Recap: Hunter Biden pleads not guilty in Los Angeles courtroom
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Biden is charged with nine counts related to a failure to file and pay income taxes.
Hunter Biden, center, appears alongside attorney Abbe Lowell, right, in front of Judge Mark C. Scarsi, left, in federal court, on Thursday in Los Angeles. Bill Robles via AP
The latest news on Hunter Biden's arraignment:
- Hunter Biden, the son of President Joe Biden, pleaded not guilty on charges related to his failure to file and pay income taxes.
- The appearance in Los Angeles was before U.S. District Judge Mark C. Scarsi, who was appointed by then-President Donald Trump.
- Hunter Biden has already pleaded not guilty to gun charges in Delaware federal court.
- Last year, a plea deal between Hunter Biden and federal prosecutors fell apart. The deal would have resolved the tax charges, required no jail time and deferred the gun charges.
Hunter Biden appeared relaxed through hearing
The judge seemed focused on a speedy trial and noted that Biden has complied with his conditions of release in Delaware. He said, “The court appreciates that and notes it for the record.”
Biden appeared relatively relaxed throughout the hearing, agreeing to all conditions of his release without apparent hesitation.
The hearing lasted about 30 minutes.
The hearing is over
The hearing has concluded. Hunter Biden was processed before the hearing began.
Judge asks Hunter Biden if he understands risk of arrest
The judge asked, “A warrant for your arrest can be issued if you don’t comply with conditions. Do you understand?”
Hunter Biden replied, “I do, your honor.”
Color from the courthouse: Hunter Biden sat with lawyers
Hunter Biden entered with his lawyers and sat at the defense table on the right side of courtroom.
The judge asked Hunter Biden: “Have you had opportunity to review the indictment?"
Hunter Biden replied, “Yes.”
Hunter Biden pleads not guilty
Hunter Biden has entered a plea of not guilty. Attorney Lowell entered the plea on his behalf.
Hunter Biden could face years in prison if convicted.
Members of the public being allowed into courtroom
There are a few members of the public being let into the courtroom.
Press has begun to file into courtroom
Reporters have begun to enter the hearing.
What are the charges Biden will respond to today?
There are four separate tax-related charges that Hunter Biden will be asked to answer to today.
He's been charged with four counts of failure to pay; two counts of failure to file; two counts of filing a false return; and a count of tax evasion.
Hunter Biden arrives at courthouse
Hunter Biden has arrived at the courthouse.
When will the arraignment begin?
The Hunter Biden arraignment is expected to begin at 1 p.m. PT.
GOP-led committees vote to recommend that House hold Hunter Biden in contempt
Two congressional committees voted Wednesday to formally recommend that the full House hold Hunter Biden in contempt of Congress for defying a subpoena in the Republican impeachment inquiry into his father.
In separate votes, both GOP-led panels voted along party lines in favor of advancing the resolution. The Judiciary Committee went first and voted 23 to 14, followed by the House Oversight Committee’s 25-21 vote.
They voted hours after Biden, the president’s son, made a surprise visit to attend the committee meetings in person. He was accompanied by his attorneys Abbe Lowell and Kevin Morris.
Hunter Biden set to be arraigned on tax charges
Hunter Biden, the last surviving son of President Joe Biden, will be arraigned Thursday in federal court on nine tax-related charges.
Hunter Biden will make his appearance in Los Angeles before U.S. District Judge Mark C. Scarsi, who was appointed by former President Donald Trump.
The arraignment comes just over a month after Hunter Biden was indicted in the Central District of California on allegations that he failed to pay his taxes. Prosecutors alleged that Biden, who has spoken extensively about his addiction, “spent this money on drugs, escorts and girlfriends, luxury hotels and rental properties, exotic cars, clothing, and other items of a personal nature” from 2016 through October 2020.
