Few presidential children have garnered as much negative publicity as Hunter Biden, and matters all became worse this week after he chose to plead not guilty to almost a dozen federal charges. The timing could not be worse for the Biden family, considering that the 2024 election cycle is poised to kick into high gear over the coming months.
So, what does this mean for Hunter Biden and, perhaps more importantly, the future of his father’s reelection bid? While the answer remains to be seen, one thing is for certain: Biden is in for an uphill battle against federal prosecutors in his case. As it stands, he’s been charged with a handful of both felony and misdemeanor tax charges that stem from four years when prosecutors allege that Biden planned to hide millions in income from the federal government.
Of course, this is far from the first time Hunter Biden has been involved in scandal. Prior to these tax charges, he very publicly battled a drug and alcohol addiction. He was investigated for suspicious business dealings in China just after his father was sworn into office. Despite his past challenges, the looming threat of federal tax charges may be Hunter Biden’s greatest obstacle to date, potentially landing him in federal prison for 17 years.
What Is Hunter Biden Charged With?
First, it’s important to remember that not all tax charges are created equal. Like any other type of crime, tax charges can range in severity and may be classified as a felony or a misdemeanor, depending on the nature of the allegations. Plus, some charges may be as simple as paying off a past debt or penalties, while others can include extensive time in federal prison.
In Biden’s case, he faces a significant combination of charges, including three felony counts and six misdemeanors. These charges point to illicit activities like tax evasion, evasion of an assessment, and filing a false tax return. Along with this, owing the IRS more than $1.4 million in unpaid taxes, Biden also faces a 17-year prison sentence if convicted.
According to authorities, these charges are related to a four-year time period, which many have dubbed a “scheme,” where Hunter Biden and other associates sought to hide assets, mislead the government, and falsify crucial tax documents. This makes his case one of the most complex tax fraud cases in recent memory, setting the stage for what is certain to be a controversial legal fight.
The Four-Year Scheme: Everything We Know
To better understand the gravity of Hunter Biden’s tax charges, it’s important to return to where it all began. In a 56-page indictment, prosecutors state that Biden began accepting money from businesses in foreign countries shortly after his father ascended to the office of President, much to the ire of party members on the opposite side of the aisle.
While his business dealings may have been technically legal, the trouble began when Biden was shown to have been failing to pay taxes on money taken from a Ukrainian gas and Chinese energy company. Although the exact details have not been revealed to the public, the charges allege that he avoided an evaluation by the IRS on numerous occasions, allowing him to earn millions in untaxed income.
By his own admission, Hunter Biden states that he was struggling with addiction during this time, making it difficult to make sound financial decisions. Many have empathized with his struggles, while others point out that Biden continued to abuse the tax system long after he claimed to have gotten sober.
In fact, prosecutors are expected to argue this face in court, claiming that Biden lied on federal tax documents even after testifying that he was clean. Some of the false deductions included in the indictment involve things like:
- Luxury vehicles, travel arrangements, and even a New York City apartment he rented for his then-girlfriend.
- Designer clothes and other high-end items.
- Escorts and private dancers, including ambiguous payments to many women for personal services.
- Paying for his daughter’s college advisory needs.
These deductions paint a damning picture of Hunter Biden’s financial activity during the alleged scheme, one which he and his legal team will need to thoroughly dismantle and disprove during the trial.
What Happens Next?
Due to the politically charged nature of the case, a special council has already been appointed to handle Biden’s charges. David Weiss, who is a lead counsel in the case, brought the charges against the President’s son after two IRS whistleblowers claimed that the White House was attempting to let him off the hook easily.
This past week, Hunter Biden officially entered a plea of not guilty, addressing a federal judge and ensuring that he understands the gravity of the charges being brought against him. The trial is officially set for June 20th, 2024, although this can often change as both sides continue to bring new motions to the court.
How This Impacts The 2024 Presidential Election
Although many assert that Hunter Biden leveraged his father’s presidential status for financial gain, President Biden has not been included in any of the indictments against his son. Prior to the current charges, the younger Biden was offered a plea deal stemming from two related tax evasion charges, which IRS whistleblowers have claimed was an attempt to sweep his more serious crimes under the rug.
As the 2024 election cycle gets underway, President Biden will certainly be faced with many questions about his son’s activities. Even though he has yet to make a statement on the tax charges, Biden has always made it clear that he is supportive of his son, especially throughout his battle with addiction.
Despite all of this, it’s unclear whether this scandal will truly impact the President’s reelection campaign, as his conservative rival, Donald Trump, continues to make headlines for his own legal woes. Regardless of the political stature, you can rest assured that the IRS always finds a way to collect on its debts.
