Federal prosecutors told jurors on Thursday that prominent Washington attorney Tom Goldstein concealed millions of dollars in poker winnings while leading what they described as a double life built on deception. The allegations surfaced as opening statements began in a criminal trial involving one of the most recognizable appellate lawyers to appear before the U.S. Supreme Court.
The case unfolded in U.S. District Court in Greenbelt, Maryland, where a 12-member jury heard the government accuse Goldstein of failing to report substantial gambling income, submitting false loan applications, and routing improper payments through his law firm. Goldstein has pleaded not guilty to all charges and denies any wrongdoing.
Prosecutor Hayter Whitman told jurors that Goldstein’s poker earnings funded an increasingly extravagant lifestyle. He framed the case as one driven by deliberate choices rather than mistakes. According to the government, the conduct spanned several years and involved repeated efforts to conceal income from tax authorities.
Defense says Goldstein relied on advisers and acted in good faith
Goldstein’s lawyers pushed back, saying the prosecution mischaracterized routine financial activity. Defense attorney Stephany Reaves told jurors that Goldstein relied on accountants and office managers and believed his financial reporting complied with the law. She said the evidence would not support claims of intentional deception and accused prosecutors of focusing on isolated transactions while ignoring the broader context.
Goldstein faces 16 criminal counts, including tax evasion, willful failure to pay taxes, aiding and abetting the preparation of false tax returns, and making false statements on loan applications. U.S. District Judge Lydia Kay Griggsby is presiding over the trial, which is expected to last about four weeks.
Before the indictment, Goldstein built a reputation as a leading appellate advocate, arguing more than 40 cases before the U.S. Supreme Court. He also founded SCOTUSblog, a widely read website covering the nation’s highest court. His arrest in January 2025 stunned Washington’s legal community, where he had long ranked among the most influential Supreme Court practitioners.
Goldstein previously represented high-profile clients, including Google and Epic Games, the maker of Fortnite. He also took part in the legal team that represented Al Gore during the 2000 presidential election dispute. Goldstein retired from legal practice in 2023, two years before prosecutors brought the charges.
As the trial continues, jurors will hear detailed testimony about Goldstein’s finances, gambling activity, and interactions with lenders and tax authorities. The outcome could carry serious consequences for a figure once closely associated with the highest levels of U.S. appellate law.
