Hunter Biden, son of U.S. President Joe Biden, was found guilty on Tuesday of three felony charges related to the purchase of a firearm in October 2018. He had falsely stated on a mandatory form that he was not illegally using nor addicted to drugs.
A jury of 12 members in a federal court in Wilmington, Delaware, ruled against him. The violation could carry a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison. However, legal experts believe such a severe punishment is unlikely given that this is his first offense of this nature.
Following several months of investigations and potential plea deals, the decision makes Hunter Biden, 54, the first child of a sitting U.S. president to be convicted. Democrats could potentially use this verdict to counter former President Donald Trump's claims that the judicial system is biased against him.
Implications and Statements
Special Prosecutor David Weiss told the press, "No one is above the law; everyone must be accountable for their actions, including this defendant," according to a CNN en Español report. "However, Hunter Biden should not be held more accountable than any other citizen convicted of the same conduct. The prosecution remains committed to this principle," he added.
The judge did not set a date for sentencing but mentioned that the usual timeframe is 120 days. Therefore, the ruling could be announced nearly a month before the next U.S. presidential elections on November 5.
Following the jury's decision, President Biden expressed that he would accept the outcome of the case and "continue to respect the judicial process while Hunter considers an appeal," according to a statement from the White House cited by EFE.
"Jill and I will always be there for Hunter and the rest of our family with our love and support. Nothing will ever change that," he added. "Many families who have had loved ones struggling with addiction understand the pride in seeing someone you love come out the other side, strong and resilient in their recovery," the President noted.
The case could impact Biden's re-election campaign, as Republicans, particularly former President and likely 2024 candidate Trump, frequently use it against him. Trump himself was found guilty last week by a New York jury on 34 counts of falsifying business records to cover up hush money payments to a porn actress in an illegal scheme to aid his 2016 presidential campaign.
Frequently Asked Questions on Hunter Biden's Conviction
Given the high-profile nature of Hunter Biden's case, there are several questions that readers might have regarding the legal proceedings and their implications. Below are some of the most commonly asked questions and their answers.
What charges was Hunter Biden found guilty of?
Hunter Biden was found guilty of three felony charges related to the purchase of a firearm in 2018. He falsely stated on a mandatory form that he was not illegally using nor addicted to drugs.
What is the potential sentence Hunter Biden could face?
Although the maximum sentence for the charges could be up to 25 years in prison, legal experts believe such a severe punishment is unlikely given that this is his first offense of this nature.
How might this case affect President Joe Biden's re-election campaign?
The case could impact President Biden's re-election campaign as Republicans, particularly former President Donald Trump, frequently use it against him.