On Tuesday, a jury convicted Hunter Biden, President Joe Biden’s son, on charges linked to his purchase of a firearm while using and being dependent on illegal drugs. This development comes as a significant blow to the Biden family.
He is facing three felony charges which involve falsely stating information while purchasing a firearm, providing false information that needs to be recorded, and possessing a firearm while being an unlawful user of a controlled substance.
The jury delivered their verdict on Tuesday after only three hours of deliberation, having received brief instructions earlier that day. While the possibility of a hung jury had been considered, it was ultimately not the case.
At 54 years old, Hunter Biden could be sentenced to up to 25 years in prison and fined up to $750,000. However, given his lack of prior violent offenses and being a first-time offender, there is a chance that he could receive a less severe sentence that doesn’t involve incarceration.
On Monday afternoon, the 12 jurors, comprising of six men and six women, were dismissed for the day, just an hour after they began deliberations. The case they were considering involved allegations that President Joe Biden’s son had lied on a federal background form regarding his history of drug addiction in 2018 in order to purchase a handgun.
On Tuesday morning, during the jury’s deliberation, Hunter Biden’s second wife, Melissa Cohen Biden, was the only family member in attendance. However, the first lady, Jill Biden, who is Hunter Biden’s stepmother, arrived at the courthouse after the verdict was delivered. It was unusual compared to the six previous trial days where a few members of the Biden family and close friends were present.
Speculation surrounded the trial as to whether Hunter Biden would take the stand, but ultimately he did not testify.
At the J. Caleb Boggs Federal Building in Wilmington, Del., the defense wrapped up their case on the sixth day of the trial. A large number of Biden family and friends were present to show their support.
Abbe Lowell, the defense attorney, stated on Monday that during the time when Biden completed the federal form, he did not consider himself an addict. Moreover, he argued that the federal government has not provided sufficient evidence to prove that Hunter Biden intentionally violated the law.
In 2023, a study revealed the harsh truth that millions of Americans are dealing with addiction to alcohol or drugs, while millions more are facing the challenges of having a loved one struggling with addiction. The impacts of addiction can extend beyond the individual and affect their entire support system, making it a significant issue in everyday life.
On Friday morning, the federal prosecutors concluded their case, which included a poignant testimony from Naomi Biden, Hunter Biden’s daughter. She was called to the stand to respond to inquiries regarding her father’s previous struggle with drug addiction. The testimony was filled with emotions and left a lasting impact.
During the closing arguments on Monday, prosecutor Derek Hines emphasized the fact that choices have consequences. He highlighted that the reason they were in the courtroom was not merely because Hunter Biden smoked crack, but because of the repercussions that ensued.
