The plea deal that would have allowed Hunter Biden to avoid prison time for a gun charge almost derailed on Wednesday after questions were raised about the scope of the deal and whether Biden would be granted immunity from further prosecution.
Hunter appeared before Federal District Court Judge Maryellen Noreika in Delaware on Wednesday where he was expected to plead guilty, but the deal appeared to almost fall apart as the judge asked Hunter’s lawyers and federal prosecutors for further details on an investigation into Hunter and what immunity he would be granted.
Noreika pressed Hunter’s lawyers and federal prosecutors on the extent of immunity being offered to Hunter in the deal, including whether it would exempt him from charges related to the Foreign Agent Registration Act.
“I think having you guys talk more makes sense,” the judge said before calling a recess for the lawyers to negotiate.
“Hunter wants to walk away from a decade of criminal activity, including potential FARA violations and other serious criminal charges, with a slap on the wrist. It’s a scandal that Biden’s DOJ was willing to agree to this kind of a deal. Fortunately, Judge Norieka isn’t playing ball,” he’s said.
Last month, Hunter’s lawyer said that the investigation was resolved following the announcement of the plea deal.
“With the announcement of two agreements between my client, Hunter Biden, and the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware, it is my understanding that the five-year investigation into Hunter is resolved,” lawyer Chris Clark told NBC.
However, the deal came under fire from Republicans, who argued that it was too lenient and that Biden should be held accountable for his actions. They also questioned whether the deal would give Biden immunity from further prosecution, which would allow him to avoid being held accountable for any other potential crimes he may have committed.
“Hunter will take responsibility for two instances of misdemeanor failure to file tax payments when due pursuant to a plea agreement. A firearm charge, which will be subject to a pretrial diversion agreement and will not be the subject of the plea agreement, will also be filed by the Government. I know Hunter believes it is important to take responsibility for these mistakes he made during a period of turmoil and addiction in his life. He looks forward to continuing his recovery and moving forward,” Clark added.
BREAKING: Judge Maryellen Noreika denies Hunter Biden's plea deal after she questioned the constitutionality of the immunity Hunter would receive.
Looks like Hunter Biden is now going to trial
Judge Noreika specifically took issue with the fact that the defense was trying to… pic.twitter.com/su7jL7kO8i
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) July 26, 2023
