Hunter Biden avoids trial by entering guilty plea in federal case

Hunter Biden unexpectedly pleaded guilty to all charges in a federal tax case in Los Angeles, avoiding a trial. The sentencing is set for December 16. Prosecutor Leo Wise objected to an attempt to enter an Alford plea. Biden ended up taking an open plea, pleading guilty to all nine criminal counts. The judge asked if he committed every crime, and Biden admitted guilt. The plea came after the judge ruled out bringing up past traumas as a defense. President Biden’s son was indicted for failing to pay taxes while struggling with drug addiction. The indictment alleged he evaded over $1.4 million in taxes and spent money on drugs and other personal items. A plea deal in Delaware fell apart last year, leading to the current charges. Evidence of Biden’s addiction played a role in prior cases. He faces sentencing in another case related to possession of a gun while using narcotics. The president’s press secretary reiterated that he will not pardon or commute his son’s sentence. The plea spares Biden from a public trial where embarrassing testimony was expected. The plea process involved legal arguments about whether the plea should be accepted. Biden’s attorneys and prosecutors were unable to reach an agreement, leading to the current plea. Biden plans to appeal his conviction in the gun possession case but is scheduled to be sentenced in November.

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