Hunter Biden, the son of US President Joe Biden, has reached a plea deal with the Department of Justice in which he will plead guilty to two federal tax charges and seek a separate agreement on a firearms charge.

Hunter Biden’s lawyer, Christopher Clark, confirmed the details of the plea agreement, stating that Hunter will take responsibility for two instances of misdemeanor failure to file tax payments. The firearms charge will be subject to a pretrial diversion agreement, a rehabilitation-focused alternative to prison.

The firearms charge stems from Hunter Biden’s possession of a Colt Cobra 38 special handgun for 11 days in October 2018, despite being aware that he was a drug user, which violates federal law. The maximum sentence for this charge is up to 10 years in prison.

In a statement, Clark expressed Hunter Biden’s acknowledgment of his mistakes during a period of personal turmoil and addiction. He also emphasized Hunter Biden’s commitment to his recovery and moving forward.

The plea deal, once approved by a federal judge, is expected to conclude a lengthy federal investigation into Hunter Biden’s personal and professional dealings. This investigation, which dates back to at least 2018, has been a source of political controversy and criticism from Republicans. However, President Joe Biden has not been implicated in any wrongdoing.

The White House spokesperson, Ian Sams, released a brief statement expressing the love and support of President Biden and the First Lady for their son. The spokesperson stated that they would have no further comment on the matter.

The plea agreement has drawn reactions from both sides of the political spectrum. Former President Donald Trump criticized the deal on his Truth Social platform, characterizing Hunter Biden’s offenses as a “mere traffic ticket.” Trump himself is currently facing state and federal charges in separate cases and multiple ongoing criminal investigations.

Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy also weighed in on the plea agreement, drawing a comparison to the charges faced by Donald Trump. McCarthy suggested a perceived two-tier system, stating that if you are the president’s leading political opponent, the Department of Justice (DOJ) seeks jail time, whereas if you are the president’s son, you receive a lenient deal.

Christopher Clark responded to McCarthy’s comments, asserting that there is no basis for his claim. He highlighted the five-year diligent investigation conducted by professional prosecutors, including some appointed by President Trump. Clark also mentioned that Hunter Biden is eager to move forward with his life and recovery.

The timing of Hunter Biden’s court appearance in Delaware, where the agreements are to be filed, remains uncertain, as he currently resides in California.