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Former FBI chief James Comey has entered an innocent plea to making false statements to US legislators and hindering a legislative process.

His attorney entered the response on his behalf in a US district court in the Virginia city of Alexandria on Wednesday.

His attorney announced he would seek to have the proceedings thrown out for several reasons including that his client, a critic of Donald Trump, was being targeted.

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

Court Developments

During the hearing on Wednesday, the defense counsel the legal representative advised the judge they intended to present various petitions to throw out the proceedings before a court case, arguing the legal action was vindictive and that a US attorney was improperly assigned to assume control of the legal matter.

The former director's legal matter was originally overseen by a Virginia prosecutor, who resigned under scrutiny from Trump after his investigation into another political adversary - NY AG Letitia James - was unable to bring criminal charges.

Legal Setting

Mr Comey appeared in positive mood as he walked into the courtroom on mid-week, speaking with his lawyers and being lighthearted. He was accompanied by his wife, Patrice Failor and offspring his daughter, a US lawyer who the former government dismissed.

Upon hearing to the judge recite his rights and the two counts against him in the courtroom on Wednesday, Mr Comey was inquired if he comprehended the charges.

"I do your honour. Appreciate it," he told the proceedings.

Historical Information

Mr Comey was the head of the FBI from 2013 to 2017 and was dismissed about a few months into Trump's first administration as president. At the period, Mr Comey was leading an examination into foreign election meddling and whether there were any links between the Russian government and the election effort.

Throughout his leadership, Mr Comey sparked a negative reaction from liberal politicians when he stated just days before the 2016 presidential election that he was probing presidential nominee the candidate's use of a non-governmental email account. Charges against the candidate were not filed, resulting in negative feedback from Republicans as well.

Present Charges

The federal government claim James Comey lied to Congress during a congressional hearing in recent years when he was being examined about both the email probe as well as the foreign influence inquiry. They claim he deceived the legislative body by claiming he had not authorized a person at the FBI to disclose to media organizations information about the FBI investigations.

Government lawyers also accuse the defendant of "wrongfully trying to sway, block and slow" the panel by providing untrue information to it.

Public Statements

Through a recording James Comey posted to his online platform after he was accused, he said he was innocent and accused Donald Trump of conducting himself like a "autocrat".

"Our household have been aware for a long time that there are costs to standing up to Donald Trump," he commented. "We choose not to live on our kneeling."

"I'm innocent," he added. "So let's have a court case."

The charges against James Comey surfaced after Donald Trump shared on online platforms insisting on his top legal official, Pam Bondi, take legal action against James Comey and others.