WILMINGTON, DE – Hunter Biden plans to change his plea in the federal criminal tax case against him, signaling a significant development just before his trial was set to begin. According to courtroom reports, Biden’s attorney, Abbe Lowell, informed the court on Thursday that his client intends to enter an Alford plea, a legal move that allows a defendant to maintain their innocence while conceding that the prosecution’s evidence could likely result in a conviction.
The unexpected shift came during a hearing before U.S. District Judge Mark Scarsi, who was overseeing the case in Delaware. Prosecutors expressed surprise, stating they were not informed of the plea change in advance, and requested additional time to review the implications. Judge Scarsi subsequently adjourned the proceedings for several hours to allow for further discussions between the government and Biden’s legal team.
The timing of the plea change comes just days before jury selection was set to begin, with opening arguments scheduled for Monday. Biden, the son of President Joe Biden, faces multiple tax-related charges, including allegations that he failed to pay over $1.4 million in federal taxes from 2016 to 2019.
Biden was charged in 2023 on nine counts related to these tax issues. The outcome of the plea negotiations remains to be seen as the trial process continues.