Wesley Snipes to argue for new trial in Fla.

[November 15, 2010]  OCALA, Fla. (AP) -- Attorneys for Wesley Snipes will try to convince a central Florida judge the actor deserves a new trial arguing the jury was biased.

A hearing is scheduled for Monday before U.S. District Court Judge William Terrell Hodges. It's unclear whether Snipes will attend.

Snipes argues some jurors decided he was guilty before hearing any evidence and prosecutors hid damaging information about a key witness.

Snipes was found guilty of willfully failing to file federal tax returns. The star of the "Blade" trilogy faces a three-year prison sentence.

Defense lawyers say they received e-mails from two jurors who claim three other jurors made up their minds before the 2008 trial began. An e-mail said the verdicts were a compromise.

Snipes has been free on bond while appealing.

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Information from: Ocala Star-Banner, http://www.starbanner.com/

[Associated Press]

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