news/local/south-florida-lawyer-michael-l-meyer-sentenced-to-8-years-for-multi-million-dollar-tax-fraud-ultimate-tax-plan-florida-news-april-11-2024
