Just in time for the potential end of former President Trump’s first criminal trial in New York, President Joe Biden’s son, Hunter Biden, will go to trial in June on gun charges after his request for delay was denied.
Background on Hunter Biden’s Legal Issues
Hunter Biden has undergone intense scrutiny due to allegations related to his business ventures in Ukraine and China while his father held high political office as a U.S. Senator, Vice President, and President. Additionally, he is facing charges of lying on drug forms to purchase a firearm, and illegally possessing a firearm while using drugs. Hunter Biden has a history of drug addiction and other personal problems.
Request for Delay Denied
U.S. District Judge Maryellen Noreika denied a defense team motion to postpone Hunter Biden’s trial until the fall. Biden’s legal team argued that an extension was needed to prepare witnesses and review evidence.
Background of Legal Struggles
A few weeks ago, the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals refused to dismiss the gun charges against Biden. The court said at that time that it did not have jurisdiction over the appeal. Therefore, the Court upheld Noreika’s previous decision not to dismiss the charges.
The Essence of the Appeal
In seeking for the case to be dismissed, Hunter Biden’s defense team had unsuccessfully argued that the case against him was politically motivated. This echoes similar claims from former President Trump about his concurrent legal woes.
Noreika Refused to Dismiss Charges, Claims No Evidence for Interference
Judge Noreika rejected Biden’s claim that the defense team had not provided evidence substantiating the allegation that external pressures influenced the special counsel’s decision to prosecute Hunter Biden.
Charges Against Hunter Biden
Special Counsel David Weiss has charged Biden with two counts of lying about his drug use on a gun purchase form and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm.
Biden’s Legal Stance
Biden has pleaded not guilty on all charges. His defense attorneys have stated that although Biden has struggled with drug addiction in the past, during the time in question, he did not violate any laws regarding the purchase and possession of firearms.
Upcoming Legal Proceedings
With the June trial just a few weeks away, both sides will be finalizing their arguments and legal strategies. The spectacle of multiple concurrent political trials will almost certainly intersect with the campaign trail for both Biden and Trump in the race to the White House. Each side will have its legal headaches and public relations nightmares to work around.
Defense Strategy
Just as the Trump defense teams have continuously sought delays and dismissal of charges, the Biden legal strategy will likely follow a similar thrust. Both Hunter Biden and Donald Trump have denied the charges against them.
Political Context
The legal challenges facing Hunter Biden are not new to the interested public. Republican-led congressional committees have scrutinized his personal and professional dealings and investigated many facts about the Biden family’s activities.
Public and Media Scrutiny from Republicans
While Hunter’s father, Joe Biden, is not at trial, he may as well be, according to many conservatives, who believe that Hunter used his connections to his father’s power to enrich and advance his own personal interests.
President Biden Supporters Not Troubled By Hunter’s Legal Issues
Biden supporters have less trouble separating the son’s actions from those of their preferred presidential candidate and may not ascribe to the belief that Hunter’s actions could undermine or threaten a future second term for Joe Biden.
How Hunter’s Potential Conviction Could Impact Election in November
Even if voters do not hold the father accountable for the actions of his son, if Hunter Biden is convicted on gun charges before the November election, there are several plausible effects. First, Biden could lose political capital, and with that weaken Biden’s position versus Trump with undecided voters. Hunter Biden’s alleged legal infractions may be more tangible to many voters than the charges against Trump, which many cannot name.
Fodder for Negative Campaigning
A conviction for Hunter would also provide a thread of negative talking points against the Biden campaign, thereby distracting and diverting attention from more positive avenues for Biden, such as the achievements his campaign would like to tout and the policy goals it maintains.
