On Tuesday, June 11th, Hunter Biden was found guilty of all three felony charges related to the purchase of a revolver in 2018. The jury in Wilmington, Delaware, deliberated for three hours over two days before reaching a unanimous verdict. The charges included lying on a federal gun purchase form by stating he was not illegally using or addicted to drugs, making a false claim on the application, and possessing the gun illegally for 11 days.
Hunter Biden, the son of President Joe Biden, showed little emotion as the verdict was read. He faces up to 25 years in prison when sentenced by Judge Maryellen Noreika, although first-time offenders rarely receive the maximum sentence. No sentencing date has been set. Following the verdict, Hunter Biden hugged his attorneys and wife, Melissa, and left the courtroom together.
In response to the verdict, Hunter Biden’s attorney, Abbe Lowell, expressed disappointment but respect for the jury process, indicating plans to appeal. Hunter Biden himself issued a statement expressing gratitude for the support from his family, friends, and community, emphasizing his ongoing recovery journey.
The trial’s outcome adds to a politically charged year, with both Hunter Biden and former President Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee, facing legal battles. President Joe Biden, who has largely stayed silent on the case to avoid any perception of interference, reiterated his respect for the judicial process and affirmed his support for his son.
Prosecutors focused heavily on Hunter Biden’s drug addiction during the trial, presenting testimony from his ex-wife and a former girlfriend about his drug use. Jurors saw photos and videos of Biden with drug paraphernalia and in disheveled conditions. The prosecution argued that this evidence was crucial to proving Biden’s state of addiction when he purchased the gun.
Defense attorney Lowell contended that Hunter Biden did not consider himself addicted at the time of the gun purchase, pointing out that some of the form’s questions were in the present tense, which could have led to confusion. However, the jury sided with the prosecution’s argument.
The case initially appeared to be settled last year when a plea deal was proposed, allowing Biden to plead guilty to misdemeanor tax offenses and avoid prosecution on the gun charges if he stayed out of trouble. However, the deal fell apart under Judge Noreika’s scrutiny, leading to the trial and subsequent conviction.
This verdict further complicates Hunter Biden’s legal troubles, as he faces another trial in September for failing to pay $1.4 million in taxes.
