Hunter Biden Agrees To Plead Guilty To Tax Misdemeanor Chargers and Felony Firearms Offense

[We Never Know]

Especially since he was a holdover from Trump administration.

He was actually a hold over from Obama. Trump did however appoint him to this posistion permanently.

"He returned to the Delaware U.S. Attorney's office as First Assistant U.S. Attorney in 2007. Weiss was serving as acting U.S. Attorney for Delaware appointed by President Obama when he was nominated to the permanent position by then-president Donald Trump who agreed to let him remain in his position"

David C. Weiss - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org

 

[pearl]

He was actually a hold over from Obama. Trump did however appoint him to this posistion permanently.

Thanks for the info.

 

[We Never Know]

Thanks for the info.

Most welcome

 

[PureX]

"First of all, my son has done nothing wrong,” Biden said"

Yep..that statement is vague, confusing and applies to no one. .

I guess impeachment is in order, huh.

 

[anna.]

The unfairness is that not every perp
has a father able to wield such power
on one's behalf. That's how it looks.

As NBC News reports, that Hunter Biden is facing these charges at all is highly unusual. When it comes to the tax charges, Biden had already paid the missing taxes in 2021. It’s very unusual for the IRS to file any sort of criminal charge against a first-time tax offender, and it’s difficult to find any situation where such charges have been filed after the taxes were paid. The statute against possessing a weapon while using drugs is also rarely applied, and is generally limited to cases where defendants are facing other charges involving gun violence or drug sales.

Even though Republicans are whining that Hunter Biden has been let go with a slap on the wrist, the truth is that he’s facing charges that are much stiffer than are usually applied to anyone in his situation. And the reason seems to be simple enough: The man in charge of Hunter Biden’s case, U.S. Attorney David Weiss, was not just appointed by Donald Trump, but was one of the candidates Trump bragged about as being among the most supportive of MAGA positions.

Even as Republicans are complaining that the Department of Justice is somehow doing Joe Biden’s bidding in this matter, Weiss issued a letter to Rep. Jim Jordan making it clear that everything about Hunter Biden’s case—from the investigation to the charges and penalties—was entirely his decision.

“I want to make it clear that, as the Attorney General has stated, I have been granted ultimate authority over this matter, including responsibility for deciding where, when, and whether to file charges, and for making decisions necessary to preserve the integrity of the prosecution, consistent with federal law, the Principles of Federal Prosecution, and departmental regulations.”​

Weiss actually began his investigation of Hunter Biden under Trump. Rather than seeking a replacement for Weiss after Joe Biden became president, Garland not only kept Weiss in place, but gave him extraordinary power to oversee every aspect of the case, freeing him to investigate, and prosecute, as he saw fit.

Biden, Garland, and everyone else at the DOJ gave Weiss free rein over every aspect of the case. If he didn’t charge Hunter Biden with more, it’s because he didn’t find more. This was the most Trump-aligned attorney doing his worst, punishing Hunter Biden in a way most people would not be punished for, with charges most would not face, and still the Republicans are screaming.

Because they were never interested in the truth, or really in Hunter Biden. They just need someone to vilify. It doesn’t really matter who.

 

[Twilight Hue]

To take that statement as an absolute is just silly. It applies to no one in that context. So the question becomes, what was the actual context? And of course the haters are going to ignore that.

"First of all, my son has done nothing wrong,”

Sound pretty darn absolute to me.

 

[We Never Know]

I guess impeachment is in order, huh.

Who said that? Oh you did!

It doesn't refute the fact Biden said...
""First of all, my son has done nothing wrong,” Biden said"

He was being a father but never the less he DID say it.

 

[Revoltingest]

As NBC News reports, that Hunter Biden is facing these charges at all is highly unusual. When it comes to the tax charges, Biden had already paid the missing taxes in 2021. It’s very unusual for the IRS to file any sort of criminal charge against a first-time tax offender, and it’s difficult to find any situation where such charges have been filed after the taxes were paid. The statute against possessing a weapon while using drugs is also rarely applied, and is generally limited to cases where defendants are facing other charges involving gun violence or drug sales.

My friend who spent time in federal prison
had also paid his taxes.
I note that news outlets make claims about
what's unusual or common. But oddly,
they supply no statistics. So there's a
question of influence based prejudice.

