Hunter Biden, the son of President Joe Biden, offered a guilty plea in his ongoing tax evasion case on Thursday, just as jury selection was set to begin in Los Angeles. The 54-year-old agreed to plead guilty, acknowledging the likelihood of a conviction while maintaining his innocence. The move prompted US District Judge Mark Scarsi to call a recess, allowing prosecutors time to discuss Biden’s plea.
The 54-year-old’s attorney, Abbe Lowell, indicated that while Biden was prepared to plead guilty, he would still maintain his innocence under an “Alford Plea.” This type of plea allows a defendant to admit that the evidence would likely result in a conviction, without actually admitting guilt.
It remains unclear whether this plea would apply to all nine tax-related charges, including three felonies and six misdemeanors tied to Biden’s failure to pay taxes. U.S. District Judge Mark Scarsi called a recess to give prosecutors time to consider the move, with the court expected to reconvene later in the day.
What is the case about
Hunter Biden’s legal challenges revolve around allegations of tax evasion, failing to file tax returns, and submitting false documents. This trial marks a crucial moment, following the collapse of a previous plea deal in 2023, which would have spared Biden prison time. Special Counsel David C. Weiss, who previously secured a guilty verdict against Biden on a gun charge, has taken a firm stance in this case, portraying him as a repeat offender.
The charges against Biden include allegations of tax evasion and failure to file taxes in a timely manner. Weiss’s prosecution team, led by Leo J. Wise and Derek Hines, is focusing on Biden’s financial dealings and personal expenses. Defense attorney Mark J. Geragos has countered these claims by pointing to Biden’s personal struggles and loss, which he argues should be considered in the trial. However, Judge Scarsi has largely ruled out using Biden’s past traumas as a defense.
The 54-year-old’s attorney, Abbe Lowell, indicated that while Biden was prepared to plead guilty, he would still maintain his innocence under an “Alford Plea.” This type of plea allows a defendant to admit that the evidence would likely result in a conviction, without actually admitting guilt.
It remains unclear whether this plea would apply to all nine tax-related charges, including three felonies and six misdemeanors tied to Biden’s failure to pay taxes. U.S. District Judge Mark Scarsi called a recess to give prosecutors time to consider the move, with the court expected to reconvene later in the day.
What is the case about
Hunter Biden’s legal challenges revolve around allegations of tax evasion, failing to file tax returns, and submitting false documents. This trial marks a crucial moment, following the collapse of a previous plea deal in 2023, which would have spared Biden prison time. Special Counsel David C. Weiss, who previously secured a guilty verdict against Biden on a gun charge, has taken a firm stance in this case, portraying him as a repeat offender.
The charges against Biden include allegations of tax evasion and failure to file taxes in a timely manner. Weiss’s prosecution team, led by Leo J. Wise and Derek Hines, is focusing on Biden’s financial dealings and personal expenses. Defense attorney Mark J. Geragos has countered these claims by pointing to Biden’s personal struggles and loss, which he argues should be considered in the trial. However, Judge Scarsi has largely ruled out using Biden’s past traumas as a defense.
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