FORT CARSON, Colo. -- A soldier who fled to Canada when his unit was deployed to Iraq plans to plead guilty Friday to a reduced charge of desertion, his lawyer said.

Pvt. Robin Long, 25, of Boise, Idaho, faces up to three years in prison and a dishonorable discharge, civilian defense attorney James Branam said Thursday.

Long was transferred to Fort Carson in April 2005 after basic training. He left the Army post after learning he was to report to Iraq with the 2nd Brigade Combat Team 2nd Infantry.

Long went to Canada in 2005, but authorities there denied his request for refuge and deported him in July of this year.

Branam said Long has reached an agreement with prosecutors to plead guilty to desertion with intent to remain away permanently, a lesser charge than desertion with intent to shirk hazardous duty.

Army prosecutors declined to comment.

Branam said Long's sentence will be determined on Friday.

"Yes, he did break the law, he committed a wrong, but he shouldn't be punished harshly because he had a lot of good reasons to do what he did," Branam said.

"He believes very sincerely he couldn't participate in this war in good conscience," Branam said.

Long also feared his fellow soldiers would be at risk in combat if Long "couldn't pull the trigger" because of moral qualms, Branam said.

Another U.S. soldier who sought refugee status in Canada was ordered out of that country this month.

Jeremy Hinzman deserted from Fort Bragg, N.C., in 2004 after learning his unit was to be deployed to Iraq. Hinzman has said the war is immoral and illegal.

He said last week he was ordered to leave Canada by Sept. 23.