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Hunter Biden has been found guilty on three felony counts related to the purchase of a handgun in 2018, as he was accused of providing false information on a mandatory federal form. The president's son was convicted in a Delaware federal court for allegedly lying about his drug use at the time of purchase.
BREAKING: President Joe Biden says he will accept the outcome of his son Hunter's criminal case and "respect the judicial process." https://t.co/iJAfDT54VD
— The Associated Press (@AP) June 11, 2024
Case Background and Charges
Jurors determined that Biden lied to a federally licensed gun dealer by denying he was a drug user on the application form and subsequently illegally possessed the gun for 11 days. Witnesses, including his ex-wife and a former girlfriend, testified about discovering drug paraphernalia such as crack pipes in his belongings.
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Hunter Biden's Response and Potential Sentence
Following the conviction, Hunter Biden expressed gratitude for his family and friends' support. “I am more grateful today for the love and support I experienced this last week from Melissa, my family, my friends, and my community than I am disappointed by the outcome,” he stated. “Recovery is possible by the grace of God, and I am blessed to experience that gift one day at a time.”
Hunter Biden could face up to 25 years in prison, with potential sentences of up to 10 years on the first count, five years on the second, and another 10 years on the third. As a first-time offender, the actual sentencing may be significantly less. Judge Maryellen Noreika mentioned that sentencing typically occurs 120 days after conviction, though no specific date has been set.
Political Reactions
The verdict elicited swift reactions from Republicans. Rep. James Comer, chairman of the House Oversight Committee, commented that the conviction represented “a step toward accountability” but stressed that further investigations into the Biden family's alleged corruption were necessary.
President Joe Biden, standing by his son, stated that he and the first lady will always support Hunter. “So many families who have had loved ones battle addiction understand the feeling of pride seeing someone you love come out the other side and be so strong and resilient in recovery,” he said, emphasizing their continued love and respect for the judicial process as Hunter contemplates an appeal.
Courtroom Details
In court, Hunter Biden was seen embracing his defense attorneys after the verdict was read. He thanked them, then turned to his family in the gallery, smiling weakly before hugging his wife, Melissa Cohen Biden. The first lady, Jill Biden, arrived at the courthouse shortly after the jury's decision.
Judicial Context
Judge Maryellen Noreika, a former corporate civil lawyer with no prior criminal case experience, presided over the trial. She was appointed to the bench by former President Donald Trump, despite having been recommended by Democratic senators and previously donating to both political parties. This background added a layer of political intrigue to the case, given the intense scrutiny of Hunter Biden's legal issues.
Defense and Prosecution Arguments
Hunter Biden's defense argued that he was attempting to rehabilitate from drug addiction during the time he purchased the gun, having completed a rehab program just before the purchase. His daughter Naomi testified that he seemed to be improving at the time. The defense also noted that there were no eyewitnesses to him using drugs during the period he owned the gun.
Prosecutors countered with testimonies and evidence suggesting that Hunter Biden was fully aware of his drug use when he filled out the federal form. “He knew he was using drugs. That’s what the evidence shows. And he knew he was addicted to drugs. That’s what the evidence shows,” prosecutor Leo Wise asserted in his closing argument.
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