The Umansky Law Firm

Actor Wesley Snipes alleges he was convicted and sentenced to tax-related misdemeanors unfairly, and has asked for a new trial. Snipes claims that jurors already assumed he was guilty and that one of the witnesses brought against him was under investigation for fraud. It is alleged this was not disclosed to his lawyers by federal prosecutors.

The 36-month prison sentence was upheld by a federal appeals court in July, but the judge who presided over the almost two week trial in Ocala told Snipes' lawyers to file motions for a new trial within 20 days. Prosecutors also will have 20 days after Snipes' filing to respond.

Other motions filed after the appellate decision include prosecutors requesting to revoke the appeal bond, as well as defense attorneys want to quiz jurors who they allege assumed Snipes was guilty before the trial even began. However, the judge has said he will not rule on these.

Snipes was convicted on three counts of failing to file federal income tax returns for several years while he was earning millions of dollars for his movies. Between 1999 and 2004 while he was fighting with the IRS over tax obligations, Snipes earned $38 million.

If you have been charged with tax violations in the Orange County or Orlando, Florida area, please contact the experienced criminal defense attorneys at the Umansky Law Firm for an initial case consultation.