Hunter Biden intends to change plea in federal tax case [Video]

LOS ANGELES — Hunter Biden pleaded guilty to federal tax charges Thursday in a surprise move that allows President Joe Biden’s family to avoid having to endure another likely embarrassing and painful criminal trial of the president’s son.

His stunning decision to guilty plea to misdemeanor and felony charges without the benefits of a deal with prosecutors came hours after jury selection was supposed to begin in the case accusing him of failing to pay at least $1.4 million in taxes.

The president’s son was already facing potential prison time after his June conviction in a trial that aired unflattering and salacious details about his struggles with a crack cocaine addiction.

While President Joe Biden’s decision to drop out of the 2024 presidential election lessened the potential political implications of the tax case, the trial …