The trial against Hunter Biden has resumed, with prosecutors focusing on his history of drug addiction, specifically crack cocaine. Mr. Biden’s lawyer has pointed out the lack of documentary evidence proving his drug use at the time he purchased a gun in 2018. Witnesses, including his former wife and girlfriends, are expected to testify about his struggles with addiction and alcoholism. The trial is expected to be personal and painful for President Biden’s family.
Hunter Biden faces three felony charges related to lying on a federal firearms application and possessing an illegally obtained gun. If convicted, he could potentially face up to 25 years in prison and significant fines. However, first-time nonviolent offenders rarely receive serious prison time for similar charges. Prosecutors have highlighted excerpts from Mr. Biden’s memoir to illustrate his descent into addiction.
The central question in the trial is whether Mr. Biden was using drugs when he applied for the gun, which he denied on the application. His lawyer argues that he did not knowingly break the law, as he did not use the gun or load it after purchasing it. Instead, it was his then-girlfriend who handled the gun, which was eventually found with drug residue in a trash can.
Aside from his legal troubles, Mr. Biden is also facing another trial in Los Angeles later in the year related to tax offenses. The prosecution’s case in the current trial hinges on proving that Mr. Biden knowingly lied on his firearms application while dealing with addiction. The trial is expected to continue with testimony from Mr. Biden’s former partners and loved ones, shedding light on his struggles with addiction and alcoholism. The personal nature of the trial is likely to have an emotional impact on President Biden’s family.
