Internet says Hunter Biden is 'above the law' as he faces Jan 11 arraignment on federal tax charges
WASHINGTON, DC: Court documents indicate that Hunter Biden is scheduled to appear before a court in Los Angeles on January 11, 2024, to answer to federal accusations related to his alleged failure to pay taxes on millions of dollars obtained from foreign corporations.
According to the court's website, the arraignment will take place before Magistrate Judge Alka Sagar at 1.00 PM Pacific time. The president's son is scheduled to enter a not-guilty plea at his arraignment in response to a December 8 indictment obtained by Special Counsel David Weiss.
Republicans in the House are focusing on Hunter Biden's international business operations for their inquiry in Joe Biden's impeachment.
Hunter Biden could face 17 years in prison
Last week, a federal grand jury accused Biden of withholding $1.4 million in taxes from 2016 to 2019, all the while spending millions of dollars on a lavish lifestyle driven by drugs, complete with fast vehicles, escorts, and five-star hotels—much of which he spent while battling addiction. If found guilty of the three felonies and six misdemeanors included in his indictment, he could spend 17 years in jail.
The 53-year-old Biden is anticipated to go on trial the following year while his father runs for re-election in an anticipated rematch with Republican front-runner Donald Trump. Trump, who is the subject of four criminal prosecutions, claims that the presidential family is corrupt because of Biden's business dealings.
Republicans have long attempted to prove a connection between the president and his son's conduct, but Weiss' indictment provided no proof of this.
NEW: Hunter Biden Faces Jan. 11 Arraignment in California on 9 Federal Tax Charges. @CBSNews seeking comment from his lawyer. Screenshot from Central District of California Duty Calendar. pic.twitter.com/CMV4KJqFSS
— Catherine Herridge (@CBS_Herridge) December 19, 2023
According to the prosecution, Biden received over $7 million in gross income between 2016 and 2020, mostly from Chinese private equity firm CEFC China Energy and Ukrainian energy business Burisma Holdings.
Prosecutors claim that he spent money on "drugs, escorts and girlfriends, luxury hotels and rental properties, exotic cars, clothing, and other items of a personal nature" rather than paying taxes.
In Delaware, Biden is also scheduled to stand trial on federal firearms charges. Under a plea agreement he accepted in July in Delaware, neither trial would have been necessary.
Without a conviction, he would have acknowledged two misdemeanor tax offenses and a weapons infraction while avoiding jail time. However, the agreement fell apart when a federal court questioned its conditions and declined to provide his approval.
Internet reacts to Hunter Biden facing Jan 11 arraignment
Many social media users shared their views on the situation.
A user wrote, "He's above the law nothing will happen", while one added, "Would anyone be surprised if he signs a sealed deal or charges are dropped somehow?"
Another person said,"This is all window dressing. The 3 letter bureaus are faced with 'how do we get out of this mess'."
One user mentioned, "Expect one day per charge, nine days in total. Even those nine days will be changed into community service. Wesley Snipes is thinking, what a lucky white dude."
A person also stated, "The Hillary response will be 'I don't recall'."
Would anyone be surprised if he signs a sealed deal or charges are dropped somehow?
— Alaidamom (@Alaidamom) December 19, 2023
This is all window dressing. The 3 letter bureaus are faced with "how do we get out of this mess."
— Tom McDonald🇺🇲 (@jtmcdon1) December 19, 2023
Expect one day per charge, nine days in total. Even those nine days will be changed into community service.
— Publius_Modernus (@PModernus) December 19, 2023
Wesley Snipes is thinking, what a lucky white dude.
This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.