Hunter Biden Disrupts Tax Trial with Last-Minute ‘Alford Plea’ Request

Prosecutors have officially expressed their opposition to Hunter Biden’s proposed Alford plea, which would allow him to plead guilty to charges while simultaneously maintaining his innocence regarding the underlying conduct. This plea was suggested just moments before the selection of jurors for his federal trial on tax charges was set to begin in Los Angeles.

Although the term “Alford plea” was not directly mentioned in court, Hunter Biden’s defense attorney, Abbe Lowell, effectively described it, while prosecutors made it clear that the special counsel would reject any plea that does not involve an admission of guilt. In a brief recess, the defense team outlined Biden’s proposed terms to the court.

During the proceedings, prosecutor Leo Wise emphasized the government’s strong stance against an Alford plea, stating, “The United States opposes an Alford plea.” He accused Biden of seeking undue leniency, boldly asserting, “Hunter Biden is guilty.” Wise expressed surprise at his defense attorney’s unexpected announcement in court.

The courtroom discussions quickly escalated into a debate over whether Biden was indeed proposing an Alford plea or simply an open plea that would necessitate admitting guilt. Wise raised a pivotal question: “To put a fine point on it—is the defendant maintaining his innocence? I think that’s a critical question before we can proceed.” This clarification was necessary for the prosecution to determine its response.

District Judge Mark Scarsi indicated he might entertain a plea where Biden acknowledges that the government possesses enough evidence to convict him beyond a reasonable doubt. However, he did not believe he could be compelled to accept an Alford plea. Wise requested additional time to contemplate the proposed plea arrangement.

An Alford plea is relatively uncommon and is typically used in situations where defendants acknowledge they likely cannot prevail at trial while still asserting their innocence. If granted, this plea would require Biden to profess guilt without needing to explain the reasons for this acceptance.

Biden arrived at the courthouse shortly before jury selection was set to commence. Upon the court being called to order, his attorney announced plans to change his plea, indicating that jury selection was no longer necessary.

The prosecutors seemed startled by this abrupt development, reiterating that they would not accept anything other than a straightforward guilty plea. Wise remarked, “This is the first we have heard of this.”

Prosecutors have charged Hunter Biden with a four-year scheme to evade paying approximately $1.4 million in taxes. Allegations include spending lavish amounts on luxury items, from exotic cars to expensive hotels, while neglecting tax obligations. Initially, Biden had pleaded not guilty to a comprehensive indictment which included six misdemeanor charges for failure to pay taxes, a felony tax evasion charge, and two felony counts of filing false returns.

Hunter Biden eventually settled back taxes and penalties with the assistance of a third party, identified by sources as confidant Kevin Morris. This court appearance took place three months after Biden was found guilty of three felony charges regarding a firearm purchase in 2018 while allegedly struggling with addiction. His sentencing for that case is slated for mid-November.

In their detailed indictment, prosecutors contended that Biden deliberately sidestepped tax payments through his own company’s payroll system, failing to fulfill his tax responsibilities despite having the means to do so. The indictment pointed to false information in Biden’s 2018 tax returns.

Prosecutors alleged that Biden’s expenditures included drugs, escorts, and other luxury items, rather than settling his tax dues. They further highlighted millions of dollars received from overseas business dealings in Ukraine, China, and Romania, often in exchange for minimal work.

Although Biden ultimately paid back his tax liabilities, Judge Scarsi prohibited defense attorneys from presenting this information to the jury. He ruled that evidence regarding late payments was not relevant to Biden’s mental state at the time the alleged crimes were committed.

Previously, Biden had agreed to a plea deal for two misdemeanors due to unpaid taxes from 2017 and 2018. This agreement would have allowed him to avoid felony charges relating to his firearm purchase if he met certain conditions. However, this deal unraveled amid a contentious court hearing that called its structure into question.

By September, the special counsel had brought forth a new indictment in Delaware, accusing Biden of lying on a federal form during the firearm purchase. Subsequently, a federal indictment regarding his tax crimes was issued in December in Los Angeles.

Source: ABC News