Hunter Biden pleads guilty in tax case in Los Angeles

Hunter Biden, the son of US President Joe Biden, pleaded guilty to all nine counts in his criminal tax case in Los Angeles federal court. He faces a maximum possible sentence of 17 years in prison but is likely to receive a less severe punishment due to federal sentencing guidelines. Biden initially offered to enter an Alford plea but ended up making an open plea without a plea deal. He admitted to failing to pay at least $1.4 million in federal taxes between 2016 and 2019. Biden’s attorney stated that he put his family first by avoiding a trial that would have exposed details about his drug abuse and lavish lifestyle. Biden issued a written statement taking responsibility for his actions and explaining his struggles with addiction. In a recent court hearing, Wise, a prosecutor, firmly stated that the U.S. opposes an Alford plea for Hunter Biden. He emphasized that accepting such a plea is against the public interest and the rule of law. The prosecutor expressed shock at the proposed plea offer and stated that rushing the decision is not appropriate at this point. Federal prosecutors are only allowed to consent to an Alford plea in rare circumstances. Hunter Biden’s lawyer argued that he deserves the same rights as others who take such pleas. Ultimately, Hunter Biden decided to enter an open guilty plea instead of pursuing an Alford plea. President Biden declined to comment on the situation as he left the White House for Wisconsin.