Hunter Biden’s tax trial pushed to fall
Hunter Biden is now expected to stand trial on federal tax charges in September after a California judge agreed to his request to delay the trial as he faces a separate gun trial beginning next month, The Associated Press reported.
During a hearing Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Mark C. Scarsi pushed the tax trial to begin Sept. 5, after Biden’s lawyers argued more time is needed to prepare while they also juggle a federal gun trial beginning in Delaware on June 3, AP reported.
The president’s son is accused of failing to pay at least $1.4 million in federal taxes from 2016 through 2019.
The nine felony and misdemeanor tax offenses further allege he tried to evade the assessment of taxes in 2018 by filing false returns and instead used the money to fund an indulgent lifestyle that included drugs and alcohol.
Prosecutors fought the delay request in court Wednesday, with attorney Leo Wise telling the judge, “The time to try this case is now,” per the AP.
The younger Biden was not in the Los Angeles courtroom Wednesday as he was not required, and Scarsi told Biden’s lawyer this would be the only delay in the case unless there is an order from a higher court, AP added.
Over on the East Coast, Hunter Biden faces charges related to possessing a firearm while under the influence of drugs. Prosecutors allege he lied on a form indicating he was not using drugs at the time.
He has pleaded not guilty to both indictments, which his attorneys have claimed are both politically motivated and influenced by the separate House GOP investigation into Biden’s business dealings.
Earlier this week, Hunter Biden’s legal team separately pushed for an appeals court to pause the federal gun trial, claiming there is no urgent need to start the trial June 3. His legal team also filed two appeals Monday, one to attempt to get the prosecution dismissed and a second to contend his actions were protected under the Second Amendment.
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