Hunter Biden, the son of President Joe Biden, has been convicted on all three felony charges related to the purchase of a revolver in 2018. The federal jury found that Biden lied on a mandatory gun-purchase form by falsely claiming he was not illegally using or addicted to drugs at the time.
The charges against Biden included lying to a federally licensed gun dealer, making a false statement on the application, and illegal possession of the firearm for 11 days. He faces a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison, though legal experts suggest that as a first-time offender, he is unlikely to receive the maximum penalty. The sentencing, to be presided over by Judge Maryellen Noreika, has not yet been scheduled.
President Joe Biden has remained distant from the proceedings, refraining from commenting on the case to avoid any appearance of interference in a criminal matter overseen by his own Justice Department. Despite this, there are concerns among his allies about the impact of the trial and subsequent conviction on the President, is deeply concerned about his son’s health and sobriety.
The trial in Delaware has drawn considerable attention, particularly due to the sensitive nature of the evidence presented. Prosecutors focused heavily on Hunter Biden’s drug addiction, presenting personal and often humiliating testimony and exhibits. Witnesses included Biden’s ex-wife and a former girlfriend, both of whom recounted his severe crack cocaine use and their unsuccessful attempts to help him overcome his addiction. Jurors were shown photographs of Biden in dishevelled states and videos depicting him using crack cocaine.
Hunter Biden did not take the stand during the trial, but the jury heard excerpts from his 2021 memoir, “Beautiful Things,” where he candidly discusses his struggles with substance abuse following the death of his brother, Beau Biden, in 2015. These excerpts provided a window into his descent into addiction and eventual journey towards sobriety.
This conviction marks only one of several legal challenges facing Hunter Biden. He is scheduled for another trial in September in California on charges of failing to pay $1.4 million in taxes.
As Hunter Biden awaits sentencing, the case continues to cast a shadow over his father’s presidency, raising questions about the political and personal ramifications for the Biden family amidst ongoing scrutiny and legal battles.
