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Former Federal Bureau of Investigation chief James Comey has denied the charges to making false statements to lawmakers and hindering a congressional proceeding.

Mr Comey's legal representative submitted the answer acting as his counsel in a national courtroom in the Virginia city of Alexandria on Wednesday.

Patrick Fitzgerald stated he would try to have the proceedings dismissed for several reasons including that his client, a opponent of President Donald Trump, was being targeted.

Mr Comey was formally accused soon after Trump pushed his attorney general to take action against him.

Court Developments

During the hearing on mid-week, the defense counsel the legal representative told the court they intended to present several petitions to dismiss the case before a court case, arguing the prosecution was spiteful and that a federal prosecutor was improperly designated to handle the proceedings.

Mr Comey's proceedings was initially handled by Erik Siebert, who resigned under scrutiny from Trump after his examination into another opponent - the New York official - did not succeed to bring criminal charges.

Legal Setting

The former director came across in optimistic frame of mind as he came into the legal venue on mid-week, conversing with his attorneys and making jokes. He was joined by his wife, Mrs Failor and daughter Maureen, a US lawyer who the former government terminated.

Upon hearing to the magistrate recite his legal protections and the dual charges against him in legal proceedings on mid-week, the defendant was asked if he comprehended the accusations.

"I do your honour. Thank you very much," he informed the judge.

Background Context

James Comey was the FBI Director from 2013-2017 and was terminated about several months into the former president's first term as commander-in-chief. At the moment, the director was leading an investigation into foreign election meddling and whether there were any relationships between the Russian government and Trump's campaign.

Throughout his leadership, James Comey caused a backlash from the Democratic party when he stated just immediately preceding the 2016 election that he was probing presidential nominee Clinton's use of a private email server. Indictments against Clinton were never brought, resulting in disapproval from the Republican party as well.

Current Allegations

Government attorneys claim the former director lied to US lawmakers during a congressional hearing in recent years when he was being questioned about both the Clinton investigation as well as the election interference investigation. They claim he deceived the legislative body by claiming he had not approved an individual at the FBI to leak to news outlets data about the agency probes.

Government lawyers also charge James Comey of "improperly attempting to influence, hinder and delay" the legislative group by providing untrue information to it.

Public Statements

Via social media Mr Comey posted to his Instagram after he was accused, he declared he was not guilty and alleged the former president of conducting himself like a "dictator".

"We have been aware for years that there are costs to opposing Donald Trump," he commented. "We will not live on our bended knee."

"I'm innocent," he stated further. "Thus initiate a trial."

These allegations against Mr Comey emerged after Donald Trump shared on digital channels demanding his chief prosecutor, the attorney general, prosecute the former director and other people.