Hunter Biden Plea Deal Close to Failure

Updated July 26, 2023, 10:30 a.m. PST

• Hunter Biden's proposed plea deal was close to falling apart today when the two sides in the trial could not agree on whether Biden's admission of two tax crimes would immunize him from potential additional charges in future.
• At the start of Wednesday’s hearing, Biden said he was prepared to enter the plea, which means he would likely stay out of jail if he remains drug-free for two years. When U.S. District Court Judge Maryellen Noreika asked whether he would enter the plea if there was a possibility that additional charges may be filed against him in the future, he answered no. The Judge then ordered a break in the proceedings.
• The confusion over the terms of the plea deal and what Biden would gain by pleading guilty relates to the unusual way his deal was structured, with Biden pleading guilty to two tax misdemeanors but not to an illegal gun possession charge.
• The plea proceedings have restarted, with the two sides agreeing that this deal does not shield him from potential future charges.

Updated June 21, 2023

• Hunter Biden agreed to plead guilty to the offenses.
• If convicted, Biden faces a maximum penalty of 12 months in prison on each tax charge and a maximum sentence of 10 years on the firearm charge, which is a felony. 
• David Weiss, Delaware U.S. attorney, noted that the sentence would likely be less than the maximum. The charges come after a lengthy investigation driven by Weiss, the top prosecutor in the state. 
• According to a source close to the situation, the DOJ agreed to recommend probation on the tax charges, but ultimately, a judge will make the final call.
• Biden's attorney, Chris Clark, said: 

"With the announcement of two agreements between my client, Hunter Bide, and the United States Attorney's Office for the District of Delaware, it is my understanding that the five-year investigation into Hunter is resolved...I know Hunter believes it is important to take responsibility for these mistakes he made during a period of turmoil and addiction in his life. He looks forward to continuing his recovery and moving forward."

• For much of Hunter Biden's life, he has struggled with substance abuse. 

What’s the story?

• Hunter Biden, the 53-year-old son of President Joe Biden, is expected to plead guilty to three federal charges — two federal tax misdemeanors and one charge related to gun possession. 
• Biden was charged with illegally owning a firearm after lying about drug use in 2018 and failing to file and pay taxes in 2017 and 2018.
• The Justice Department reported the anticipated plea deal during a court filing on Tuesday. 
• Experts believe the charges will have significant repercussions in the 2024 presidential election. The White House has been preparing for any political fallout since early May.

How do you feel about the charges?

This is a breaking story and will be updated.

(Photo credit: Flickr/CHAUNCEY I. BROWN III)