WESLEY SNIPES has been sentenced to three years in prison on tax evasion charges, according to the Associated Press.

According to Orlando CBS affiliate WESH, Snipes' judge said he gave the actor the maximum penalty as a deterrent to others, and ruled that he can surrender at a later date, closer to his New Jersey home.

According to the AP, Snipes was sentenced to one year for each year that he was convicted of not filing a tax return. According to the news agency, Snipes' lawyers presented dozens of letters to the judge advocating for Snipes. Two notable letter-writers were reportedly actors WOODY HARRELSON and DENZEL WASHINGTON.

"Wesley is like a tree -- a mighty oak," Denzel testified in his letter. And Woody wrote: "Wes continues to encourage and challenge me to be the best man I can be by being a constant friend."