Hunter Biden's legal team has accused prosecutors of attempting to tarnish his reputation by introducing salacious details about his personal life into the courtroom.

As the first son's tax trial approaches, both sides are clashing over whether evidence related to Biden's spending habits, including payments to strippers and pornographic websites, should be admissible, as the Associated Press reports.

Hunter Biden's defense lawyers argue that these details are irrelevant to the tax evasion charges and are instead an effort to engage in character assassination.

The trial centers on allegations that Hunter Biden evaded at least $1.4 million in taxes, with jury selection set for Sept. 5 and opening statements scheduled for Sept. 9.

Biden's attorney, Mark Geragos, contends that the prosecution's focus on his client's spending is a deliberate attempt to inflame public opinion and the jury pool. "They want to slime him because that is the whole purpose," Geragos stated, highlighting the defense's stance that the inclusion of such details is intended to smear Biden's character rather than address the core issues of the trial.

Contentious Evidence Sparks Legal Debate

At the heart of the dispute is whether the court will allow prosecutors to present evidence that Biden's spending on strippers and pornographic websites was wrongly claimed as business expenses. Prosecutors argue that these deductions were improper, thus supporting their case that Biden willfully evaded taxes. Leo Wise, a prosecutor, noted that Biden's choice to engage in such activities was legal, but attempting to claim them as business expenses crosses a line.

The judge overseeing the case has yet to rule on the admissibility of this evidence, leaving both sides in anticipation. The defense has also expressed concern over the potential introduction of evidence related to Biden's foreign business dealings, which they claim is another attempt to sway the jury by playing on public perceptions of his character and connections.

Hunter Biden's Legal Troubles Continue

This tax evasion trial is not Hunter Biden's first legal battle in recent months. In June, he was convicted on three felony charges related to a 2018 gun purchase, a separate case that has added to the scrutiny surrounding him. The conviction carries a possible sentence of up to 25 years in prison, although as a first-time offender, Biden may receive a less severe penalty.

The tax trial itself stems from allegations that Biden failed to pay over $1.4 million in taxes, a charge he has denied by pleading not guilty. His defense has argued that his struggles with addiction influenced his decision-making and judgment, preventing any willful intent to evade taxes.

Defense Faces Limitations in Presenting Case

As the trial date nears, the defense team has faced challenges in how they can present their case. The judge has ruled that they cannot call an expert to testify about Biden's addiction issues or introduce testimony about personal tragedies that may have impacted his substance abuse. This limitation has further fueled the defense's argument that the prosecution's approach is designed to focus on sensational details rather than the facts of the tax case.

The fallen plea agreement from last year also looms over the trial. Initially, Hunter Biden was expected to plead guilty to misdemeanor tax offenses, but the deal collapsed, leading to the current trial. The defense argues that the heightened publicity surrounding Biden's foreign business connections and personal life is part of a broader strategy to bias the jury against him before the trial has even begun.

Foreign Business Dealings Under Scrutiny

Prosecutors have signaled their intention to introduce evidence related to Biden's foreign business dealings, particularly with a Romanian businessman. The defense argues that this move is another attempt to cast Biden in a negative light by focusing on his international connections. They believe that these details are being used to generate media coverage and influence the jury pool, rather than addressing the specific tax charges at hand.

Geragos, representing Biden, expressed his belief that the inclusion of such evidence is designed to ignite press coverage, further complicating the defense's efforts to ensure a fair trial. The prosecution, however, maintains that all the evidence is relevant to proving that Biden willfully evaded taxes, an allegation that is central to the case.

Upcoming Trial Dates and Expectations

With jury selection set to begin on September 5 and opening statements scheduled for Sept. 9, both sides are preparing for what promises to be a contentious trial. The defense is bracing for further attempts by the prosecution to introduce potentially damaging evidence, while prosecutors are focused on presenting a case that they believe demonstrates Biden's intent to avoid paying taxes.

As the trial progresses, the court's rulings on the admissibility of certain pieces of evidence will play a crucial role in shaping the outcome. Both sides are keenly aware of the high stakes involved, not only for Hunter Biden but also for the broader implications of the case.

Conclusion

As Hunter Biden's tax evasion trial approaches, the defense and prosecution are locked in a battle over what evidence will be allowed in court.

The defense accuses the prosecution of trying to smear Biden's character by introducing details about his spending habits and foreign business dealings, arguing that these are attempts to bias the jury.

With jury selection and opening statements on the horizon, the trial is poised to be a significant legal battle with far-reaching consequences.