In a courtroom in Delaware, Hunter Biden, son of President Joe Biden, is set to become the first child of a sitting president to stand trial as a criminal defendant. The trial, commencing with jury selection on Monday, revolves around allegations that the younger Biden, aged 54, lied about his drug use on application forms when purchasing a handgun in 2018.
Facing three federal counts, including two charges of making false statements and one count of illegal gun possession, Hunter Biden could potentially serve up to 25 years in prison if convicted. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The charges stem from his purchase of a revolver at a Delaware gun store in October 2018, while he was reportedly battling a crack cocaine addiction. Prosecutors allege that Biden falsified information on the federally-mandated form regarding his drug use. Additionally, they claim he possessed the firearm despite being a drug user.
Prosecutors intend to present evidence, including personal text messages and communications, suggesting Biden’s struggles with addiction. Testimonies from individuals close to Biden, such as his ex-wife and ex-partner, are also expected. Moreover, excerpts from Biden’s own memoir, where he candidly discusses his drug use, may feature prominently in court.
While Biden’s defense team plans to argue his awareness of his addiction at the time of the firearm purchase, prosecutors assert that recent drug use is sufficient to establish guilt. Furthermore, the trial may delve into the contentious issue of Hunter Biden’s laptop, which has been the subject of various conspiracy theories linking him and his father to corruption.
If convicted, Hunter Biden could face substantial prison time, although actual sentences typically fall below the maximum penalties. Apart from the Delaware trial, Biden also faces separate federal charges in California related to tax evasion and fraud, to which he has pleaded not guilty.
As Hunter Biden’s trial unfolds, it casts a spotlight on the intersection of politics, personal struggles, and legal accountability, adding another layer of complexity to an already politically charged landscape.
