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Previous Federal Bureau of Investigation chief James Comey has entered an innocent plea to providing misleading information to US legislators and impeding a legislative process.

The former director's attorney submitted the plea representing him in a US district court in Alexandria, Virginia on Wednesday.

The defense lawyer stated he would attempt to have the proceedings dismissed for various causes including that his client, a detractor of former President Trump, was being selectively prosecuted.

The former director was indicted shortly after Donald Trump pushed his attorney general to take action against him.

Legal Proceedings

During the hearing on mid-week, Comey's lawyer Patrick Fitzgerald informed the judge they intended to submit several motions to terminate the case before a trial, stating the government's case was retaliatory and that a US attorney was wrongfully appointed to assume control of the case.

James Comey's case was originally overseen by Erik Siebert, who resigned under influence from Trump after his examination into another opponent - NY AG Letitia James - failed to initiate prosecution.

Courtroom Atmosphere

James Comey came across in positive mood as he walked into the court on mid-week, speaking with his lawyers and being lighthearted. He was joined by his wife, Mrs Failor and offspring Maureen Comey, a federal prosecutor who the previous administration dismissed.

After listening to the court read his rights and the dual charges against him in the courtroom on Wednesday, Mr Comey was asked if he understood the accusations.

"I do your honour. Thank you," he stated to the judge.

Historical Information

Mr Comey was the chief of the Federal Bureau of Investigation from 2013 to 2017 and was dismissed about a few months into Donald Trump's first administration as president. At the time, he was leading an probe into international campaign influence and whether there were any relationships between Russia and Trump's campaign.

While in office, Mr Comey caused a negative reaction from Democrats when he announced just shortly prior to the 2016 presidential election that he was examining presidential nominee Clinton's use of a private email server. Charges against Clinton were not filed, resulting in disapproval from conservative politicians as well.

Current Allegations

The federal government claim James Comey lied to the legislature during a congressional hearing in 2020 when he was being examined about both the Clinton investigation as well as the Russia election probe. They claim he provided false information to the legislative body by claiming he had not permitted a person at the Federal Bureau of Investigation to disclose to news outlets data about the FBI investigations.

Prosecutors also allege Mr Comey of "wrongfully trying to influence, hinder and slow" the panel by giving misleading testimony to it.

Public Statements

Through a recording Mr Comey shared to his online platform after he was accused, he stated he was not guilty and alleged Trump of acting like a "autocrat".

"Our household have known for years that there are consequences to challenging Mr Trump," he commented. "We refuse to live on our knees."

"I am not guilty," he continued. "So let's have a legal proceeding."

These allegations against Mr Comey emerged after Donald Trump shared on online platforms insisting on his chief prosecutor, Pam Bondi, take legal action against James Comey and additional individuals.