Biden, who faces nine charges, has pleaded guilty to all of them. Judge Mark Scarsi, who is presiding over the case, told Biden he could face a maximum sentence of 17 years in prison and a fine of up to $450,000. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for Dec. 16.
Usually, in criminal cases, admitting guilt is part of an agreement with prosecutors to reduce the sentence in exchange for a waiver. But in this case, there does not appear to have been a prior agreement with prosecutors. Earlier today, Biden had offered to plead not guilty without admitting any guilt, but prosecutors did not accept the offer.
Prosecutors have said they were confused about Biden’s legal strategy. The decision to plead guilty now avoids a lengthy trial that could have exposed sensitive details about Hunter Biden’s private life during the campaign.
The Nov. 5 election will be a battle between Democratic Vice Leader Kamala Harris and former Republican Leader Donald Trump, following Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the race in July amid pressure from within his party.
The accusations against Hunter Biden stem from allegations that he did not pay taxes from 2016 to 2019 and spent large amounts of money on his personal pleasures.
The indictment listed spending on “drugs, escorts and girlfriends, luxury hotels and rental properties, exotic cars, clothing and other personal items.” Hunter Biden has previously been outspoken about his struggles with drug and alcohol addiction.
Reuters contributed to this report.
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