Hunter Biden to Plead Guilty in Tax Case, Avoids Trial Before Presidential Election

Hunter Biden, son of President Joe Biden, is set to plead guilty to federal tax charges, avoiding a potentially embarrassing trial weeks before the U.S. presidential election. He faces up to 15 years in prison and $1 million in penalties for failing to pay $1.4 million in taxes.

Hunter Biden, son of U.S. President Joe Biden, is poised to plead guilty to federal tax charges, a move that sidesteps a potentially embarrassing trial just weeks before the presidential election. Judge Mark Scarsi revealed Biden's decision to enter an 'open plea,' suggesting no deal had been reached with prosecutors.

Biden confronts possible penalties of up to 15 years in prison and fines reaching $1 million, accused of failing to pay $1.4 million in taxes while indulging in lavish spending on drugs, sex workers, and luxury items. He remained silent as prosecutors detailed the charges in court.

Defendants in criminal cases typically negotiate plea deals with prosecutors to minimize their sentences, but that option appears moot for Biden. Earlier, he had offered to plead guilty without admitting wrongdoing—an unusual tactic rejected by prosecutors. A guilty plea will prevent a lengthy trial, which could have exposed contentious details of his life during the election season.

(With inputs from agencies.)