Hunter Biden has hired a new criminal defense attorney to handle his upcoming tax evasion trial after discussions with the special counsel did not result in a plea deal. The possibility of a plea deal still exists, which could potentially allow President Joe Biden’s son to avoid a second trial following his recent conviction on gun-related charges. However, no concrete agreements have been reached, and it remains uncertain whether a deal will be struck before the tax trial begins next month in California.
Given the financial strain of ongoing legal bills and time constraints for his defense team, Hunter Biden has brought on noted defense attorney Mark Geragos to lead his defense in the tax trial. The situation reflects a shift in Hunter Biden’s legal and political circumstances over the past few months, as he seeks to avoid another costly and embarrassing trial as his father finishes his term in the White House. Money has become a key factor, with his primary benefactor experiencing financial constraints related to funding Biden’s defense, particularly in the face of an anticipated lengthy tax trial.
Hunter Biden’s Delaware defense had been led by Abbe Lowell, a partner at a large corporate defense firm, along with a team of lawyers. The firm faced challenges in managing its workload while Biden’s legal issues persisted on the West Coast. Plea deal negotiations have intensified as the trial date approaches, with the possibility of Biden pleading guilty to the nine tax counts he faces. The federal tax trial in Los Angeles is expected to revisit previous episodes of drug addiction and personal relationships that featured in the gun trial earlier this year.
The prosecution is expected to provide evidence that Hunter Biden failed to pay $1.4 million in federal taxes by concealing international business transactions from the IRS. Witnesses, including the widow of his late brother Beau Biden and the mother of one of his children, have been subpoenaed to testify. Conviction on the tax charges could worsen the potential prison sentence Hunter Biden faces, in addition to fines. His father, President Joe Biden, has the authority to pardon or commute his sentence, but has previously stated he would respect the jury’s decision regarding his son’s cases.
Hunter Biden’s attorneys, Lowell and Geragos, have experience in advocating for high-profile pardons, but any discussions about a potential pardon are likely to occur between father and son. The decision on a pardon is expected to be made closer to the end of President Biden’s term. The White House declined to comment on the situation. Overall, the developments surrounding Hunter Biden’s legal challenges reflect a complex mix of legal, financial, and political factors as he navigates his upcoming tax trial and potential implications for his future.
