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Jimmy Williams
Hunter Biden was convicted Tuesday of all three felony charges related to purchasing a revolver in 2018. Prosecutors argued that President Joe Biden’s son lied on a mandatory gun-purchase form by saying he was not illegally using or addicted to drugs.
Hunter Biden, 54, showed little emotion as the verdict was read after three hours of jury deliberations over two days in Wilmington, Delaware. He hugged his attorneys, smiled slightly, and kissed his wife, Melissa, before leaving the courtroom with her.
President Joe Biden issued a statement shortly after the verdict, saying he would accept the outcome and “continue to respect the judicial process as Hunter considers an appeal.”
Political Implications and Future Proceedings
This year’s election season has seen significant legal proceedings involving major political figures. Hunter Biden’s conviction follows former President Donald Trump’s conviction on 34 felony charges related to a hush money payment during the 2016 campaign. Both have claimed victimization by the politics of the moment.
Hunter Biden faces up to 25 years in prison when sentenced by U.S. District Judge Maryellen Noreika. As a first-time offender, he is unlikely to receive the maximum sentence, and there’s no guarantee he will serve prison time. No sentencing date has been set.
Defense attorney Abbe Lowell stated they would “continue to vigorously pursue all the legal challenges available.” Hunter Biden expressed disappointment in the outcome but gratitude for the support of family and friends.
Courtroom Details and Reactions
The jury’s decision was read swiftly. First lady Jill Biden attended nearly every day of the trial but missed the verdict announcement. Hunter Biden walked out of the courthouse holding hands with the first lady and his wife before leaving in SUVs.
Joe Biden, wary of appearing to interfere in a criminal matter brought by his own Justice Department, avoided the federal courtroom and commented minimally on the case. Allies of the president are concerned about the trial’s toll on Biden, who is deeply concerned with his only living son’s health and sobriety.
Verdict and Public Statements
Hunter Biden’s conviction came just weeks after Trump was found guilty of felony charges. While Hunter Biden is a private citizen not running for office, both cases have significant political implications. Trump continues to claim his verdict was “rigged,” while Joe Biden has stated he will accept the verdict involving his son and will not seek to pardon him.
President Biden and the first lady expressed pride in their son, who claims sobriety since 2019. Trump’s campaign dismissed the verdict as “nothing more than a distraction from the real crimes of the Biden Crime Family,” continuing to push unsubstantiated allegations against Joe Biden.
Immediate Aftermath
After the conviction, President Biden hugged his son upon landing in Wilmington, spending the night with family before heading to the Group of Seven leaders conference in Italy. Jurors found Hunter Biden guilty of lying to a federally licensed gun dealer, making a false claim on the application, and illegally having the gun for 11 days.
The trial spotlighted a dark period in Hunter Biden’s life, including his descent after his brother Beau’s death in 2015. The trial featured personal testimony and embarrassing evidence such as text messages and photos of Hunter Biden with drug paraphernalia.
Ongoing Legal Challenges
Hunter Biden’s legal troubles are not over. He faces a trial in September in California on charges of failing to pay $1.4 million in taxes. Congressional Republicans have signaled continued efforts to pursue him in their stalled impeachment effort against the president. Despite these challenges, the president has not been accused or charged with any wrongdoing by prosecutors investigating his son.
Hunter Biden’s plea deal, which would have avoided trial, fell apart last year after the judge questioned unusual aspects of the proposed agreement. Hunter Biden claims he was charged because the Justice Department bowed to Republican pressure, alleging he received special treatment.
