Judge expresses skepticism of Hunter Biden's move to dismiss tax charges: report

The judge handling the California tax case against the first son appeared skeptical of Hunter Biden's attempt to have his tax charges tossed.

In a hearing yesterday, Biden's lawyers argued the charges were the result of partisan influence from Republicans after his client's plea deal with the Justice Department fell through last year. But the judge did not appear to buy the argument, citing a lack of evidence. 

“One of the big hurdles that this motion has it that it’s not filed with any evidence,” the judge said of the argument. 

The California judge, Mark Scarsi, did not rule on the motion yesterday, but said he would come to a decision by April 17. If Scarsi rejects Biden's motion to dismiss the charges, the trial would likely begin in June, in the midst of the presidential election, the Washington Post reported. 

In December, special counsel Weiss charged Hunter Biden with three tax felonies and six misdemeanors for an alleged four-year scheme to avoid paying at least $1.4 million in taxes. These charges carry a minimum 17 years in prison if the defendant is convicted.