Hunter Biden is facing two separate trials on federal tax and gun charges, with the trial for the tax charges being pushed to September after a judge granted his request for more time to prepare. Hunter Biden has pleaded not guilty to both indictments, with his lawyers claiming that the cases are politically motivated. The trials will coincide with the presidential election, adding to the acrimony between then-President Donald Trump, who is running for re-election, and the Democratic president, whose son is facing legal troubles. Trump himself is facing multiple criminal cases, including a hush money trial in New York.
Hunter Biden’s defense team has been struggling to line up expert witnesses for the high-profile trial, while prosecutors have described the tax case as straightforward and opposed the delay. Despite the pushback from prosecutors, the judge agreed to delay the trial to September 5, cautioning Hunter Biden’s lawyer that it would be the only delay unless ordered by a higher court. The tax case alleges that Hunter failed to pay at least $1.4 million in taxes over four years while living an “extravagant lifestyle” during a period in which he was struggling with addiction. The back taxes have since been paid.
In the gun case, prosecutors allege that Hunter Biden lied about his drug use on a firearms form in 2018, but his lawyers maintain that he did not break the law. Prosecutors plan to use portions of his 2021 memoir, “Beautiful Things,” in which he details his struggle with addiction following the death of his older brother. Hunter Biden’s lawyers have unsuccessfully pushed for dismissal in both cases, arguing that prosecutors caved to political pressure after a plea agreement fell apart and was criticized publicly by Republicans, including Trump. The long-running federal investigation into Hunter Biden appeared close to wrapping up with a plea deal last year, but it fell through after a judge raised concerns.
Despite the delays and legal challenges, Hunter Biden has maintained his innocence and continues to fight the charges against him. The upcoming trials will add to the already contentious political atmosphere surrounding the presidential election, with Trump’s allies using Hunter Biden’s legal troubles to attack his father. Both cases are being overseen by judges nominated by Trump, further complicating the political implications. Hunter Biden is scheduled to stand trial on federal tax charges in September after the trial was delayed to allow more time for preparation. The gun trial in Delaware is set to begin on June 3, adding to the legal battles facing the president’s son.
