In a surprise move Thursday, Hunter Biden pleaded guilty to all nine federal tax charges he faced, avoiding a weekslong trial as jury selection was scheduled to begin.
U.S. District Judge Mark Scarsi set sentencing for Dec. 16. Scarsi had balked at an earlier offer from Biden to plead guilty under what is called an Alford plea. The plea is when a defendant accepts sentencing by acknowledging the prosecution has enough evidence to convict him, even if he doesn't admit wrongdoing.
Justice Department special counsel David Weiss’ team opposed an Alford plea, arguing that Biden should be forced to admit his guilt.
But ultimately Biden pleaded guilty to three felonies and six misdemeanors, on charges he failed to pay $1.4 million in taxes from 2016 to 2019.
