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)
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The man has admitted his guilt. He wasn't hawking or hoarding State secrets. He hasn't done anything that got him a $2B payment from the Saudis for "services rendered." Ladies & gentlemen, let's turn our attention to the grifter in Chief and his youngins'.
But I am sure the Republicans will find some other reason to keep hounding the guy. That's all they got. They need to clean their own houses before they cast any more stones. Republicans heal thy selves.
He has paid all overdue taxes. If he's name weren't Biden this never would have been charged.
Four years and that's all that was found. He was late paying his taxes (we already know what Trump thinks of citizens who pay income tax because he doesn't) and possession of a gun (there are Republican states where this would be just fine). More deflection and distraction to keep attention away from their one true orange god and all his very real and proveable crimes.
Sadly, we are all human. We all make mistakes and most of the time they are unintentional. The attack on Hunter Biden is no more than just another ploy to get people to turn against his father in the upcomong election. He has admited his mistakes and is willing to accept the court's decision. Even if it means jail time which I doubt he will receive. Heavy fines are a greater possibility. We need to ignore so-called news that contains mis-information about any other politician or their family members. We raise our children the best we can but once they are on their own, their mistakes belong to them and them alone. Once a "child" reaches adulthood, the parent has no control over their actions. We are ALL the "masters of our own fate".
And as they continued to ask him, he stood up and said to them, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.”
-John 8:7
I'm dying to see all the MAGAdonians with perfect children and blameless family members line up to say nasty things about Hunter Biden, who has experienced numerous traumas in his life and is at least honest about his struggles instead of pretending he's perfect the way Donald does.
This seems like justice; these are not major crimes, and Hunter has accepted his guilt and will take probation.
Fair handling by a trump appointed prosecutor
Hunter Biden is a private citizen, not a public servant. I believe he should not be treated any differently than any other citizen, regardless of who his father happens to be. I believe when it comes to justice, no one is above the law...no one.
That being said, kudos to Hunter for paying back taxes owed and for staying sober.
The tRump appointed judge did him a favor by asking the hard questions that needed to be asked. Too bad his attorneys did not do this prior to the hearing today.
Hopefully, whatever happens is resolved soon. We have more pressing problems that our country needs to deal with right now.
The charges are pretty stiff for a first-time offender. It appears they are bending over backward to appease the far right.
He needs and deserves to face many more serious charges. The DOJ needs to do their job, not cover for the Biden's.
Hunter's legal woes are just another drop in the bucket of "rules for thee and not for me." Maybe we should start holding the "powerful" accountable for their actions and crimes.
If Hunter Biden is found guilty of the charges, he should be treated like all other citizens. The same with Donald Trump. What's that saying "equal justice under the law". Why don't we start applying it to all, instead of just citizens who can not afford high priced lawyers and tie up our court system for years.
If we are going to invest relatives, let's investigate everyone's relatives! Remember Jimmy Carter's brother!
CAUSES TELLS ME, THEN ASKS: "Hunter Biden Plea Deal Close to Falling Apart Today Before Agreement Reached. How do you feel about the charges?" ME: Ho, hum. Were it anyone other than a president's son it would have been a done deal long, long ago and without the "sound and fury signifying nothing" of the MAGAGOP.
Hunter Biden is not an elected official but the republicans are looking under every nook just in order to embarrass his family. But the trump family worked in the White House and did many illegal maneuvers in plain sight. That is what whould be investigated
I could give a rats ass about Hunter Biden!!
Here we go again. A wealthy person who has had their share of problems falls to the attention of the Republican Party. Will they be so eager to make Donald pay his due?
It is sad that he is woefully undercharged. If Joe feels it is ok for hunter to not pay taxes and own a firearm illegally, then the pay your fair share or enforce gun laws is hypocrisy
I don't care one way or the other...
Why does anyone especially people in the Congress and the Senate care what this private citizen has done or not done?
THIS IS STUPID AND A DISTRACTION FROM MORE IMPORTANT THINGS!
unpaid taxes, gun possession while an addict-he paid the taxes. He's a screw up, to be sure, of course, the same can be said for a great many of the children of politicians. If he was not Joe Biden's son, he would never have been charged and this never would have been an issue and no one would have held up nude photos of him at a Congressional Hearing. This is what the GOP is and this is what their base is. Nothing but a rabid, frothing at the mouth , group of Fascist lunatics.
Republicans have so blown this case out of proportion, it is difficult to tell where truth and justice lie. Republicans are desperate to pin something on him and, by association, on the president as well.
who cares? he is a private citizen, why would opinion matter here?
More coverup by the Fascist GOP extreme right and their supporters to prevent the public from from finding out what is going on behind closed doors of the Republican Party. Messing with our minds and beliefs so they can gain control. Oh, how I wish they would set their minds to the future instead of holding on to the past. I won't be holding my breath. For their information, "One size does not fit all." Diversity is the key factor in our constitution. Separatiojn from these facts allows for those in charge to do what they want. No questions asked.
I find it ironic that Republicans now find themselves in the position of calling for stronger penalties for tax and gun violations.
What a travesty. Not sure if Hunter Biden ever paid his unpaid taxes. Where the ordinary person would be in jail on both their unpaid taxes, and the gun charge but Hunter gets a free out of jail card. Even though millions of dollars were paid by foreign governments through shell corporations to the Biden family. This is a fact, uncovered by Congress. It is clear there is a two tiered system of justice, one for Hunter Biden, and the other for the rest of us.
If proven all should be held accountable no matter who it is whether Trump or Hunter Biden, Republican, Democratic or independent rich or poor as long as it is equal, fair in all dealings. No one is above the law and rule should equal
If it was me, God forbid I would spend the rest of my life in jail. I wouldn't trade my father for his. His father shouldn't have any bearing on this. The law is the law. No specail treatment because of who hs father is. Beside his dad way in cahoots with his son, admittedly by himself. Talk about special treatment. So they are targeting Trump but let this felon drug addicted joke get away with this. Trump is being targeted because the don't want him to run for office in 2024. The American people see it.
Should be accountable but not partisan!
privilege gets rewarded. these are serious crimes that the common people without connections will go to jail