Jury selection is scheduled to commence on Thursday in Hunter Biden’s federal tax trial, following his recent conviction on gun charges. The Los Angeles court case alleges that Biden engaged in a four-year scheme to evade paying over $1.4 million in taxes while earning millions from foreign business entities. Despite facing potential prison time for the gun charges, Biden has pleaded not guilty to the tax-related accusations from 2016 to 2019, with his defense suggesting that his actions were not willful due to documented struggles with addiction.
U.S. District Judge Mark Scarsi, appointed by former President Donald Trump, has set limitations on what information jurors can hear regarding the events that reportedly contributed to Biden’s substance abuse issues. Details such as the death of his brother Beau Biden and a childhood car accident resulting in the loss of his mother and sister have been restricted, along with a proposed expert witness on addiction. The indictment portrays Biden as living extravagantly while neglecting his tax obligations, spending money on items like strippers and luxury accommodations.
Prosecutors may delve into Biden’s international business dealings during the trial, which have been a focal point of Republican investigations alleging influence peddling within the Biden family. The prosecution aims to shed light on Biden’s work for a Romanian businessman and its potential connection to U.S. government policy during Joe Biden’s vice presidency. Defense attorneys have criticized the release of such details, accusing prosecutors of seeking media attention and biasing the jury pool.
Prospective jurors will undergo questioning to evaluate their ability to remain impartial, particularly regarding their political views, knowledge of the case, and personal experiences with substance abuse, tax matters, and the Internal Revenue Service. The collapse of a plea deal and diversion agreement in July 2023 led to the separate trials for the gun charges in Delaware and the tax case in California. Despite facing a possible 25-year prison sentence in the Delaware case, Hunter Biden, as a first-time offender, is likely to receive a reduced sentence or potentially avoid incarceration altogether.