Even though Republicans are whining that Hunter Biden has been let go with a slap on the wrist, the truth is that he’s facing charges that are much stiffer than are usually applied to anyone in his situation. And the reason seems to be simple enough: The man in charge of Hunter Biden’s case, U.S. Attorney David Weiss, was not just appointed by Donald Trump, but was one of the candidates Trump bragged about as being among the most supportive of MAGA positions.

Even as Republicans are complaining that the Department of Justice is somehow doing Joe Biden’s bidding in this matter, Weiss issued a letter to Rep. Jim Jordan making it clear that everything about Hunter Biden’s case—from the investigation to the charges and penalties—was entirely his decision.

“I want to make it clear that, as the Attorney General has stated, I have been granted ultimate authority over this matter, including responsibility for deciding where, when, and whether to file charges, and for making decisions necessary to preserve the integrity of the prosecution, consistent with federal law, the Principles of Federal Prosecution, and departmental regulations.”​

Weiss actually began his investigation of Hunter Biden under Trump. Rather than seeking a replacement for Weiss after Joe Biden became president, Garland not only kept Weiss in place, but gave him extraordinary power to oversee every aspect of the case, freeing him to investigate, and prosecute, as he saw fit.

Biden, Garland, and everyone else at the DOJ gave Weiss free rein over every aspect of the case. If he didn’t charge Hunter Biden with more, it’s because he didn’t find more. This was the most Trump-aligned attorney doing his worst, punishing Hunter Biden in a way most people would not be punished for, with charges most would not face, and still the Republicans are screaming.

Because they were never interested in the truth, or really in Hunter Biden. They just need someone to vilify. It doesn’t really matter who.

When I think of this case & Martha Stewart, I find
contrasts...
They convicted Martha Stewart on false statements
made during the investigation, but not on the
charges they initially pursued. This suggests
that they wanted to get her...somehow...any way.

Biden was investigated for 5 years. He made no
false statements in his own defense during that
time? That seems unlikely, given his slipshod
approach to the law & life in general. Yet he
wasn't even arrested for serious tax evasion
(big money there) & felony gun possession.

To repeat....
People I know IRL don't get the preferential
treatment that Hunter received. Hunter's
apologists either lack real world experience
that should raise suspicions, or it's just
partisan myopia.
This debacle will fuel Trump & followers.

 

[anna.]

My friend who spent time in federal prison
had also paid his taxes.
I note that news outlets make claims about
what's unusual or common. But oddly,
they supply no statistics. So there's a
question of influence based prejudice.

Did your anecdotal friend commit a felony?

Do you realize Hunter's tax charge is a misdemeanor?

When I think of this case & Martha Stewart, I find
contrasts...
They convicted Martha Stewart on false statements
made during the investigation, but not on the
charges they initially pursued. This suggests
that they wanted to get her...somehow...any way.

Martha Stewart's jury found her guilty on felony charges that could've gotten her 20 years. She served 5 months. Did the jury want to get her?

Biden was investigated for 5 years. He made no
false statements in his own defense during that
time? That seems unlikely, given his slipshod
approach to the law & life in general. Yet he
wasn't even arrested for serious tax evasion
(big money there) & felony gun possession.

You can conjecture all you like about whether or not he made false statements, but the fact remains that if there was a "there" there, the GOP would've moved heaven and earth to make sure he'd be charged for it. Pretty small return on investment for the GOP witch hunters.

To repeat....
People I know IRL don't get the preferential
treatment that Hunter received. Hunter's
apologists either lack real world experience
that should raise suspicions, or it's just
partisan myopia.
This debacle will fuel Trump & followers.

The people you know IRL are anecdotal. Pretty much everyone understands that those with more money and more power capital get better legal representation, why try to tilt at that windmill? The fact remains that try as they might, the GOP came up with bupkis, and let's face it, anything will fuel Trump and followers, anything at all. Even a mermaid who dares to be of color.

 

[Revoltingest]

Did your anecdotal friend commit a felony?

I once looked up the filing, but I
don't recall the exact wording.

Do you realize Hunter's tax charge is a misdemeanor?

Not filing is a misdemeanor. But how are you so
sure that in 5 years of investigation, he committed
no perjury, employed no deception, or committed
any other felonious acts?
Do you know that his gun crime was a felony?
Do you know that one can be jailed for a misdemeanor?

