2023-07-26T23:29

Hunter Biden Pleads 'Not Guilty' as Plea Deal Falls Apart in Delaware Court

Hunter Biden's plea deal to avoid jail time on tax and gun charges fell apart in court on Wednesday, after the judge raised concerns about the agreement. Biden entered a not guilty plea and the case will now proceed to trial.<br><br><br>The judge, Maryellen Noreika, said she was concerned about the lack of clarity in the agreement, particularly regarding the possibility of future charges. She also said she was not convinced that Biden had fully understood the terms of the deal.<br><br><br>As a result, the judge deferred her decision on whether to approve the plea deal. The parties have 14 days to brief her and the ruling could now be delayed for weeks.<br><br><br>The collapse of the plea deal is a setback for Hunter Biden, who had been hoping to avoid a trial. However, it also raises the possibility that he could face more serious charges in the future.<br><br><br>The charges against Hunter Biden stem from a five-year federal investigation into his finances. He was accused of failing to pay taxes on millions of dollars in income, and of possessing a gun while using illegal drugs.<br><br><br>The plea deal would have allowed Biden to avoid jail time if he had met certain conditions, including paying back taxes and completing community service. However, the judge's concerns about the agreement have now thrown the case into uncertainty.<br><br><br>It is unclear what will happen next in the case. The parties could try to renegotiate the plea deal, or Biden could go to trial. If he is convicted, he could face up to five years in prison on the tax charges and up to 10 years in prison on the gun charge.<br><br><br>The collapse of the plea deal is a reminder that the legal problems facing Hunter Biden are not over. He still faces the possibility of serious charges, and the outcome of his case could have implications for his father, President Joe Biden.