Court Won't Lighten Hélio's Tax Load

Judge rejects former DWTS champ's request to dismiss some of his six charges in federal tax-evasion trial

Another day in court, but still no victory lap, for Hélio Castroneves.

A Miami court today denied the two-time Indy 500 and onetime Dancing With the Stars champ's request to dismiss some of the charges he faces in connection with his upcoming trial for federal tax evasion.

The Brazilian leadfoot, who has long maintained his innocence, appeared for a pretrial hearing in Florida today and requested the dismissal of several of the six charges he faces, citing a statute of limitations.

The reality alum, his sister, Katiucia Castroneves, and his attorney, Alan R. Miller, are all facing charges for allegedly hiding more than $5.5 million in income between 1999 and 2004 to avoid paying taxes.

A subsequent pretrial hearing has been set for Monday, when U.S. District Judge Donald Graham will hear a separate dismissal motion from the star.

The trial itself is scheduled to begin March 2. If Castroneves is convicted, he faces a maximum five-year prison sentence on each of the six counts, for a possible 30 years behind bars.