Hunter Biden, son of US President Joe Biden, has made a surprise offer to plead guilty to federal tax evasion charges just as his trial was set to begin in Los Angeles. The proposed ‘Alford plea’ would allow Biden to acknowledge that prosecutors have sufficient evidence for conviction without admitting guilt.Biden is accused of failing to pay $1.4 million in taxes between 2016 and 2019, allegedly spending the money on a lavish lifestyle including drugs, sex workers, and luxury items. If convicted on all charges, which include three felony and six misdemeanor counts of tax evasion, he could face up to 17 years in prison.However, federal prosecutors have opposed the Alford plea offer, citing that such pleas are only accepted in rare circumstances. U.S. District Judge Mark Scarsi, who is overseeing the case, has ordered a break to allow the prosecution to consider the offer.This development comes on the heels of Biden’s conviction in June for illegally purchasing a firearm while struggling with drug addiction, for which he is scheduled to be sentenced on November 13. His defense team argues that the non-payment of taxes was an oversight due to his chaotic life and well-documented struggles with substance abuse.The case has political implications, with Republicans scrutinizing the prosecution’s handling of the president’s son, claiming he is being treated leniently. If the plea is accepted, it could help Biden avoid a protracted trial that might reveal embarrassing details about his personal life ahead of the November 5 presidential election.
Key points
- Hunter Biden has offered an Alford plea in his federal tax evasion case, acknowledging evidence without admitting guilt.
- Federal prosecutors have opposed the plea offer, citing its rarity in such cases.
- The case involves $1.
- This development follows Biden’s recent conviction for illegal firearm possession, with sentencing scheduled for November.
- The case has political implications, with Republicans scrutinizing the prosecution’s handling of the president’s son.
4 million in unpaid taxes from 2016 to 2019 and could result in up to 17 years in prison if convicted.
Contradictions👾While some sources state that Hunter Biden has accepted a guilty plea, others report that he has only offered to change his plea, and that prosecutors are opposing this offer.
👾There are varying reports on the potential prison sentence, with some sources citing up to 17 years, while others mention 25 years.
