Hunter Biden’s bid to dismiss his federal tax case was rejected. He referenced a ruling from a case involving Donald Trump, suggesting the same reasoning should apply to his charges. However, the judge found no substantial parallels. Consequently, Hunter Biden’s motion was denied, allowing the case to move forward.
According to Judge Mark Scarsi in Los Angeles, Hunter Biden’s motion was filed too late and attempted to re-litigate issues already settled. This ruling permits special counsel David Weiss to continue prosecuting the case, where Hunter Biden has pleaded not guilty to nine tax crimes.
Judge denies Hunter Biden's bid to dismiss tax case | Click on the image to read the full story https://t.co/pcI2Khoz1a
— WLWT (@WLWT) August 20, 2024
Legal Arguments Dismissed
The judge did not address the substance of Hunter Biden’s challenge. Biden’s legal team argued that Weiss’ appointment as special counsel was unconstitutional and that his office was unlawfully funded. The judge decided to rule based on procedural grounds instead.
“The Court already adjudicated Mr. Biden’s Appointments and Appropriations Clause challenges in his timely filed motion to dismiss … there is no reason to revisit the Court’s decision now,” Scarsi wrote.
One notable difference between Weiss and the special counsel prosecuting Trump, Jack Smith, is that Weiss is Senate-confirmed as a U.S. attorney in Delaware, while Smith was appointed directly by the attorney general.
Hunter Biden’s Legal Troubles Continue
This decision is another setback for Hunter Biden, who has been convicted of three felony gun charges in a separate case. He will be sentenced following the November election. His recent efforts to draw a parallel with Trump’s case failed to convince the judge.
“There is no reason to revisit the Court’s decision now,” Scarsi wrote after previously denying a similar request from Biden in April.
Hunter Biden’s lawyers were rebuked for including false assertions in their motion. They faced the threat of sanctions for alleged misrepresentation. However, the judge did not impose immediate punishment, opting to emphasize the importance of honesty in court filings.
“Candor is paramount,” Scarsi warned the attorneys, underscoring the necessity of truthful representation in legal proceedings.
Trial Scheduled for Next Month
The trial is set to begin next month, creating a significant legal stage for Hunter Biden. The trial, scheduled to take place in California, will involve hearings to discuss the exclusion of certain evidence and witnesses, including Hunter Biden’s request to dismiss based on procedural technicalities.
“A federal judge has denied Hunter Biden’s latest bid to dismiss the tax charges against him, setting the stage for his trial to begin next month in California.”
The judge noted that Hunter Biden’s lawyers amended their filing and thus he did not push for sanctions. The case will now proceed to trial, where Hunter Biden’s legal strategies will be scrutinized more intensely.