Jury selection in Hunter Biden’s federal gun trial is set to begin in Delaware as he faces three felony charges related to his alleged illegal purchase and possession of a firearm in 2018 while he was a drug user. The charges stem from his failure to disclose his drug use on a federal gun form and his possession of a Colt Cobra .38 Special revolver, which was later discarded by his romantic partner, Hallie Biden. Hunter Biden’s attorney argued that the charges were unconstitutional and in violation of a diversion agreement that they maintain was still legally binding. The motions to dismiss filed by Biden’s attorneys were denied, and the federal appeals court rejected his motion to dismiss the gun charges in May.
Prosecutors intend to present evidence detailing Biden’s drug use leading up to and during the period he purchased the firearm, including excerpts from his memoir, Beautiful Things, and testimonies from his former romantic partners. The charges were brought by special counsel David Weiss, who was appointed by former President Donald Trump and named special counsel by Attorney General Merrick Garland in 2023. Hunter Biden faces up to 25 years in prison and $750,000 in fines if convicted on all counts. In addition to the gun charges, Biden also faces nine federal tax charges in California related to an alleged tax evasion scheme to avoid paying at least $1.4 million in federal taxes. His motions to dismiss the tax charges were all denied by U.S. District Judge Mark Scarsi in April.
Hunter Biden’s attorneys asserted that Weiss brought more severe charges under political pressure after the plea agreement was criticized by former President Trump and his allies. However, prosecutors denied that the charges were politically motivated and emphasized that they were based on the defendant’s own actions. The trial is expected to include expert testimony on addiction and forensic psychiatry, as well as evidence from FBI and DEA agents. References to the tax charges or questioning related to those charges are not admissible in his federal gun trial in Delaware.
The indictment against Hunter Biden has garnered significant attention due to his connection to President Joe Biden. Prosecutors plan to introduce photos and videos from Hunter Biden’s laptop as evidence, along with testimonies from his former romantic partners. The trial brief also references Biden’s admission of drug addiction in his memoir. The charges were brought after a diversion agreement for a felony gun offense unraveled, prompting a federal grand jury indictment. Hunter Biden’s attorneys continue to argue that the charges are unconstitutional and in violation of the diversion agreement.
The federal gun trial of Hunter Biden is set to begin with jury selection in Delaware, with prosecutors expected to present evidence of his drug use leading up to the alleged illegal purchase and possession of a firearm. The charges were brought by special counsel David Weiss, and if convicted on all counts, Hunter Biden faces up to 25 years in prison and $750,000 in fines. In addition to the gun charges, Biden also faces federal tax charges in California related to an alleged tax evasion scheme. References to the tax charges are not admissible in his federal gun trial. Despite claims of political pressure influencing the charges, prosecutors maintain that the charges are based on the defendant’s actions and choices and were not pursued to appease any political interests.
