Ocala, Fla. (AP) A lawyer for Wesley Snipes has signaled that the actor will probably appeal his three-year prison sentence for failing to file tax returns.

In handing down the sentence in Florida Thursday, U.S. District Court Judge William Hodges said snipes exhibited a “history of contempt” for tax laws.

Prior to sentencing, Snipes apologized for what he calls “costly mistakes.” he also offered the government three checks totaling five million dollars in unpaid taxes over several years.

The government first turned down the offer but then accepted. however, prosecutors derided the move as “grandstanding” by Snipes and called it a mere down payment on the actor's multimillion dollar tax bill.

Snipes is free until authorities notify him to surrender.