WILMINGTON, Del. — Hunter Biden, son of President Joe Biden, entered a plea of not guilty on Wednesday to two tax crimes after his initial plea deal with federal prosecutors fell through. The judge overseeing the case expressed concerns regarding the terms of the agreement, leading to its delay.
Last month, Hunter Biden was charged with two misdemeanor tax offenses for failing to pay over $100,000 in taxes on income exceeding $1.5 million in 2017 and 2018. The plan was for him to plead guilty on Wednesday after reaching an agreement with prosecutors, who had recommended a two-year probationary period. However, the judge raised doubts about the language used in the deal during the court proceedings.
Context: Hunter Biden Plea Deal Potentially Invalidated by Judge
Background: Hunter Biden Arrives at Delaware Court for Expected Guilty Plea
To address the judge’s concerns, defense lawyers and prosecutors have been given a 30-day period to explain why the initial deal should be accepted.
The collapse of the plea deal came as a surprise since it had been extensively negotiated over several weeks. Its aim was to provide clarity for Hunter Biden and avoid a lengthy trial that would generate distracting headlines. Nevertheless, the political implications remain contentious, with Republicans alleging that he received favorable treatment while the Justice Department continues its investigations into former President Donald Trump, the Republican party’s frontrunner for the 2024 presidential primary.
During the court proceedings on Wednesday, prosecutors confirmed that Hunter Biden remains under federal investigation.
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