Hunter Biden attempts Alfred plea amid ongoing legal delays

Hunter Biden's legal troubles have been ongoing, with his trial for tax evasion set to begin with jury selection. However, his lawyers attempted to enter an Alfred plea, a rare legal maneuver that allows a defendant to plead guilty while still claiming innocence, without prior notice to prosecutors. This tactic reflects a pattern in Hunter's legal strategy, where his defense has often cited his drug addiction as a mitigating factor for his criminal behavior. The investigation into Hunter began in 2018, led by Delaware US Attorney David Weiss, but faced significant delays, including accusations of the Justice Department slow-walking the prosecution. This delay allowed the statute of limitations to expire on a substantial amount of unpaid taxes. When charges were finally brought, Hunter's legal team sought an unusually lenient deal that would grant him immunity from various past offenses, which was ultimately rejected by a federal judge. Despite a guilty verdict in a separate gun case, there remains uncertainty about whether Hunter will face serious consequences for his actions, particularly regarding his influence-peddling activities while his father served as vice president. The media's portrayal of Hunter has often been sympathetic, framing him as a troubled individual rather than focusing on his legal issues. As public scrutiny continues, many are questioning the accountability mechanisms in place for individuals like Hunter, who have historically evaded serious repercussions for their actions. The expectation is that he may receive a pardon from his father after the upcoming election, further complicating the pursuit of justice in his case.