If Wesley Snipes gets his way he’ll be leaving the country for good rather than face federal time. According to WENN, the troubled actor begged a judge to return his passport so he can shoot two films outside the country.

Snipes, 45, was found guilty of tax evasion and sentenced to 3 years in prison in April. He’s currently free on appeal and is seeking the court’s permission to shoot two films in Britain and Thailand.

In court documents, Snipes’ attorney assures the judge his client won’t flee. “Were he to abscond under these circumstances, it would destroy his ability to earn a living for the rest of his life,” said attorney Daniel Meachum.

Meachum adds, “Mr.Snipes will, of course, voluntarily return after his work on this film – as he has done each time he has been granted permission by this court.” Maybe his attorney forgot that time in 2006 when Snipes failed to return from Nambia?

(Photo source)