Wesley Snipes was sentenced to a three year prison term for tax evasion today. The "Blade" star  was convicted in February for failing to file tax returns from 1999 through 2001, 

Snipes' lawyers offered dozens of letters from friends, family members and fellow actors including Denzel Washington and Woody Harrelson attesting to his good character.  They were arguing in favor of probation because his convictions were misdemeanors and the actor had no previous offenses.

Snipes has five children ranging in age from thirteen months to nineteen years. His oldest, son Jelani, appeared with his father in Spike Lee's 1990 film "Mo' Better Blues."

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