Hunter Biden, the son of President Joe Biden, pled guilty to federal tax charges on Thursday, sidestepping a trial that could have carried significant political consequences ahead of the US presidential election.
Hunter Biden, originally scheduled for trial in a Los Angeles federal court on charges of failing to pay $1.4 million in taxes amid lavish spending on drugs, sex workers, and luxury items, admitted guilt to all nine counts.
Judge Mark Scarsi informed Biden that he could face up to 17 years in prison and fines up to $450,000, with sentencing set for December 16.
Despite typical plea deals often reducing sentences, no such agreement appeared to be in place. Biden’s earlier proposal of an “Alford plea”—pleading guilty without admitting wrongdoing—was rejected by prosecutors.
After a brief pause, Biden’s lawyer, Abbe Lowell, confirmed that Biden would plead guilty without any sentence reduction arrangement.
Following the hearing, Biden stated that he chose to plead guilty to spare his family from a trial that would have exposed painful details from his struggle with drug addiction. He mentioned he had since repaid his taxes. Lowell indicated that an appeal might be pursued, though he did not explain why the plea was entered on the trial’s first day.
This plea helped avoid a trial scheduled just weeks before the November 5 presidential election. President Biden had previously withdrawn from his re-election campaign, leaving voters to choose between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump.
Hunter Biden, who has been open about his addiction issues, was charged with failing to pay taxes from 2016 to 2019 while spending heavily on drugs, escorts, and luxury items.
The trial could have explored his role with Burisma, a Ukrainian gas company, and other business activities during his father’s vice presidency. While Republicans have claimed corruption, Congressional investigations have not directly implicated Joe Biden.
The indictment highlighted Hunter Biden’s substantial earnings from Burisma and a Chinese private equity firm, though he denies any misconduct.
He is also appealing a Delaware verdict for illegally purchasing a firearm while using drugs, which could impact his sentencing in the tax case due to his repeat offender status. The White House has stated that President Biden will not pardon his son.