Martha Stewart's jury found her guilty on felony charges that could've gotten her 20 years. She served 5 months. Did the jury want to get her?

Prosecutors decide whom to prosecute or make a deal
with. This is the area where much mischief lies, ie, they
get to decide who's subject to justice, & who escapes it.
Biden was never even arrested. Then he worked a pretty
sweet deal.

If going to trial, prosecutors paint the best picture they
can to get a conviction. Biden never saw that phase.

You can conjecture all you like about whether or not he made false statements, but the fact remains that if there was a "there" there, the GOP would've moved heaven and earth to make sure he'd be charged for it. Pretty small return on investment for the GOP witch hunters.

You can engage in apologetics "all you like about "
Biden receiving no special consideration. But your
bringing up GOP duplicity suggests to me that
this is about partisan preferences.
I loathe corruption endemic to both parties.

The people you know IRL are anecdotal.

Anecdotes are illuminating. And you've provided
no cromulent research showing that Biden was
treated in a manner normal for the politically
non-connected.

Pretty much everyone understands that those with more money and more power capital get better legal representation, why try to tilt at that windmill?

Pretty much everyone understands that politically
powerful people are above the law. I say that this
should change.

The fact remains that try as they might, the GOP came up with bupkis, and let's face it, anything will fuel Trump and followers, anything at all.

You dismiss the possibility that the appearance
of corruption favoring Hunter Biden won't aid
Trump? I've got some ocean-front property
in Revoltistan I'd like to sell you.

 

[Subduction Zone]

But appearances are otherwise.
5 years of investigating.
Only tax evasion & a felony gun charge.
Prosecution evaporates, & probation is all he gets.
Daddy is Prez.
The total picture sounds outside the norm.
Even if it's cromulent, it reinforces the view
that politicians are above the law.
I do know one person who spent time in federal
prison for tax evasion. His father was a nobody.

When it comes to tax evasion charges the punishment varies hugely on how much one opposes the charges. Once charged Hunter quickly struck a deal. The people that get prison time are those that do not make a deal. And how hard they fight. And of course how many charges. That is why Kent Hovind got ten years on over 40 charges and Wesley Snipes got three years on two or three years of unpaid taxes. Nicholas Cage learned from Wesley's mistakes and cut a deal. He is finally out of debt. He did not go to prison. Snipes fought it all the way through a jury trial.

 

[anna.]

I once looked up the filing, but I
don't recall the exact wording.

So you're using as comparison something you don't quite remember the specifics of?

Not filing is a misdemeanor. But how are you so
sure that in 5 years of investigation, he committed
no perjury, employed no deception, or committed
any other felonious acts?
Do you know that his gun crime was a felony?
Do you know that one can be jailed for a misdemeanor?

I never said I was sure. You did.

I said: "if there was a "there" there, the GOP would've moved heaven and earth to make sure he'd be charged for it."

Prosecutors decide whom to prosecute or make a deal
with. This is the area where much mischief lies, ie, they
get to decide who's subject to justice, & who escapes it.
Biden was never even arrested. Then he worked a pretty
sweet deal.

If going to trial, prosecutors paint the best picture they
can to get a conviction. Biden never saw that phase.

You can engage in apologetics "all you like about "
Biden receiving no special consideration. But your
bringing up GOP duplicity suggests to me that
this is about partisan preferences.
I loathe corruption endemic to both parties.

Anecdotes are illuminating. And you've provided
no cromulent research showing that Biden was
treated in a manner normal for the politically
non-connected.

Pretty much everyone understands that politically
powerful people are above the law. I say that this
should change.

You dismiss the possibility that the appearance
of corruption favoring Hunter Biden won't aid
Trump? I've got some ocean-front property
in Revoltistan I'd like to sell you.

I really don't care what anyone thinks about whether I'm partisan. Trump's own man couldn't find anything more to charge him on, and that should be significant to anyone. Maybe focus on that instead of me.

I haven't at all try to argue that Hunter didn't have an advantage over the ordinary guy, in fact I said why he would.

And... Revoltistan doesn't sound at all like an appealing place to live so you'll have to look for another prospect.

