The Umansky Law Firm

According to media reports, actor Wesley Snipes has had his final court appeal turned down on tax evasion charges and must surrender to authorities to begin his sentence. Snipes was found guilty two years ago in an Ocala, Florida court.

The 48-year-old star of such movies as the Blade Trilogy and White Men Can't Jump was convicted of three misdemeanor counts of willfully and unlawfully failing to file tax returns in 1999, 2000, and 2001. This resulted in a tax debt of over $7 million in back taxes.

While Snipes' attorney says they are shocked about the events, but U.S. District Judge Terrell Hodges said in his ruling that Snipes "has had a full, fair and thorough review of his conviction and sentence by the Court of Appeal; and he has had a full, fair and thorough review of his present claims, during all of which he has remained at liberty."

There is no word when Snipes plans to turn himself in to begin his sentence, and has not received a date or facility to report to.

Everyone, including the rich and famous, must pay their taxes. If you don't and you get caught, you may wind up in prison, just as Wesley Snipes will. What can help you is hiring a criminal defense attorney who understands the law.

If you have been charged with a crime in the Orange County or Orlando, Florida area, or anywhere else in the state of Florida, please contact the experienced criminal defense attorneys at the Umansky Law Firm today.