“The Dukes of Hazzard” star John Schneider cannot afford child support and requests prison sentence

John Schneider asks the court to reinstate his prison sentence following his early release.

The former Dukes of Hazzard star was sentenced to three days in the Los Angeles County Jail in June for failing to pay more than $150,000 in child support to his ex-wife, Elvira “Elly” Schneider. The actor was released the same day of his initial arrest because California's prison system is overcrowded, but that didn't end his legal troubles.

Schneider was also sentenced to an additional 120 hours in jail for contempt of court, but the court suspended the sentence on condition that he fulfill a four-part list of conditions, including paying back taxes to clear title to their Apple Valley property so it can be transferred to her, paying his ex half of the revenue owed from Maven Entertainment and disclosing certain financial information before the end of the year.

However, instead of fulfilling all the court's conditions, Schneider wants to serve his sentence.

In a July 6 letter to the judge in his case, obtained by PEOPLE, Schneider wrote that he was “regretful and embarrassed” to turn down the opportunity to comply with the court's terms, but that he was “burdened to the limit” as he tried to “do what I believe is 'right' throughout the process.” He further explained that Maven, an unrelated company, had already made several financial advances on his behalf and, as a result, his income had been reduced by his debt to Maven.

Schneider said it was “unlikely” that he could meet the court's conditions and drop the charges to avoid his three-day jail sentence, so he was effectively asking the court to simply lock him up for the duration of that sentence.

“I am willing and able to accept the punishment for my actions/omissions in this matter and I request this court to impose such a sentence without delay,” he wrote.

However, we may not see Schneider in handcuffs again anytime soon. On July 17, Elvira's lawyers filed a motion to strike the letter from the record as an inadmissible one-way communication until a hearing can be scheduled and lawyers have a chance to cross-examine Schneider about his alleged financial difficulties.

Schneider is expected to complete 240 hours of community service as part of his sentence, regardless of whether he returns to prison or not.

The former couple separated in 2014 after 21 years of marriage when Elvira filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences, and was awarded $18,911 in monthly alimony.