Washington, D.C. – Tom Goldstein, a Supreme Court attorney known for his legal blog and expertise in constitutional law, is currently embroiled in a serious legal battle following accusations by federal authorities of tax evasion and other financial discrepancies amounting to millions of dollars. According to court filings, Goldstein, who also co-founded a popular legal blog, claimed he has plunged into financial ruin, with debts that heavily outweigh his assets.
Earlier this year, Goldstein faced indictment in a Maryland federal court on multiple counts, including evading taxes, submitting false tax returns, failing to pay taxes, and lying to mortgage lenders about his earnings from high-stakes poker games. The charges detailed Goldstein’s alleged engagement in ultra high-stakes poker games internationally and domestically, with unreported earnings running into tens of millions of dollars.
During these proceedings, Goldstein asserted his inability to finance his defense, directly contradicting the opinion of a U.S. magistrate judge who believed otherwise. Goldstein’s motion to the court revealed that his debts to his attorneys far exceeded the funds available in his bank accounts. Moreover, a Pretrial Services Report indicated that Goldstein lacked other significant assets.
The length of the investigation, spanning over four and a half years, has unfolded Goldstein’s involvement in high-stakes cash games across prestigious locations from Beverly Hills to Asia. His financial handling during these years, and especially significant winnings like $13.8 million in Asia in 2016 and $26.4 million from a game in Beverly Hills, were not reflected in his tax reports. According to court records, these acts led to a tax shortfall of $5.3 million between 2016 and 2021.
Further complicating his case, in 2018, Goldstein was reportedly found traveling back to the U.S. from Macau with a duffle bag containing $1 million in cash. Although he declared the cash upon entry into the U.S., he failed to report these funds as part of his income on that year’s tax return. Authorities are also investigating allegations that he used proceeds from his law firm to cover gambling debts and high-stakes poker games. Additionally, funds from the firm were allegedly diverted to facilitate Goldstein’s personal relationships and travels with several women, some of whom were on his payroll with questionable professional duties.
Goldstein’s legal representatives, John Lauro and Christopher Kise, have voiced their client’s intent to vigorously contest the charges. They maintain his longstanding reputation in the legal community and expressed disappointment over what they described as hastened judicial actions against him.
As this high-profile case continues to develop, it underscores the often-hidden complexities of individuals who operate at the intersections of law and high-stakes gambling. Goldstein’s trial proceedings will likely attract considerable attention as more details emerge regarding his activities and financial management.
Due to the complex nature of high-profile legal charges and the ongoing investigations, information in this article is subject to updates and revisions. For any inaccuracies, updates, or retraction requests, please reach out via email to contact@publiclawlibrary.org.