Richard Hatch Takes Tax Case to Supreme Court

Richard Hatch, who won the $1 million prize by winning Survivor, will have his tax evasion conviction appeal heard by the United States Federal Supreme Court. This case must have some merit since the U.S. Supreme Court takes up only a small number of the appeals it receives.

Hatch’s lawyer, Michael Minns, has said his client confronted producers about cheating during taping of the show, and a producer promised his taxes would be paid if he kept quiet and went on to win the competition. CBS has said Hatch’s claims have no merit. We’ll see what the Supreme Court has to say.

In a brief filed with the Supreme Court last week, Hatch’s lawyer, Michael Minns argued the judge improperly prevented Hatch from testifying about the conversation. Minns also argued the judge unfairly limited his cross-examination of the tax accountant who prepared Hatch’s tax returns and who was a key witness for the government.

Minns said:

"He’s extremely optimistic about his appeal. He still believes the system should work."

There are a lot of unfair trials. Hatch is lucky he has the money to pursue justice. Taking a case to the Supreme Court is very expensive, and might even be tax deductable if it’s business related.

Minns also said Hatch was writing a book about "his experiences with the legal system and his disappointment, not just with the problems that he suffered, but with the problems other people have suffered that he has met."

There you have it. Hatch is turning his conviction, and the appeal process, into a business opportunity. He’ll get a tax deduction, and could even have a best selling book when he gets out. There are a lot of people who have had IRS problems. If Hatch wins his case, his book will be a best seller for sure.

Don’t underestimate Hatch, he’s a survivor.