Hunter Biden has pleaded guilty to all charges related to a federal tax case against him, a development that comes as a surprise and avoids a potentially damaging trial for President Joe Biden’s son. The sentencing date is set for December 16.
During a federal court session in Los Angeles, Biden’s plea followed prosecutors rejecting his earlier attempt to enter an Alford plea, which allows defendants to plead guilty while maintaining their innocence based on the case’s strength. Instead, he opted for an open plea, admitting guilt to all charges while leaving his sentencing up to the judge, without a recommendation from prosecutors.
Biden’s attorney, Abbe Lowell, stated in court that Biden accepted the charges, confirming to U.S. District Judge Mark C. Scarsi that he understood and admitted to committing the offenses outlined in the indictment.
The judge had previously ruled against allowing Biden to use his past traumas to justify his drug abuse as part of his defense. Lowell noted that this ruling influenced Biden’s decision regarding the plea as he aimed to mitigate potential consequences.
Prosecutor Leo Wise insisted that Biden’s plea did not imply innocence, stating, “Hunter Biden is guilty.” This plea came just before jury selection was set to start for Biden’s second trial this year.
The plea change was not part of any agreement with the government, surprising prosecutors who expressed concerns regarding Biden’s earlier intention to use the Alford plea. Following a recess, the court resumed to finalize the plea.
President Biden did not respond to inquiries about his son’s plea and has previously stated he would not use his presidential powers to intervene in his son’s legal matters. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre reiterated that position on Thursday.
Hunter Biden, 54, was indicted in December on three felony and six misdemeanor charges for failing to pay taxes amounting to over $1.4 million from 2016 to 2019, at a time he described as grappling with drug addiction. His indictment accused him of attempting to evade assessment by filing false tax returns.
The indictment detailed expenditures on drugs, escorts, luxury accommodations, and other personal items rather than taxes. It also alleged that Biden’s filed returns falsely claimed expenses for services from escorts and other personal expenditures.
An earlier plea deal in Delaware, which would have resolved related charges, collapsed when a judge objected to its terms. Biden had been facing separate gun charges connected to his previous substance use earlier this year and was found guilty on felony counts regarding possession of a firearm while under the influence.
He is expected to be sentenced in that case on November 12 and plans to appeal the conviction.