Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Tuesday, March 3, 2009
(MIAMI, FLA) - The trial for two-time Indy 500 winner Helio Castroneves began Monday in a federal court in Miami.
Prosecutors say he did not pay taxes on five-million dollars of his income. Castroneves, along with his agent and sister, are accused of using an offshore corporation to hide money. If convicted, the IRL driver could spend up to thirty years in prison.
Local attorney Jim Voyles has represented big athletic names such as Al Unser, Jr; Jamal Tinsley; Bob Knight and Dominic Rhodes.
Voyles says a lot of time has been spent preparing for this day since the indictment was first handed down. His understanding is that all three will be tried as a group, however the jury will be instructed to consider each individual's case when the reach deliberations.
He says in federal court the judge selects the jury as opposed to the attorneys who make the selections in Indiana state courts.
Voyles says preparing for and going to trial is tough at any level and would not speculate as to whether or not Castroneves will go to jail.
1340 AM WBIW welcomes comments and suggestions by calling 812.277.1340 during normal business hours or by email at comments@wbiw.com
© Ad-Venture Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.