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Former Federal Bureau of Investigation director James the former director has pleaded not guilty to giving untrue testimony to US legislators and obstructing a lawmaking procedure.

The former director's attorney entered the plea acting as his counsel in a US district court in Alexandria, Virginia on mid-week.

Patrick Fitzgerald declared he would attempt to have the proceedings terminated for various reasons including that his client, a detractor of Donald Trump, was being selectively prosecuted.

James Comey was charged soon after Trump pressured his top legal official to take action against him.

Legal Proceedings

In court on Wednesday, Comey's lawyer Mr Fitzgerald advised the court they planned to present multiple petitions to terminate the proceedings before a trial, arguing the prosecution was retaliatory and that a US attorney was unlawfully assigned to handle the proceedings.

James Comey's proceedings was originally handled by the original attorney, who left his position under pressure from Trump after his probe into a different opponent - the New York official - was unable to bring criminal charges.

Judicial Environment

James Comey came across in optimistic frame of mind as he walked into the legal venue on mid-week, conversing with his legal team and making jokes. He was joined by his partner, his wife and daughter Maureen, a federal prosecutor who the former government terminated.

After listening to the judge state his constitutional guarantees and the two counts against him in court on mid-week, Mr Comey was inquired if he grasped the allegations.

"Yes your honour. Thank you," he informed the proceedings.

Historical Information

James Comey was the FBI Director from 2013-2017 and was dismissed about a few months into Donald Trump's first administration as national leader. At the time, Mr Comey was leading an probe into Russian election interference and whether there were any connections between Russia and the election effort.

During his tenure, James Comey triggered a counter-response from liberal politicians when he stated just immediately preceding the 2016 presidential election that he was examining presidential nominee the candidate's use of a non-governmental email account. Charges against Clinton were not filed, leading to criticism from the Republican party as well.

Ongoing Accusations

Prosecutors allege James Comey provided false information to US lawmakers during a congressional hearing in recent years when he was being interrogated about both the email probe as well as the election interference investigation. They claim he misled the legislative body by saying he had not authorized a person at the FBI to release to news outlets information about the government examinations.

Legal representatives also accuse the defendant of "wrongfully trying to affect, block and delay" the committee by giving misleading testimony to it.

Public Statements

Via social media the former director published to his Instagram after he was indicted, he declared he was innocent and accused the former president of acting like a "autocrat".

"Our household have understood for years that there are ramifications to challenging the former president," he commented. "We refuse to live on our knees."

"I'm innocent," he stated further. "So let's have a trial."

The charges against James Comey surfaced after Trump posted on online platforms demanding his attorney general, Ms Bondi, charge Mr Comey and others.