Hunter Biden, the son of U.S. President Joe Biden, has been convicted of illegally purchasing a firearm while under the influence of drugs in 2018. This conviction marks the first time a child of a sitting president has been found guilty of a felony, raising significant questions about the legal and political implications as the 2024 presidential election approaches.
Hunter Biden, 54, was found guilty by a 12-member jury on Tuesday at the Delaware courthouse. He displayed little emotion as the verdict was read, leaving the courthouse hand-in-hand with his wife, Melissa Cohen Biden, and First Lady Jill Biden.
The conviction stems from a 2018 incident in which Hunter Biden purchased a Colt Cobra .38 Special revolver from a Wilmington, Delaware, gun shop. He was indicted on September 14 on three counts related to this purchase. The charges included making a false statement on the gun application by denying drug use, lying to a federally licensed gun dealer, and unlawfully possessing the firearm while being a drug user. Biden admitted to owning the gun for 11 days in October 2018.
More Read
The trial, which began on June 3, concluded with guilty verdicts on all counts. The verdict has intensified scrutiny on the younger Biden, particularly given his father’s position as President and his ongoing re-election campaign.
The key question now is whether Hunter Biden will face prison time. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, he could be sentenced to up to 25 years in prison. However, legal experts suggest this maximum sentence is improbable. Hunter Biden is a nonviolent, first-time offender, which typically results in a more lenient sentence. Many speculate that he might receive a shorter prison term or even probation.
The final decision rests with District Judge Maryellen Noreika, who presided over the trial. While she has not yet set a sentencing date, it must occur within 120 days of the verdict, meaning the latest possible date is October 9.
The timing of Hunter Biden’s sentencing is particularly noteworthy, as it falls less than a month before the November 5 presidential election, where Joe Biden is expected to face former President Donald Trump. This development is likely to be a focal point in the election discourse, potentially influencing public opinion and voter behavior.
Republicans have already seized upon Hunter Biden’s legal troubles to criticize President Biden, alleging that his administration has not fully addressed issues of corruption and legal impropriety within his family. On the other hand, Democrats argue that Hunter Biden’s legal issues are personal matters and should not reflect on the President’s leadership or policies.
Legal experts and commentators are divided on the significance of Hunter Biden’s conviction. Some argue that it underscores the importance of upholding the law, regardless of one’s familial connections. Others contend that the case has been overly politicized, with disproportionate attention given to Hunter Biden compared to similar cases involving other individuals.
Hunter Biden’s legal team has not yet indicated whether they will appeal the conviction. However, they maintain that he has been transparent about his past struggles with addiction and has taken steps towards recovery.
