The federal tax fraud trial of Hunter Biden is set to commence next month as both sides finalize critical details.
The president’s son faces serious allegations, including three felony tax charges and six misdemeanor offenses, for allegedly failing to pay $1.4 million in federal taxes from 2016 to 2019.
Jury selection is scheduled for September 5, with the trial beginning on September 9.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware, court will not be held on September 13 and 16.
Disputed Foreign Business Deals
A significant point of contention has emerged as Hunter Biden’s legal team pushes back against the prosecution’s attempts to introduce evidence of his foreign business dealings into the trial.
Special Counsel David Weiss plans to call a witness to testify about Biden’s involvement with a Romanian businessman accused of seeking to influence U.S. government policy during Joe Biden’s tenure as vice president.
Hunter Biden’s attorneys argue that these allegations are irrelevant to the tax charges, claiming they are politically motivated and could confuse jurors.
In recent court filings, they criticized the prosecution for bringing up these issues “on the eve of Mr. Biden’s trial,” despite no mention of political influence in the 56-page indictment.
Hallie Biden Granted Immunity to Testify
Another key development involves Hallie Biden, the widow of Beau Biden and former girlfriend of Hunter Biden. She has been granted immunity to testify in the tax fraud trial by U.S. District Judge Mark Scarsi.
In his ruling, Judge Scarsi stated that Hallie Biden is required to provide testimony or other relevant information despite her initial invocation of her Fifth Amendment privilege against self-incrimination.
Hunter Biden’s Legal Troubles and Background
The case is part of a broader investigation into Hunter Biden’s financial dealings and business activities, including his relationships with foreign entities like a Ukrainian gas company and the Romanian businessman involved in this case. The legal scrutiny began with a federal investigation into his tax affairs and led to charges of tax evasion and illegal firearm possession.
In June 2023, Hunter Biden struck a plea deal to resolve two misdemeanor tax charges and enter a diversion program for the firearm charge, but the agreement collapsed in July over disagreements regarding the extent of immunity from future charges. This led to the appointment of a special counsel and the continuation of the legal battle.
Hunter Biden’s legal woes extend beyond the tax case.
In September 2023, he filed a lawsuit against the IRS, accusing agents of unlawfully disclosing his confidential tax information for political purposes. The IRS has yet to comment on the allegations.
Hunter Biden is also set to be sentenced on November 13 for his conviction on three felony gun charges related to purchasing a firearm while using drugs. This sentencing date notably falls just one week after the 2024 presidential election.
The upcoming tax fraud trial represents a significant moment in an ongoing saga that continues to generate political and legal implications on the national stage.
