Jury selection for Hunter Biden’s criminal tax trial, stemming from a yearslong investigation by special counsel David Weiss, is set to begin in California. The trial, which involves charges of three felonies and six misdemeanors related to $1.4 million in owed taxes, was initially scheduled to start in June but was delayed to September at the request of Biden’s attorneys, which was approved by Judge Mark Scarsi of the United States District Court for the Central District of California. Biden has pleaded not guilty to the charges, which allege a “four-year scheme” of tax evasion and false tax reporting.
Weiss has accused Biden of engaging in a scheme to avoid paying federal income taxes over multiple years and evading assessment of taxes, as well as subverting the payroll and tax withholding process of his own company in order to withdraw funds outside of the proper channels. It is alleged that Biden used millions of dollars on personal expenses instead of paying his tax bills, and he allegedly stopped paying his taxes for the year 2015 in 2018. The charges also accuse Biden of willfully failing to pay his taxes for several years and failing to file tax returns on time for specific years.
This tax trial is not the only legal trouble Biden is facing this year, as he has already been found guilty in Delaware on charges related to making false statements during the purchase of a firearm and possession of a firearm by an unlawful user of controlled substances. The combined maximum penalties for all charges could result in up to 25 years in prison, as well as fines and supervised release. President Biden has stated that he will not pardon his son, despite the legal issues he is currently facing.
The upcoming trial in California will involve jury selection on Thursday and Friday, with opening arguments expected to be delivered by both Weiss and Biden’s defense attorneys the following Monday. The trial will focus on the allegations of tax evasion and false tax reporting that have been brought against Hunter Biden, leading to a significant legal battle that could potentially result in further consequences for the president’s son. The outcome of this trial could have far-reaching implications for both Hunter Biden and his family, as well as potentially impacting the broader political landscape in the United States.
