In a recent development in Hunter Biden’s ongoing legal saga, three additional attorneys from Latham & Watkins LLP — Brian C. McManus, Timothy H. McCarten, and Matthew S. Salerno — formally moved to withdraw from representing the president’s son. This comes closely on the heels of lead attorney Chris Clark’s withdrawal, marking a significant shake-up in the defense roster.
This departure of counsel follows a pivotal judicial decision. On August 17, U.S. District Judge Maryellen Noreika dismissed a proposed plea agreement. Under its provisions, Hunter Biden would have admitted to not remitting taxes on an income exceeding $1.5 million in 2017 and 2018. In return, he’d be looking at probation instead of incarceration. Interestingly, as negotiated by special counsel David Weiss, a part of this agreement would have provided Biden with future immunity from all federal crimes he may have committed.
Interesting…several of Hunter's other attorney's withdraw. No reason given. Just noted has capable representation & consents to withdrawal. pic.twitter.com/SUZy1JdIZT
— Margot Cleveland (@ProfMJCleveland) August 18, 2023
However, upon Noreika scrutinizing the plea deal, the agreement faltered, raising questions about its formulation. Against this backdrop, Hunter Biden’s legal representatives aimed to maintain that the “diversion agreement” within the plea deal was still valid. They further posited that Weiss should honor this unconventional deal, suggesting that the government had backed out of a “previously agreed-upon Plea Agreement.”
Amid these legal gymnastics, an incident involving Latham & Watkins came under the spotlight. A representative from the firm allegedly presented herself under a false identity to the Clerk’s office. The employee claimed association with Theodore Kittila, the legal voice for the House Ways and Means Committee. This Committee had been keen to introduce testimony revealing possible “political interference” in Hunter Biden’s investigation. However, this occurrence was later chalked up to a “miscommunication,” with the concerned staffer refuting intentional deception.
While the case evolves, significant details emerge about the Biden family’s financial links. Reports from the House Oversight Committee indicate over $20 million in payments to the Biden family from international business players across Ukraine, Russia, China, Romania and Kazakhstan.
The latest series of events leaves the public with many questions. With Hunter Biden’s defense team experiencing such a shake-up and the complexities surrounding the plea agreement, where does this case head next?
