Hunter Biden’s Trial Commences on Federal Firearms Charges
WILMINGTON, Del. (WE) — On Monday, a jury was selected for the federal gun case against Hunter Biden, son of President Joe Biden. Prospective jurors were asked about their views on gun rights and drug addiction, with First Lady Jill Biden present in the courtroom to support her son. Opening statements are set to begin on Tuesday.
The jury of 12 panelists and four alternates was chosen in a single day.
Hunter Biden faces three felony charges related to a 2018 firearm purchase during a period when he struggled with a crack addiction, as detailed in his memoir. He is accused of lying to a federally licensed gun dealer, falsely claiming on the application that he was not a drug user, and illegally possessing the gun for 11 days.
More than 65 potential jurors were questioned, and 29 were dismissed by late afternoon. One juror, who was excused, stated that her opinion of Hunter Biden was unfavorable, influenced by media coverage. “It’s not a good one,” she replied when an attorney asked her view.
Hunter Biden arrived at a Wilmington, Delaware court Monday morning for the first day of his federal firearms trial. The president's son faces three felony charges for allegedly illegally purchasing and possessing a firearm.
— Newsweek (@Newsweek) June 3, 2024
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The trial follows the collapse of a plea deal that would have prevented a trial close to the 2024 election. Hunter Biden has pleaded not guilty, arguing that he is being unfairly targeted by the Justice Department. Republicans have criticized the now-defunct plea deal as special treatment for the president’s son.
This case unfolds just days after former President Donald Trump, the leading Republican contender for the 2024 election, was convicted of 34 felonies in New York City. Trump was found guilty of orchestrating a scheme to cover up a hush money payment to a porn actor to protect his 2016 campaign. Although the two cases are unrelated, their timing highlights the significant role of criminal proceedings in the 2024 election landscape.
President Biden’s Message as Hunter Biden’s Trial Commences.
President Biden has offered a heartfelt statement as his son, Hunter Biden, embarks on his trial for federal gun charges.
“As President, I hold a solemn duty to uphold the law impartially. But beyond my role in office, I am a father. Jill and I cherish our son deeply, and we take immense pride in the person he has become. Hunter’s unwavering resilience in the face of challenges and his remarkable journey to recovery serve as a beacon of hope for many families grappling with similar struggles,” stated Biden. “While I refrain from commenting on ongoing legal proceedings as President, as a father, I am overflowing with love and confidence in my son’s character and fortitude. Through thick and thin, Jill and I stand unwaveringly by Hunter and our entire family, offering our steadfast support and affection.”
Hunter Biden’s Charges.
In the spotlight of legal scrutiny, Hunter Biden faces three federal charges in his case: two counts of making false statements and one count of illegal gun possession.
These charges revolve around his purchase of a revolver from a Delaware gun store in October 2018, which he retained for approximately 11 days. At the time of the purchase, Mr. Biden openly acknowledged that he was grappling with a severe addiction to crack cocaine.
The two false statement charges stem from allegations that he misrepresented his drug use on a federally mandated form during the weapon purchase. Prosecutors assert that he falsely claimed he was “not an unlawful user of and addicted to any stimulant narcotic drug” when acquiring a Colt Cobra Special revolver.
The third count pertains to his possession of a firearm while allegedly being a drug user.
The firearm in question was discarded and later discovered at a grocery store in Greenville, Delaware, initiating an investigation that traced back to the purchase forms.
Hunter Biden Trial
In a Delaware courtroom, Hunter Biden, the son of President Joe Biden, made history as the first child of a sitting president to stand trial as a criminal defendant.
Prosecutors accuse the 54-year-old Biden of lying about his drug use on application forms when he purchased a handgun in 2018. If convicted of the three federal counts, he could face up to 25 years in prison. The trial commenced on Monday with jury selection, and Mr. Biden has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The trial, occurring amidst his father’s re-election campaign, is expected to feature prosecutors delving into intimate details of Mr. Biden’s crack cocaine addiction, potentially providing ammunition for the president’s political adversaries.
While President Biden has refrained from commenting directly on the case, he released a statement on the trial’s commencement, expressing unwavering support for his son. “Hunter’s resilience in the face of adversity and the strength he has brought to his recovery are inspiring to us,” the president stated, emphasizing his boundless love and confidence in his son.
Where is the Hunter trial?
The trial of Hunter Biden is taking place in Delaware, where the alleged incidents occurred. Specifically, the proceedings are unfolding in a federal courtroom in Wilmington, Delaware, the state’s largest city and a significant legal hub. As the trial unfolds, it remains under the jurisdiction of the United States District Court for the District of Delaware.
Evidence Strength
In the courtroom surrounding Hunter Biden’s trial, the pivotal question hinges on the strength of the evidence against him. Prosecutors face the arduous task of persuading jurors that Biden knowingly falsified statements on the firearm purchase form to deceive the store that sold him the pistol. Additionally, they must demonstrate Biden’s status as a drug user or addict and his knowing possession of the firearm despite this. US District Judge Maryellen Noreika has ruled against defense claims that drug use must be proven on the day of purchase, allowing prosecutors to establish recent unlawful use as sufficient. With personal text messages from Biden during his addiction expected as evidence, along with testimonies from his ex-wife and former partner, and passages from his memoir, the prosecution has an arsenal of material. Despite Biden’s quiet demeanor on the trial, legal filings suggest his defense will challenge the extent of his awareness of addiction during the purchase and the quality of the evidence presented. While legal experts speculate on the gravity of the charges, including the rare charge of possessing a firearm while a drug user, the trial remains a focal point of national attention.
Hunter Biden Faces Additional Charges
Beyond the firearm charges brought against him in Delaware, Hunter Biden is confronting separate federal allegations in California. These charges accuse him of evading a tax assessment, neglecting to file and pay taxes properly, and submitting a fraudulent tax return. Following the dramatic unraveling of a plea bargain designed to resolve both sets of charges, Mr. Biden has maintained his plea of not guilty to the tax-related accusations.
What are the potential consequences for Hunter Biden?
Jury selection is underway as Pres. Biden's son, Hunter Biden, goes to trial on federal gun charges.@OliviaRubinABC reports from Wilmington, Delaware with the latest. pic.twitter.com/iWOvoBf9DS
— ABC News Live (@ABCNewsLive) June 3, 2024
Hunter Biden could face up to 42 years in prison if he is convicted on both his tax and gun charges. The tax charges alone carry a maximum sentence of 17 years in prison, along with $1.2 million in fines. In addition, he faces a maximum of 25 years in prison and $750,000 in fines for the federal gun charges. President Biden, speaking as both a leader and a father, expressed his unwavering support for his son, emphasizing Hunter’s resilience and the family’s commitment to standing by him through his recovery journey. While refraining from commenting directly on the ongoing case, the president acknowledged the challenges faced by families dealing with addiction, underscoring the love and admiration he holds for his son.
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