Hunter Biden, the son of US President Joe Biden, is reportedly expected to plead guilty to two misdemeanor tax crimes under a plea agreement that will allow him to potentially avoid a firearm charge. This announcement was made by the US Attorney’s Office in Delaware after a five-year politically charged investigation into Biden's tax affairs and business dealings.
Biden's participation in a federal diversion program ensures that the weapons offence could be dropped if he complies with certain conditions for a period of time. Defendants who enter into such agreements usually take responsibility for their conduct but do not plead guilty.
The plea agreement, whose full details have yet to be disclosed, is expected to recommend a sentence of 24 months probation while resolving the entire investigation, according to a source familiar with the matter. The diversion program conditions, which demand Biden to abstain from drugs or firearms, are set to cover the same time frame.
Biden's lawyer, Chris Clark, acknowledged that his client is committed to taking responsibility for his mistakes during a period of turmoil and addiction. The investigation, which was led by US Attorney David Weiss of Delaware, sparked a quick partisan reaction amid the 2024 presidential race and Republican criticism of Donald Trump's recent indictment concerning his handling of classified documents.
According to prosecutors, Biden had failed to pay more than $100,000 in taxes on at least $1.5 million in income in 2017 and 2018. The charges of willful failure to pay taxes carry a maximum penalty of one year in prison and a $100,000 fine. The diversion agreement allows Biden to avoid a guilty plea for the firearm charge, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The investigation has become a litmus test for the Justice Department's handling of politically charged cases. Former federal prosecutor, Barbara McQuade, asserted that Weiss's presence at the top of the investigation assures the public that the deal is fair.
While the resolution may cast a shadow over Joe Biden’s presidential reelection campaign, the case is likely to continue as the committee focuses on allegations of bribery schemes involving Joe Biden and foreign nationals. Chairman James Comer of the House Oversight and Accountability Committee complained that Hunter Biden is "getting away with a slap on the wrist."
Although no court date has been set for Biden's first appearance, the judge will have the final say on any sentence irrespective of any possible recommendations concerning prison time.