A federal judge on Monday rejected Hunter Biden’s attempt to dismiss several tax-related charges, all but ensuring the case will proceed to trial as scheduled in early September.
In July, Hunter Biden’s attorneys filed motions to dismiss cases in both California and Delaware, referencing a federal judge’s decision in Florida to dismiss classified documents charges against former President Donald Trump. However, U.S. District Judge Mark Scarsi, who is overseeing Biden’s tax case in Los Angeles, denied the request. In a seven-page ruling, Scarsi concluded that the defense’s arguments were insufficient on both procedural and factual grounds.
Judge Scarsi noted that Hunter Biden’s previous efforts to dismiss the case had failed. He wrote, “As he concedes in his notice of the motion, Mr. Biden plainly seeks reconsideration of issues already decided upon his February motion,” adding there was no valid reason for reconsidering the court’s prior ruling.
While Scarsi denied the motion, he also addressed potential sanctions against Hunter Biden. Earlier, the judge had warned of possible penalties after Biden’s legal team suggested that special counsel David Weiss only brought the charges after being promoted to that position. Biden’s lawyers later acknowledged their statement was “inartfully” phrased. In light of a recent shakeup in Biden’s legal team, Scarsi decided not to impose sanctions but cautioned, “Counsel’s conduct warrants an admonition: candor is paramount.”
Hunter Biden faces nine felony and misdemeanor charges related to his failure to pay $1.4 million in taxes over three years while struggling with addiction. The outstanding taxes and penalties were paid in full by Kevin Morris, a close confidant and attorney for Biden, according to ABC News.
The trial is set to begin on September 5, and Hunter Biden has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Earlier this summer, he was also found guilty on three firearm-related charges in a separate case in Delaware.
