James Mattatall, of Torrance, CA, was convicted of federal criminal contempt after federal prosecutors demonstrated in court that Mattatall continued to prepare tax returns for other individuals in violation of a permanent injunction issued by the federal district court in 2004.

At that time, Mattatall was barred from filing federal income tax returns for other individuals and representing them before the IRS, which he continued to do. Mattatall initially attempted to evade the injunction by not signing his name to the return as the preparer and by using false names with clients. In the court’s initial action, Mattatall was identified as a tax protester, and was cautioned against giving incorrect tax advice to clients regarding their tax obligations. Mattatall faces a sentence of six months in federal prison when he is sentenced in November. The court again cautioned Mattatall to avoid providing tax preparation services to others, given his stated objections to federal tax law.

If you’ve been arrested on federal charges of any sort, Los Angeles federal criminal defense attorney Robert Michael Helfend can assist with your defense. Mr. Helfend has more than 25 years’ experience exclusively in criminal defense and takes federal criminal defense cases in any federal district court.

Federal prosecutions are generally tough because prosecutors are well-funded and heavily resourced. If you’re facing a federal prosecution, you need a federal defense attorney who is both experienced and aggressive. Mr. Helfend will work hard to get the charges against you reduced or dropped, and when that’s not possible, he’ll work to get the best possible outcome based on your circumstances.

Don’t attempt to defend yourself in federal court and don’t rely on an inexperienced or timid defense attorney. Contact Robert Helfend today for a free consultation on your federal defense case today.

Photo Credit: Manchester Library, via Flickr