In a landmark legal decision, Hunter Biden, the son of US President Joe Biden, has been found guilty on all charges in his federal gun trial. The trial, which concluded in Wilmington, Delaware, revolved around Hunter Biden’s 2018 firearm purchase and his concurrent struggle with drug addiction. The jury found him guilty of making false statements related to drug use on a federal form and possessing a firearm as a drug user or addict. This verdict is unprecedented as Hunter Biden is the first child of a sitting US President to be convicted of a crime.The trial featured emotional testimonies from family members, including Hunter’s ex-wife Kathleen Buhle, ex-girlfriend Hallie Biden, and daughter Naomi Biden, highlighting his battle with addiction. Despite the defense’s argument that Hunter Biden did not knowingly lie and was not an active addict at the time of the purchase, the jury delivered a guilty verdict after three hours of deliberation.The sentencing guidelines for the gun-related charges suggest a recommended sentence of 15-21 months. However, legal experts have indicated that defendants in similar cases often receive shorter sentences and are less likely to face imprisonment if they comply with pretrial release conditions. The judge has indicated that sentencing will likely occur within 120 days, potentially before the US presidential election on November 5.President Biden has expressed his unconditional love and support for his son, stating, ‘as a father, I have unlimited love for my son, trust in him, and respect for his strength’. The Republican Party has been highlighting Hunter Biden’s legal issues in an attempt to impact President Biden’s reputation. Hunter Biden faces a separate trial in September on tax charges.
Key points
- Hunter Biden found guilty on all charges in federal gun trial, with potential political repercussions for President Joe Biden.
- Sentencing within 120 days may influence the upcoming presidential election.
- Hunter Biden’s conviction is a historic legal event as the first for a child of a sitting US President.