 

[Revoltingest]

When it comes to tax evasion charges the punishment varies hugely on how much one opposes the charges. Once charged Hunter quickly struck a deal. The people that get prison time are those that do not make a deal. And how hard they fight. And of course how many charges. That is why Kent Hovind got ten years on over 40 charges and Wesley Snipes got three years on two or three years of unpaid taxes. Nicholas Cage learned from Wesley's mistakes and cut a deal. He is finally out of debt. He did not go to prison. Snipes fought it all the way through a jury trial.

I see that. But the total picture, eg, 5 year investigation,
felony gun crime makes it more than merely failing to
file tax returns on a couple years of millions in income.
I'm suspicious.

 

[Revoltingest]

So you're using as comparison something you don't quite remember the specifics of?



I never said I was sure. You did.

I said: "if there was a "there" there, the GOP would've moved heaven and earth to make sure he'd be charged for it."



I really don't care what anyone thinks about whether I'm partisan. Trump's own man couldn't find anything more to charge him on, and that should be significant to anyone. Maybe focus on that instead of me.

I haven't at all try to argue that Hunter didn't have an advantage over the ordinary guy, in fact I said why he would.

And... Revoltistan doesn't sound at all like an appealing place to live so you'll have to look for another prospect.

I've nothing to add.

 

[Subduction Zone]

I see that. But the total picture, eg, 5 year investigation,
felony gun crime makes it more than merely failing to
file tax returns on a couple years of millions in income.
I'm suspicious.

I had to look up the felony gun charge. It is based upon a law that appears to be in a bit of a gray area when it comes to constitutionality. There is a federal law that drug addicts cannot own a handgun. Though his drug addiction problems were well known he never received any federal charges for them I am not sure if he was ever charged with anything stronger than a misdemeanor. According to this article people are very rarely charged with that crime:

Legal experts say the charges against Hunter Biden are rarely brought

The federal statute making it unlawful for a drug addict to possess a gun faces court challenges. The tax charges central to a now-tossed plea deal also rarely result in jail time.

www.nbcnews.com

So we have taxes that he agreed to pay, and a minor gun charge, even though it was a "federal" one. The more I look at this the more reasonable the deal looks.

 

[Revoltingest]

I had to look up the felony gun charge. It is based upon a law that appears to be in a bit of a gray area when it comes to constitutionality. There is a federal law that drug addicts cannot own a handgun. Though his drug addiction problems were well known he never received any federal charges for them I am not sure if he was ever charged with anything stronger than a misdemeanor. According to this article people are very rarely charged with that crime:

People are prosecuted for laws of dubious
constitutionality all the time. That's generally
not a good defense til in front of a higher court.

Legal experts say the charges against Hunter Biden are rarely brought

The federal statute making it unlawful for a drug addict to possess a gun faces court challenges. The tax charges central to a now-tossed plea deal also rarely result in jail time.

www.nbcnews.com

So we have taxes that he agreed to pay, and a minor gun charge, even though it was a "federal" one. The more I look at this the more reasonable the deal looks.

I've said that it's reasonable, ie, justice done.
But "reasonable" is a standard that many never
see in the justice system. I'm suspicious that
Biden's lofty status is what ensured the best
treatment available. So it still has the smell
of corruption.

 

[Subduction Zone]

People are prosecuted for laws of dubious
constitutionality all the time. That's generally
not a good defense til in front of a higher court.

I've said that it's reasonable, ie, justice done.
But "reasonable" is a standard that many never
see in the justice system. I'm suspicious that
Biden's lofty status is what ensured the best
treatment available. So it still has the smell
of corruption.

Not to me. Misdemeanor tax charges and an overblown felony. Look at what happens to car thieves. That is a crime that directly affects others and the first offense is always a slap on the wrist. It usually takes several times being caught and convicted before any serious jail or prison time is given to them. Your dislike of the overly rich and powerful may be coloring your opinion.

 

[anna.]

I had to look up the felony gun charge. It is based upon a law that appears to be in a bit of a gray area when it comes to constitutionality. There is a federal law that drug addicts cannot own a handgun. Though his drug addiction problems were well known he never received any federal charges for them I am not sure if he was ever charged with anything stronger than a misdemeanor. According to this article people are very rarely charged with that crime:

Legal experts say the charges against Hunter Biden are rarely brought

The federal statute making it unlawful for a drug addict to possess a gun faces court challenges. The tax charges central to a now-tossed plea deal also rarely result in jail time.

www.nbcnews.com

So we have taxes that he agreed to pay, and a minor gun charge, even though it was a "federal" one. The more I look at this the more reasonable the deal looks.

