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Previous Federal Bureau of Investigation director James the former director has entered an innocent plea to giving untrue testimony to lawmakers and obstructing a legislative process.

His attorney submitted the answer representing him in a US district court in Alexandria, Virginia on Wednesday.

The defense lawyer declared he would attempt to have the case dismissed for several factors including that his defendant, a detractor of former President Trump, was being targeted.

Mr Comey was formally accused shortly after the former president pushed his chief prosecutor to proceed against him.

Legal Proceedings

At the proceedings on mid-week, Comey's lawyer Patrick Fitzgerald advised the judge they aimed to file multiple motions to dismiss the proceedings before a court case, claiming the legal action was vindictive and that a federal prosecutor was wrongfully designated to take over the case.

Mr Comey's legal matter was originally overseen by a Virginia prosecutor, who left his position under scrutiny from Donald Trump after his investigation into an additional political adversary - New York Attorney General Letitia James - failed to bring criminal charges.

Judicial Environment

The former director came across in optimistic frame of mind as he walked into the courtroom on mid-week, chatting with his lawyers and sharing humor. He was accompanied by his partner, Patrice Failor and daughter Maureen, a government attorney who the Trump administration recently fired.

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

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

Historical Information

James Comey was the FBI Director from 2013-2017 and was terminated about several months into Trump's first term as commander-in-chief. At the time, Mr Comey was directing an examination into foreign election meddling and whether there were any relationships between Moscow and the election effort.

While in office, the director triggered a backlash from liberal politicians when he announced just days before the 2016 presidential election that he was probing presidential nominee Hillary Clinton's use of a personal email system. Legal actions against Hillary Clinton were not pursued, causing negative feedback from the Republican party as well.

Present Charges

Government attorneys allege the former director provided false information to the legislature during a congressional hearing in recent years when he was being examined about both the previous examination as well as the election interference investigation. They say he deceived the legislative body by stating he had not approved someone at the Federal Bureau of Investigation to release to media organizations details about the FBI investigations.

Prosecutors also accuse Mr Comey of "wrongfully trying to sway, block and impede" the committee by giving misleading testimony to it.

Individual Responses

Through a recording Mr Comey shared to his online platform after he was indicted, he declared he was innocent and accused Donald Trump of acting like a "tyrant".

"Our household have been aware for years that there are consequences to challenging Mr Trump," he said. "We refuse to live on our bended knee."

"I'm innocent," he continued. "Thus initiate a legal proceeding."

The charges against James Comey surfaced after the former president published on online platforms calling for his top legal official, the attorney general, take legal action against Mr Comey and others.