AceShowbiz - Actor Wesley Snipes' hopes of staying out of jail have been dashed - a federal appeals panel has upheld a three-year prison sentence on federal tax charges against him. On Friday, July 16 officials in an Atlanta, Georgia court ruled the "Blade" star was properly sentenced to three years in federal prison back in 2008, according to the Associated Press.

Attorneys for the action movie star argued that the sentence was "unreasonable". A jury originally convicted Snipes on three misdemeanor counts of willful failure to file his income tax returns. The appeals court decision will be a big blow to Snipes, who previously insisted officials would overturn his jail sentence.

In March, the actor told the Los Angeles Times newspaper, "I wouldn't say I'm worried about it (case); I'm aware of it. All things fall as they should. I'm at great peace with how I live my life and the blessings that the Lord has bestowed upon me... We're gonna win this." Snipes has been free on bail pending the outcome of the appeal.