On Tuesday, Hunter Biden, the son of President Joe Biden, was convicted of three felony charges related to the purchase of a revolver in 2018. Prosecutors argued that he lied on a mandatory gun-purchase form by denying his illegal drug use or addiction.
The charges included lying to a federally licensed gun dealer, making a false claim on the application, and possessing the gun illegally for 11 days. The jury in Wilmington, Delaware, reached the verdict after deliberating for about three hours over two days.
Hunter Biden showed little emotion as the verdict was read, then hugged his attorneys and smiled faintly. He left the courtroom with his wife, Melissa, and the first lady, Jill Biden, who arrived minutes after the verdict was delivered. They did not speak to reporters and left in waiting SUVs.
#HunterBiden convicted on all three federal felony gun charges. The federal jury found that he violated laws preventing drug addicts from owning firearms. This marks the first time a sitting president’s immediate family member has been found guilty during their term. #JoeBiden pic.twitter.com/7FNLY3p2EA
— Ritam English (@EnglishRitam) June 11, 2024
The potential sentence for Hunter Biden could be up to 25 years in prison, although first-time offenders typically receive less severe sentences. The judge, Maryellen Noreika, did not set a sentencing date. The conviction comes amid an election year, adding a political dimension to the case.
President Joe Biden has largely avoided involvement in his son’s trial, refraining from commenting extensively on the matter to avoid any appearance of interference. Allies of the President have expressed concerns about the toll the trial and now the conviction may take on him, particularly given his long-standing worries about his son’s health and sobriety.
Both Hunter Biden and former President Donald Trump, Biden’s chief political rival, have portrayed themselves as victims of political circumstances. While Trump has falsely claimed the verdict was “rigged,” Joe Biden has stated that he would accept the results and not seek to pardon his son.
Despite the conviction, Hunter Biden’s legal troubles are not over. He faces another trial in September in California on charges of failing to pay $1.4 million in taxes. Congressional Republicans have also indicated they will continue pursuing him in their impeachment efforts, although President Biden himself has not been implicated in any wrongdoing.
Throughout the trial, prosecutors emphasized Hunter Biden’s drug addiction, presenting personal testimony and embarrassing evidence. Jurors heard from Hunter Biden’s ex-wife and former girlfriend about his crack cocaine use and saw images and videos depicting his drug-related behavior.
Hunter Biden did not testify, but prosecutors played audio excerpts from his memoir, in which he discusses his struggles with addiction. Defense attorney Abbe Lowell argued that Hunter Biden’s state of mind at the time of the gun purchase was different from when he wrote the book, suggesting he may not have believed he had a drug addiction.
ALSO READ: “Hunter Biden Convicted for False Statements on Drug Use in Gun Purchase”
Attempts to resolve the case outside of trial fell through, leading to the indictment last year. The involvement of a special counsel further complicated matters. The incident leading to the charges occurred when Hunter Biden’s late brother’s widow found the unloaded gun in his truck, leading to a series of events that culminated in the trial.
Despite the conviction, the case has underscored broader political tensions and raised questions about the intersection of personal behavior, legal accountability, and political scrutiny. Hunter Biden’s legal saga is likely to continue, shaping not only his own future but also the broader political landscape in the United States.
Comments