Hunter Biden Agrees to Plea Deal: A Closer Look at the Charges and Reactions

U.S. President Joe Biden's son, Hunter Biden, has agreed to plead guilty to two charges related to his taxes. He failed to pay federal income taxes for the years 2017 and 2018, despite having earned over $1.5 million in taxable income for each of those years. As a result of this plea agreement, he may be able to avoid a conviction on a separate charge related to possessing a firearm as a user of illegal drugs.

The investigation and charges against Hunter Biden were carried out by David Weiss, the U.S. attorney in Delaware, who was appointed during the presidency of Donald Trump. The case has been ongoing for five years and has finally resulted in the plea agreement.

ALSO READ: 

The tax charges against Hunter Biden carry a maximum sentence of 12 months in prison, while the firearm charge could lead to a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. However, it is reported that prosecutors will recommend probation for the tax crimes.

Indulgence in Substance Abuse

Hunter Biden has struggled with substance abuse, and in 2022, he paid the previously unpaid taxes for the years 2017 and 2018, likely in an effort to avoid criminal charges and lessen any potential sentence.

The plea agreement is subject to a pretrial diversion deal for the firearm charge, which means that if Hunter complies with the conditions of the deal for a set period of time, the criminal charge may be dismissed. The investigation into Hunter Biden's actions is still ongoing, and further details of the plea agreement will be filed with the court before his plea hearing.

President Joe Biden expressed his support for his son, stating that he is proud of him. The White House issued a statement confirming the love and support for Hunter as he continues to rebuild his life.

Former President Donald Trump criticized the plea deal, claiming that it amounts to leniency for Hunter Biden, especially when compared to the charges he is facing. Trump also mentioned his own legal issues and the ongoing investigation into Hunter's overseas business dealings and a purported bribery scheme involving President Biden.

In response to the plea agreement, Representative James Comer, a Republican, accused the Department of Justice of employing a "two-tiered system of justice" and vowed to continue investigating the Biden family's alleged corruption and influence peddling.

Despite the plea deal, the investigations and debates surrounding the Biden family's actions are far from over, and they continue to be a topic of political contention.