A federal judge in California rejected all eight motions filed by Hunter Biden’s defense attorney seeking to dismiss the felony tax charges against him. The defense argued that the prosecution was selective and vindictive, but the judge found no evidence of discriminatory effect or purpose. The defense also claimed that prosecutors were influenced by Republicans in Congress and IRS whistleblowers, but the judge determined that there were no facts to support these claims.
The defense also alleged that special counsel David Weiss was unlawfully appointed, but the judge found no convincing reason to support this claim. Additionally, the defense argued that the IRS whistleblowers’ testimony constituted outrageous government conduct, but the judge ruled that there was no evidence to suggest that this influenced the grand jury’s decision to indict Hunter Biden. The defense also claimed that Weiss’ team reneged on a plea agreement, but the judge ruled that the agreement was not binding due to a missing signature block.
Hunter Biden has pleaded not guilty to nine charges, including three felonies, related to allegedly dodging $1.4 million in taxes between 2016 and 2019. The trial is set to begin in June, and he faces a maximum penalty of 17 years in prison. In a separate case in Delaware, he also faces charges related to the alleged purchase of a handgun while addicted to cocaine. He has pleaded not guilty in that case as well and has sought to dismiss the charges on similar grounds.
The judge found that there was no evidence to support the defense’s claims of selective prosecution or improper appointment of special counsel. Hunter Biden’s defense argued that public statements by politicians influenced prosecutorial decisions, but the judge found these claims to be unsubstantiated. Additionally, the defense claimed that the IRS whistleblowers’ public statements constituted outrageous government conduct, but the judge ruled that this did not prejudice the grand jury’s decision.
Despite the defense’s efforts to dismiss some of the charges on the grounds of timeliness, lack of specificity, duplicity, and improper venue, the judge rejected these arguments. Hunter Biden has maintained his plea of not guilty in both cases and is set to stand trial in June. The judge’s ruling on the motions to dismiss the charges against him indicates that the case will proceed to trial as scheduled. Hunter Biden’s defense has sought to challenge the charges on several grounds, but the judge’s rejection of the motions signals that the legal proceedings will move forward.