 

[Revoltingest]

Not to me. Misdemeanor tax charges and an overblown felony.

They're not a felony at all.

Your dislike of the overly rich and powerful may be coloring your opinion.

You're mistaken. I don't dislike people for being
rich or powerful. I loathe their getting away with
crimes, & there being a miserable standard of
justice for those who lack such power.

Since it's made personal....
Perhaps you see all thru the lens of defending
Biden because it's Dem vs Pub issue?

 

[esmith]

Hunter Biden commited a felony when he lied on the ATF Form 4473.
Now let's take a look at what other people were sentenced to for doing the same thing.

Federal Prosecutors Aggressively Pursuing Those Who Lie in Connection With Firearm Transactions | ATF

OKLAHOMA CITY — The Western District of Oklahoma is aggressively seeking to keep firearms out of the wrong hands by pursuing those who lie in connection with gun purchases. Several recent cases charged in federal court highlight these efforts.

www.atf.gov

AMY CARWILE, 46, and KEVIN CARWILE, 48, both of Purcell, Oklahoma, were sentenced on August 3, 2022, to serve three months in federal prison.
EDDIE WAYNE MORRISON, 34 of Duncan, Oklahoma, was sentenced to time-served, or essentially 16 months in federal custody, on December 29, 2022

Guilty Pleas:

• HERIBERTO FLORES, 29, of Oklahoma City, pleaded guilty on April 5, 2022, to illegal possession of ammunition as a convicted felon. According to public record, Flores was at an Oklahoma City Fairgrounds gun show with another individual, Haley Adkison, where officers observed the two looking at different handguns. Law enforcement pulled over Flores after he left the gun show and found him in possession of ammunition. At sentencing, Flores faces up to ten years in federal prison.
• HALEY LEEANNE ADKISON, 24, of Oklahoma City, pleaded guilty on August 18, 2022, to making a false statement during a firearms transaction. According to public record, Adkison was observed completing paperwork regarding the purchase of firearms at an Oklahoma City Fairgrounds gun show, after looking at different firearms with Heriberto Flores. Adkison was scheduled to take possession of six firearms at the vendor’s store in Tulsa, Oklahoma. At sentencing, Adkison faces up to ten years in federal prison.
• JOSHUA DAVID MOSELEY, 31, of Harrah, Oklahoma, pleaded guilty on September 6, 2022, to making a false statement during the purchase of a firearm. According to public record, Moseley attempted to purchase a firearm from Super Pawn #2 Inc., in Oklahoma City. Moseley checked “no” for having been convicted in any court of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence. Public records show that, on January 6, 2022, Mosely was convicted of misdemeanor domestic assault and battery in Oklahoma County District Court case CM-2021-1377. At sentencing, Moseley faces up to 10 years in federal prison.
• BRIONJRE MARTAI ODELL HAMILTON, 22, of Oklahoma City, pleaded guilty on October 10, 2022, to making false statements during attempted purchases of firearms. According to public record, on May 25, 2022, Hamilton was convicted of carrying a firearm under the influence of drugs (marijuana) in Oklahoma County District Court case CM-2021-3533. Thereafter, records reflect Hamilton lied on the ATF Form 4473 regarding his eligibility to purchase firearms and attempted to purchase firearms on four separate occasions, after the ATF informed Hamilton that he was a prohibited from doing so. At sentencing, Hamilton faces up to 10 years in federal prison on all four counts.
• NEMORY ZAHID RAMOS CASTRO, 22, of Oklahoma City, pleaded guilty on January 5, 2023, for making a false statement during the purchase of a firearm. According to public record, Ramos made false written statements in connection with the purchases of two assault-style firearms, one in Oklahoma City and one in Luther, Oklahoma. In one instance, Ramos submitted the ATF Form 4473 stating he was not acquiring the assault-style firearm for another person, but a few hours after the transfer law enforcement found another individual in possession of it during a traffic stop. At sentencing, Castro faces up to ten years in federal prison on both counts.