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Former FBI head James the former director has pleaded not guilty to making false statements to US legislators and obstructing a legislative process.

Mr Comey's lawyer submitted the answer acting as his counsel in a US district court in Alexandria, Virginia on Wednesday morning.

Patrick Fitzgerald stated he would try to have the proceedings dismissed for various causes including that his the accused, a critic of former President Trump, was being selectively prosecuted.

The former director was indicted just days after the former president pushed his top legal official to take action against him.

Judicial Process

In court on Wednesday, Comey's lawyer Patrick Fitzgerald informed the judge they intended to submit several petitions to throw out the legal matter before a court case, arguing the government's case was vindictive and that a US attorney was improperly assigned to take over the proceedings.

James Comey's proceedings was originally managed by a Virginia prosecutor, who stepped down under influence from Trump after his examination into a different rival - the New York official - was unable to bring criminal charges.

Legal Setting

The former director seemed in positive mood as he walked into the court on Wednesday, speaking with his attorneys and making jokes. He was supported by his wife, Mrs Failor and daughter Maureen Comey, a US lawyer who the Trump administration terminated.

Upon hearing to the court state his legal protections and the pair of allegations against him in legal proceedings on Wednesday, the defendant was asked if he comprehended the allegations.

"Absolutely your honour. Appreciate it," he informed the judge.

Historical Information

James Comey was the FBI Director from four years and was fired about four months into Trump's first term as president. At the moment, the director was leading an probe into international campaign influence and whether there were any links between Russia and the presidential campaign.

While in office, the director sparked a negative reaction from the Democratic party when he announced just immediately preceding the 2016 election that he was probing presidential nominee Clinton's use of a non-governmental email account. Charges against the candidate were never brought, resulting in disapproval from conservative politicians as well.

Current Allegations

The federal government assert James Comey gave untrue statements to US lawmakers during a legislative proceeding in September 2020 when he was being interrogated about both the Clinton investigation as well as the election interference investigation. They allege he deceived the legislative body by claiming he had not authorized someone at the agency to disclose to news outlets details about the agency probes.

Government lawyers also allege the defendant of "improperly attempting to affect, block and impede" the legislative group by giving misleading testimony to it.

Public Statements

Through a recording Mr Comey shared to his social media after he was charged, he stated he was wrongly accused and charged Trump of conducting himself like a "autocrat".

"My family and I have known for considerable time that there are ramifications to challenging Donald Trump," he said. "We will not live on our bended knee."

"I'm innocent," he continued. "Therefore proceed with a trial."

The charges against James Comey came after the former president posted on online platforms calling for his top legal official, the attorney general, charge the former director and others.