Hunter Biden pleaded guilty on Thursday to nine criminal counts related to federal tax charges, avoiding a trial that could have drawn significant public scrutiny. Sentencing is scheduled for December 16th. Biden initially sought an Alford plea, which would maintain his innocence while accepting the strength of the case, but prosecutors opposed this. Ultimately, he entered an open plea, leaving sentencing to the judge without an agreed recommendation. This plea does not include any formal deal with the government.