Tax evasion trial
Hunter Biden pleads not guilty
January 12, 2024, 3:42 a.m
Hunter Biden is currently facing several charges, and the US President’s son has to answer for tax evasion in Los Angeles. At an initial hearing he denied guilt.
US President Joe Biden’s son, accused of tax fraud, has pleaded not guilty in court. Hunter Biden appeared in federal court in Los Angeles, California, on Thursday. When asked by Judge Mark Scarsi whether he would plead guilty or not guilty, the 53-year-old replied: “Not guilty, your honor.”
The next court date was set for March 27. Judge Scarsi said he is aiming for a trial to begin on June 20. Hunter Biden remains at large under certain conditions. He is not allowed to own firearms or consume alcohol or drugs.
There is also ongoing proceedings against Hunter Biden for illegal possession of weapons.
(Photo: AP)
The former lawyer, lobbyist and businessman was indicted in December. He is accused on nine counts, among other things, of evading federal taxes over several years. The indictment states that the president’s son failed to pay at least $1.4 million (almost 1.3 million euros) in federal taxes for the tax years 2016 to 2019. “Instead of paying his taxes, the defendant spent millions of dollars on an extravagant lifestyle,” the indictment says. If convicted, you could face a long prison sentence.
Hunter Biden had already been charged with illegal weapons possession in mid-September. He is accused of briefly possessing a revolver in 2018, even though he was prohibited from doing so as a drug user. Biden, who has spoken openly about his former drug addiction, also pleaded not guilty in this trial.
Republicans seek Biden impeachment
The president’s son is not only in the sights of the judiciary, but also of the opposition Republicans. They accuse him of having in the past exploited his father’s important position as Barack Obama’s vice president at the time for business in Ukraine and China. The day before, there were tumultuous scenes in the US House of Representatives as Biden attended a committee meeting to debate whether he should be impeached for contempt of Congress.
The allegations are at the center of impeachment proceedings against the president sought by the opposition party. However, the Republicans have so far been unable to provide any evidence of wrongdoing by Joe Biden. The Democrats are talking about a political maneuver to damage the incumbent before the presidential election in November – and to take revenge for the two impeachment proceedings against former President Donald Trump.