In a significant development, the defense for Hunter Biden has indicated a shift in strategy by proposing a change in plea in a bid to sidestep a trial related to federal tax offenses in California.
This strategic move came to light shortly before the commencement of jury selection, leading to a pause in court proceedings right after the disclosure of Hunter Biden’s decision to amend his plea, NBC News reported. Despite opting for a plea change, Hunter Biden intends to assert his innocence, though the exact details of the proposed plea are yet to be disclosed. It remains uncertain if the presiding judge will approve the plea change.
Hunter Biden is up against three charges of felony and six of misdemeanor for purportedly failing to remit over $1.4 million in taxes to the federal government from 2016 to 2020, a challenging period marked by his struggle with drug addiction. Facing his second trial of the year, this California tax case follows a conviction on three felony charges in a federal court in Delaware in June, connected to illegal firearm purchases.
CNN reports that for the new plea, termed an “Alford plea,” to be effective, District Judge Mark Scarsi, appointed by Trump, must endorse it. This type of plea would entail Hunter Biden acknowledging the prosecution’s sufficient evidence for a conviction while accepting whatever sentence Judge Scarsi decides.
“I think this can be resolved today,” stated Hunter Biden’s attorney Abbe Lowell, describing the plea, according to CNN.
The prosecution, however, plans to contest the Alford plea, CNN also notes. Amidst this legal battle, it was mentioned that President Joe Biden, Hunter Biden’s father, has opted not to pardon his son. This stance comes despite the president stepping down from the 2024 presidential race, leaving questions about any potential change in his position.
Efforts were made by Hunter Biden’s legal team and the federal prosecutors to negotiate a plea deal in the Delaware firearms case that would have shielded him from subsequent legal actions. Nevertheless, this proposed agreement was overturned by the judge in charge in July 2023.
