Hunter Biden pleaded not guilty Tuesday to federal gun charges in Delaware, and a criminal trial for the president’s son appears almost guaranteed after a plea deal that would have spared him jail for the gun charges and separate tax violations collapsed in July.

Appearing before U.S. District Judge Christopher Burke, Hunter Biden pleaded not guilty to two counts of making false statements in relation to the purchase of a firearm, and a third count of possession of a gun by a person who is a user of illegal narcotics.

“Mr. Biden pleads not guilty,” said defense attorney Abbe Lowell.

Hunter Biden said little during the hearing and only nodded in the affirmative when Judge Burke asked him if he was aware of the charges against him. His lawyers also waived the reading of the indictment.

• This story is based in part on wire service reports.

• Jeff Mordock can be reached at jmordock@washingtontimes.com.