July 26, 2023
I cannot accept the plea agreement today.
U.S. District Court Judge Maryellen Noreika, who is overseeing a proposed plea deal involving Hunter Biden and the federal government.
Background: The President’s son appeared in federal court on Wednesday. He intended to plead guilty to a pair of tax-related misdemeanors under a tentative plea deal which would result in no jail time. He was also charged with a felony firearm offense, however, he agreed to enter into a pretrial diversion agreement that will allow him to avoid prosecution if he stays out of legal trouble and drug-free for two years. However, the deal required the judge's approval, but the judge expressed concerns regarding how the deal was structured, specifically regarding immunity from future prosecution. As a result, Biden ended up pleading not guilty to the tax charges and the judge gave both sides 30 days to untangle some of the language surrounding the deal.
Why It Matters: The case, which was expected to come to a close today, unexpectedly remains ongoing and could continue amid 2024 election campaigning. Beyond Hunter Biden, former President Donald Trump faces two criminal trials and two criminal investigations, and the investigation into President Joe Biden's handling of classified material also continues.
Hunter Biden pleads not guilty to tax charges
Biden’s son Hunter pleads not guilty to 2 tax crimes after agreement with prosecutors falls through
by Jenna Lee,
