What Happens to Hunter Biden After Being Found Guilty of Federal Gun Charges?
Hunter Biden, son of President Joe Biden, has found himself in a whirlwind of legal troubles following his conviction on three felony firearms charges after a trial that highlighted his troubled past filled with drug addiction. The spotlight now shines on what lies ahead for Hunter Biden as he awaits sentencing and faces another criminal trial on tax charges amidst his father’s reelection campaign.
Sentencing:
Following the jury’s swift guilty verdict, Hunter Biden is now looking at potential jail time as he was found guilty of lying on a gun purchase form and illegally possessing the weapon. While the charges carry a maximum sentence of 25 years, the actual punishment will be decided by U.S. District Judge Maryellen Noreika. As a first-time offender, Hunter Biden is unlikely to receive the maximum sentence, with federal sentencing guidelines typically recommending lighter penalties such as probation or home detention.
Defense attorneys will likely argue that Hunter’s gun was not used in any crime and emphasize his turnaround since battling addiction. Hunter Biden claims to have been sober since 2019, with no reported violations of his release conditions, including abstinence from drugs and alcohol.
Appeal likely:
Defense attorney Abbe Lowell has stated their intention to vigorously pursue legal challenges against the verdict. Grounds for appeal remain unclear, although past challenges to the case have proven unsuccessful. Hunter Biden’s legal team has questioned the constitutionality of gun laws and alleged political motivations behind the prosecution.
Other legal problems:
Besides the firearms conviction, Hunter Biden faces imminent trial on tax charges in California. Prosecutors accuse him of a four-year scheme to evade $1.4 million in taxes, redirecting funds toward a lavish lifestyle that included substance abuse. Hunter Biden’s defense has encountered difficulties in securing expert witnesses for the upcoming trial.
House Republicans have also targeted Hunter Biden and the president’s brother, James, with criminal referrals concerning alleged false statements to Congress during the impeachment inquiry. The president himself has not faced any charges in connection to his son’s legal troubles.
A presidential pardon?
President Joe Biden has expressed his acceptance of the verdict and commitment to the legal process as Hunter deliberates on a potential appeal. Despite calls for a pardon, the President has ruled out any plans to intervene in his son’s case. This stance sharpens the contrast with former President Donald Trump, who utilized his pardon power liberally to benefit allies and associates.
In conclusion, Hunter Biden’s legal entanglements present a complex narrative intertwined with politics, addiction struggles, and family dynamics. As the legal saga unfolds, the public remains tuned in to the fate of the President’s son amidst a backdrop of ongoing legal battles and political scrutiny.
