The 2024 political-legal spotlight is now shifting to Delaware, as jury selection begins in the federal weapons trial of Hunter Biden, the first son of President Biden. Hunter faces three counts related to possessing a firearm while addicted to crack cocaine after lying on a federal gun-purchase form to obtain the weapon. President Biden is not implicated in the case, but the trial could have implications for him as his re-election campaign ramps up.
Hunter Biden is charged with making a false statement in the purchase of a firearm, making a false statement related to information required by a federally licensed firearms dealer, and possession of a firearm by an unlawful user of a controlled substance. If convicted on all charges, he faces up to 25 years in prison and hefty fines. The charges stem from Hunter lying on his gun application form about being an unlawful drug user, despite knowing the statement was false.
Hunter Biden acquired the gun in a whim on Oct. 12, 2018, believing that time at a shooting range could help him avoid a drug relapse. He later claimed to be sober when purchasing the gun, despite later admitting in his memoir to smoking crack every 15 minutes around that time. The gun was disposed of by his former sister-in-law, leading to law enforcement involvement and the discovery of his illegal possession of a firearm.
Prosecutors are pursuing the case against Hunter, with US Attorney David Weiss leading the charge. The case has seen twists and turns, including a failed plea agreement and the appointment of Weiss as a special prosecutor with the authority to bring charges against Hunter Biden. The defense has been attempting to dismiss the case on various grounds, but these attempts have been unsuccessful so far.
Key witnesses in the trial include individuals close to Hunter Biden, such as his ex-wife and former girlfriend, who have testified before a grand jury. Hunter’s defense has suggested that the gun purchase form may have been tampered with at the gun store. Despite rumors of a pardon from President Biden, the White House has stated that the president will not pardon Hunter if convicted. The trial judge is Maryellen Noreika, who was nominated by Trump and confirmed by the Senate in 2018.
Hunter Biden’s legal team has undergone changes, with lead attorney Chris Clark withdrawing from the case due to possible conflict of interest. Abbe Lowell and Dalton Bartholomew have taken on key roles in his defense. Questions have arisen about the financial resources available to Hunter for his legal defense, with his primary patron Hollywood lawyer Kevin Morris reportedly being tapped out. In addition to the firearm case, Hunter Biden is also facing a tax indictment and potential charges under the Foreign Agents Registration Act.
As jury selection begins in the trial of Hunter Biden, the case has significant implications for both him and his father, President Biden. The legal proceedings could create unwelcome headlines for the Biden administration and impact the president’s re-election campaign. With multiple charges against Hunter, including firearm-related offenses and tax evasion, the trial will be closely watched as it unfolds in Delaware.
