Hunter Biden, son of President Joe Biden, is set to go on trial Thursday in California on charges of tax evasion, in a case that has drawn significant attention and caused challenges for the Biden family. The 54-year-old is accused of failing to pay $1.4 million in taxes over the past decade while allegedly indulging in a lavish lifestyle, spending large sums on luxury goods, sex workers, and sustaining a drug addiction.
Earlier this year, Biden appeared in court in Delaware, where he was convicted of lying about his drug use when purchasing a firearm—a felony offense. The case highlighted his extravagant spending, troubled marriage, and heavy use of crack cocaine. Now, a Los Angeles jury will hear further details of Biden’s chaotic personal life, which has been openly acknowledged by both him and his family.
During an August hearing, Biden’s attorney, Mark Geragos, accused prosecutors of character assassination, claiming they are intent on tarnishing his client’s reputation. Biden’s defense team argues that his tax issues were a result of negligence, largely due to the turmoil caused by his spiraling drug addiction and the emotional trauma of losing his older brother, Beau Biden, to brain cancer in 2015.
Hunter Biden has since repaid the owed taxes, including penalties, and had initially secured a plea deal that would have kept him out of jail. However, that agreement fell through, and efforts to negotiate another settlement have been challenging, especially given the heightened scrutiny of the case in this election year. Republicans have been particularly focused on Biden, alleging—without substantial evidence—that the Biden family has benefited from corrupt practices due to President Biden’s political influence.
Despite these allegations, President Biden recently withdrew from the presidential race in favor of Vice President Kamala Harris, leading to a shift in political attention. Nonetheless, David Weiss, the special counsel overseeing the case, continues to pursue charges of tax evasion and filing false tax returns, which could result in up to 17 years in prison. The gun felony, still awaiting sentencing, carries a potential 25-year sentence.
Jury selection begins Thursday in Los Angeles, with opening arguments expected next Monday. Hunter Biden, a Yale-trained lawyer turned artist, claims to have been drug-free since 2019.
