In a courtroom appearance in Delaware, Hunter Biden, the son of US President Joe Biden, entered a not guilty plea to three firearms-related charges, intensifying legal proceedings as his father eyes a potential re-election bid in 2024. The 53-year-old’s plea follows the collapse of a plea deal that aimed to expedite the resolution of the charges.

Hunter Biden faced allegations of providing false information about his history of drug use when purchasing a firearm in October 2018. The plea deal, which would have avoided a protracted legal battle, unraveled over the summer. US Magistrate Judge Christopher Burke emphasized that the president’s son should receive “no special treatment” in the legal proceedings.

The charges against Hunter Biden include two counts of making false statements and one of illegal gun possession, carrying potential penalties of up to 25 years in prison. Despite the legal challenges, he has not faced charges related to his foreign business activities and maintains his innocence.

Hunter Biden’s legal issues have been a focal point for Republican lawmakers and conservative media figures, who have, at times without substantial evidence, alleged corruption within his business dealings. The upcoming trial, set against the backdrop of the 2024 elections, is likely to amplify these criticisms and fuel Republican efforts, including an ongoing impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden.

The aborted plea deal, which typically involves admitting guilt for more lenient sentencing, would have seen Hunter Biden pleading guilty, serving probation on misdemeanour tax charges, and avoiding jail time on the firearm charges, contingent on maintaining good behavior for two years.