Hunter Biden Begins Federal Tax Trial Amid Controversies and Convictions

Hunter Biden appeared in Los Angeles court for jury selection in his federal tax trial, following a gun conviction. Accused of evading $1.4 million in taxes, Biden pleaded not guilty, citing struggles with substance abuse. Judge Mark Scarsi has placed restrictions on evidence admissibility, focusing on Hunter Biden's foreign dealings.

Hunter Biden arrived at a Los Angeles courthouse on Thursday for the initial jury selection in his federal tax trial. This comes just months after being convicted of gun charges in a different case.

The Los Angeles federal court case alleges that Biden evaded at least $1.4 million in taxes over four years, despite earning millions from foreign businesses. Biden, who was convicted in Delaware for lying on a 2018 federal form to purchase a firearm, has pleaded not guilty to tax-related charges for 2016-2019, citing his struggles with alcohol and drug addiction as a defense.

US District Judge Mark Scarsi, appointed by former President Donald Trump, has limited what jurors can hear about Biden's addiction related to past family traumas. The judge also intends to strictly control evidence related to Biden's spending habits described as character assassination. The trial is set to include details on Biden's overseas business dealings, particularly with a Romanian businessman.

(With inputs from agencies.)