Hunter Biden has offered to plead guilty to federal tax charges without admitting wrongdoing, in a deal prosecutors are opposing. The plea, known as an Alford plea, would see Biden acknowledge the evidence against him without admitting guilt. The charges relate to $1.4 million in unpaid taxes from 2016 to 2019. If accepted, the plea could result in a lower sentence than the maximum of 17 years. Biden had previously been convicted of federal gun charges for lying about drug use when purchasing a firearm. The tax charges allege that Biden spent lavishly on travel, drugs, and escorts while neglecting his taxes. He paid the back taxes and penalties in 2021, attributing the missed payments to his chaotic lifestyle while using drugs. Previous plea agreements fell apart, with Republicans criticizing them as favorable treatment for the president’s son. President Joe Biden, who declined to seek reelection amid his son’s legal issues, has stated he will not pardon him. The potential plea comes as jury selection was set to begin for Biden’s trial, which would have revisited his struggles with addiction to crack cocaine.
Photo credit
www.usatoday.com
