Hunter Biden pled guilty to nine federal tax charges, including three felonies and six misdemeanors, to avoid a public trial and spare his family further embarrassment. Initially attempting an Alford plea, which would allow him to maintain his innocence while accepting punishment, he ultimately entered a traditional guilty plea after prosecutors objected. This decision came just before jury selection was set to begin, and sentencing is scheduled for December 16. IRS whistleblowers, whose testimonies exposed alleged DOJ interference in the investigation, feel somewhat vindicated by the guilty plea. Speculation suggests Biden's plea change may also aim to secure a pardon from his father, President Joe Biden, before the end of his term. Hunter cited his battle with addiction as a contributing factor to his tax evasion and expressed remorse for the pain caused to his family.