Hunter Biden Pleads Guilty to Federal Tax Charges

Hunter Biden, son of U.S. President Joe Biden, pleaded guilty to federal tax charges, avoiding a trial weeks before the presidential election. Facing up to 17 years in prison, Biden admitted guilt to spare his family. This plea circumvents a trial that could have significantly impacted the election campaign.

Hunter Biden, son of U.S. President Joe Biden, has entered a guilty plea to federal tax charges, a surprising move that sidesteps an impending trial just weeks before the U.S. presidential election.

Biden had been scheduled for trial in a Los Angeles federal courthouse on charges of failing to pay $1.4 million in taxes while spending extravagantly on drugs, sex workers, and luxury items. Instead, he pleaded guilty to all nine counts against him.

Judge Mark Scarsi informed Biden he could face up to 17 years in prison and $450,000 in penalties, with sentencing set for Dec. 16. Initially, Biden proposed an Alford plea—pleading guilty without admitting wrongdoing—which was rejected by prosecutors. Later, Biden opted for a straightforward guilty plea, stating his wish to avoid a trial that would expose his family's personal struggles. His lawyer, Abbe Lowell, hinted at a potential appeal. The plea eliminates a potentially disruptive trial during the election campaign season, where voters will choose between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. Hunter Biden, who has publicly addressed his battles with addiction, also faces an appeal in a separate Delaware case for illegal firearm purchase while using drugs, which could complicate his sentencing.

(With inputs from agencies.)