Actor Wesley Snipes' defense lawyers have rested their case in his $38 million tax fraud trial without calling any witnesses. The Blade star's legal team stunned the courtroom by announcing they didn't need any extra help because their case was so strong.
They had earlier reeled off a star-studded list of possible witnesses including Muhammad Ali, Goldie Hawn, Spike Lee, Paul Simon and Sylvester Stallone.
"We chose not to call witnesses because there was no need to," said Snipes' attorney Daniel Meachum.
"The Government prosecutors have put on a case that simply does not come close to meeting the standard of its burden of proof."
The two week trial has been held at the federal courthouse in Orlando, Florida. It's alleged Snipes, 45, failed to pay tax on his Pounds 19 million earnings between 1999 and 2004.
The Hollywood star - best known as the vampire-slaying hero in the Blade trilogy and for other tough-guy roles - has been accused with alleged co-conspirators Douglas Rosile and Eddie Ray Kahn.
If convicted, Snipes could be jailed for up to 16 years, while Kahn and Rosile could get 10.
Snipes' attorneys have claimed he was the victim of unscrupulous accountants and sincerely believed he didn't have to pay taxes.
The closing arguments were due to take place on Tuesday.
By Samantha Lawton, Jan 28 2008 © Copyright 2008 - Showbiz Spy
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