Prosecutors are seeking an indictment of Hunter Biden, the son of President Joe Biden, in a tax and firearms case, according to a court filing. The US prosecutors stated that they intend to secure a grand jury indictment by September 29, under the Speedy Trial Act. The move comes after a proposed plea deal was rejected by US District Judge Maryellen Noreika in July due to concerns over its legality and the extent of immunity it offered Hunter Biden.
Hunter Biden’s lawyers claim that prosecutors reneged on the plea deal, leaving the possibility of a criminal trial looming as the 2024 presidential election approaches. However, Hunter Biden’s attorney, Abbe Lowell, believes that the deal is still in effect, stating that it remains valid and prevents any additional charges from being filed against Mr. Biden. Lowell emphasized that Hunter Biden has been complying with the conditions of release under the agreement.
Under the proposed plea arrangement, Hunter Biden would have admitted to not paying taxes on $1.5 million in income between 2017 and 2018. He would have also entered into a deferred prosecution agreement for illegally possessing a firearm while using drugs, a felony charge.
The case surrounding Hunter Biden has become a politically charged issue, with Republicans in Congress suggesting the impeachment of President Biden over his son’s business dealings. They accuse the Department of Justice of giving Hunter Biden a sweetheart deal. However, US Attorney General Merrick Garland has refuted these allegations, asserting that there is no favoritism involved. Garland appointed David Weiss as a special counsel to oversee the investigation, granting him additional authority.
Should the case proceed to trial, it could coincide with President Biden’s campaign for reelection in November 2024, potentially putting him against former President Donald Trump, as his son faces criminal prosecution. Notably, Trump himself is facing at least three criminal trials next year.
This development in the ongoing investigation into Hunter Biden’s tax and firearms case brings further attention to the potential legal implications for the president’s son. It remains to be seen how the situation will unfold and whether a fair resolution can be reached amid the intense political divide surrounding the matter.
