A judge’s decision on Monday marked a significant development in the ongoing tax case against Hunter Biden, inching the proceedings closer to a potential trial amidst his father’s presidential reelection campaign.
District Judge Mark Scarsi rejected eight motions aiming to dismiss the indictment against President Joe Biden’s son, who is accused of evading $1.4 million in taxes while enjoying a lavish lifestyle. Hunter Biden, who has pleaded not guilty to the nine tax-related charges filed in Los Angeles, faces both felony and misdemeanor counts. His attorney, Abbe Lowell, argued against the prosecution, alleging political motivation among other factors, but Scarsi found insufficient grounds to support these claims.
In his ruling, Scarsi emphasized the lack of evidence to support claims of discrimination or bias in the case. Hunter Biden’s legal team expressed disagreement with the decision and affirmed their intent to continue challenging the charges vigorously.
The judge’s decision follows a lengthy hearing where Scarsi, appointed by former President Donald Trump, appeared skeptical of the defense’s arguments. Prosecutors countered by dismissing claims they deemed as unfounded.
Furthermore, Scarsi dismissed assertions regarding the timing of the charges, leaks from IRS agents, and the appointment of the special counsel overseeing the case. Separately, Hunter Biden faces charges in Delaware for allegedly falsifying information to purchase a firearm in 2018, where he denied drug addiction despite later admitting to using crack cocaine at the time. He has pleaded not guilty to these charges as well.
Both cases are being handled by special counsel David Weiss, with tentative trials scheduled for June. Defense attorneys are actively seeking to have the Delaware gun charges dismissed.
The charges stem from a lengthy federal investigation that was anticipated to conclude with a plea deal earlier, potentially sparing Hunter Biden from a trial during the 2024 presidential campaign. However, the deal fell apart after a Delaware federal judge raised concerns, leading to the current legal proceedings.
Republicans, including Trump, criticized the initial proposed plea deal as a “sweetheart deal.” Trump himself faces multiple criminal charges, including allegations of attempting to overturn the 2020 election results.
If convicted on the tax charges, Hunter Biden, aged 53, could face a maximum sentence of 17 years in prison.
