A federal jury has found Hunter Biden, President Joe Biden’s youngest son, guilty in a historic gun trial. This conviction marks the first time the child of a sitting president has been found guilty in a court of law.
Biden’s guilty conviction comes just one day after the defense rested their case. Biden now faces up to 25 years in prison for these three felony charges.
A Guilty Conviction for Biden
The jury a part of this federal trial found Hunter Biden guilty of three different felony charges. These charges were lying on a federal form about his drug use, lying to a gun dealer, and possessing a gun while addicted to an illegal controlled substance.
This guilty finding came after a few weeks of testimony featuring witnesses of the defense and the prosecution.
Biden’s Upcoming Sentencing
Biden now faces an upcoming sentencing. However, this likely won’t occur for the next 120 days, which is normal in these cases.
Biden could face a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison for this guilty conviction. However, as Biden is a first-time, nonviolent offender, he likely will get a much shorter sentence.
Hunter Biden’s Statement on Jury Conviction
Biden has already released a short statement discussing his guilty conviction, explaining that he was “disappointed by the outcome.”
However, Biden also stated that he remained “grateful” for his loved ones and family. Notably, First Lady Jill Biden attended many days of this court trial to lend her support to her stepson.
Biden Discusses His Sobriety
Biden’s statement also discussed sobriety. Biden said, “Recovery is possible by the grace of God, and I am blessed to experience that gift one day at a time.”
Biden’s lawyer, Abbe Lowell, released a statement expressing that he respected the jury’s verdict. However, he also stated that he would “continue to vigorously pursue all the legal challenges available to Hunter.”
What Occurred After the Jury Announced Guilty Verdict
Reporting from inside the courthouse has also recently revealed exactly what happened when the jury announced Biden’s guilt.
Biden reportedly patted his lawyer Lowell on the back once this conviction was officially announced. He also looked at his wife, Melissa Cohen Biden, while then hugging members of his defense team. When he left the courtroom, he held his wife’s hand.
The Falling Apart of a Plea Deal
This most recent trial first came about late last year after a plea deal with Biden fell apart. This plea deal would have seen these charges — as well as other tax charges — resolved, and Biden wouldn’t have had to serve a prison sentence.
However, this deal eventually fell apart amid criticism from Republicans that the deal was too lenient on the president’s son.
Emotional Witness Testimonies
This guilty conviction comes only days after witnesses took the stand to offer emotional testimonies about Biden, his gun purchase, and his ongoing drug addiction.
Biden’s daughter, Naomi Biden, explained on the stand her father’s addiction problems, as well as his quest to become sober by visiting various treatment facilities over the years.
Biden’s Sister-in-Law’s Testimony
Perhaps most damaging to the defense was the prosecution’s key witness, Hallie Biden, Biden’s sister-in-law and the late Beau Biden’s wife. During the time that Hunter Biden bought this gun, he was in a romantic relationship with his sister-in-law.
During her testimony, Hallie Biden explained that she had found the gun and got rid of it, as she had become “panicked.” She also admitted that Biden introduced her to drugs during their time together.
Republican Response
So far, former President Donald Trump hasn’t himself commented on Biden’s guilty verdict, which comes only a few weeks after his own guilty conviction of 34 felony counts.
However, the national security advisor for Trump, Kash Patel, released a statement saying, “Hunter Biden’s guilty verdict is a rare example of constitutional justice, one not where individuals receive biased treatment based on their last name. The jury was able to consider the prosecution and the defense evidence in full, in accordance with due process.”
President Biden’s Comments
Following his son’s conviction, President Biden released a statement, which said, “I will accept the outcome of this case and will continue to respect the judicial process as Hunter considers an appeal.” The president also said he and the First Lady will continue to support Hunter and the rest of their family.
This statement comes after the president previously clarified that he would not pardon his son, nor commute his sentence, even if he was found guilty.
Biden’s Upcoming Trial
Now, Biden will have to wait 120 days for his sentencing to occur. However, the president’s son also has another trial in California he has to attend.
This federal trial in California has to deal with tax charges, as Biden is accused of avoiding paying taxes. This trial will begin on September 5.
