(DailyChive.com) – In a development with potential implications for the 2024 election cycle, a California federal judge has dismissed Hunter Biden’s attempt to throw out multiple tax-related charges. This decision sets the stage for court proceedings that could significantly impact the political landscape. U.S. District Judge Mark C. Scarsi, appointed by former President Trump, rejected Biden’s claims of government misconduct and vindictive prosecution in an 82-page ruling delivered Monday evening.
Biden, 54, faces nine tax-related offenses, including accusations of tax evasion on over $7 million in income spanning three years (2016 to 2019) and filing false returns. Prosecutors allege that in 2018, Biden wrongly categorized personal expenses as business-related, including $30,000 for his daughter’s tuition and $11,500 given to an escort.
Despite making efforts to settle his debts, including penalties and interest, in 2021, a previous agreement to resolve some tax-related and firearms offenses in Delaware fell through last year. Biden’s legal team argued that political pressure, particularly from Trump and Republicans aiming to undermine President Biden’s reelection chances, played a significant role in the collapse of the deal. This led to the convening of a grand jury in California by special counsel David Weiss.
Led by Abbe Lowell, Biden’s attorneys sought dismissal on various grounds, including questioning the legality of Weiss’ appointment, alleging the case was politically motivated, and claiming violations of Biden’s rights by IRS agents who disclosed tax records. However, Judge Scarsi dismissed these arguments, stating the motion lacked substantive evidence and failed to demonstrate misconduct by the agents.
Prosecutors countered Biden’s claims, labeling them as a “conspiracy theory” and highlighting that the current president oversees the Justice Department prosecuting him.
Reacting to the ruling, Lowell expressed disagreement, stating they would continue challenging the investigation’s handling. He also raised concerns about IRS agents Shapley and Ziegler’s conduct, accusing them of releasing confidential tax documents and compromising Biden’s due process rights. However, Scarsi found no evidence linking their actions to the charges against Biden.
Biden is now set for trial on June 20, potentially intersecting with the intensifying 2024 election cycle. With Judge Scarsi’s ruling, Hunter Biden faces the prospect of a lengthy legal process, with potential consequences including a maximum of 17 years in prison if convicted on all charges.
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