Do those tax attorneys that have ads on TV really help?

My house foreclosed and my life fell apart midway through 2003. I haven’t worked since, have since married and now my life is normal, I still don’t work. My husband claims my children and me as dependants. I just got a letter from the IRS telling me that I owe an insane amount of money from 2003, I am so upset I am vomiting. I’m scared to show my husband the letter, (he knows all about my past problems). Should I approach the IRS or get a tax attorney? I don’t have any way of making any money now ever. I don’t know how I’ll raise any money my husband already supports my kids and me- could I get prison time if I don’t pay it?