Hunter Biden plans to change his plea to guilty on federal tax charges without any deal with the prosecution, his attorney, Abbe Lowell, said in court Thursday, September 5. Biden had initially pleaded not guilty to the three felonies and six misdemeanors related to $1.4 million in taxes. The trial began Thursday, and prosecutors said this was the first they had heard of the first son’s plans to change his plea.
Speculation on social media suggests Hunter is pleading guilty now to facilitate a pardon from his father, Joe Biden, before his presidency expires. The president could, however, pardon his son before any conviction.
The president could also commute his son’s sentence, and that would have to wait until a conviction and sentencing takes place. Either option would likely only occur after the November 5 election. Win or lose, Biden would still have 76 days to use the power of the presidency to his son’s benefit. Joe Biden has continually said that he would not pardon his son. However, the option remains regardless of what he has said - and now that he isn't running for re-election anymore, there may be little political reason for him to do otherwise.
