Tom Goldstein, a prominent appellate attorney and founder of SCOTUSblog, is currently on trial in Maryland federal court, facing multiple charges including tax evasion and mortgage fraud. Goldstein, who has argued over 40 cases before the U.S. Supreme Court, denies all allegations.
The indictment, issued on January 16, 2025, accuses Goldstein of failing to report millions in poker winnings and omitting over $14 million in debts on mortgage applications. Prosecutors allege that between 2016 and 2022, he used funds from his law firm, Goldstein & Russell P.C., to cover personal expenses, including substantial gambling debts. Additionally, he is accused of creating fictitious positions at his firm to conceal payments to at least a dozen women with whom he had personal relationships, and of misreporting millions in gambling income to the IRS. ([legalnewsfeed.com](https://legalnewsfeed.com/2025/11/06/legal-expert-tom-goldstein-proceeds-to-trial-as-dismissal-motions-are-denied/?utm_source=openai))
Goldstein’s legal team has contested the charges, arguing that the government’s case is based on a misunderstanding of the facts. In a statement, his attorneys emphasized his longstanding reputation in the legal community and expressed confidence in his acquittal. ([washingtonpost.com](https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2025/01/17/scotusblog-founder-tax-evasion-gambling/?utm_source=openai))
In February 2025, Goldstein was detained after allegedly receiving $8 million in cryptocurrency without reporting it, a violation of his pretrial release conditions. He was later released under stricter conditions, including a prohibition on cryptocurrency transactions. ([washingtonpost.com](https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2025/02/13/scotus-attorney-tax-case/?utm_source=openai))
As the trial progresses, the legal community watches closely, given Goldstein’s significant influence in appellate law and his role in founding SCOTUSblog, a widely respected resource for Supreme Court coverage. The outcome of this case could have substantial implications for his career and the broader legal landscape.