Hunter Biden has been convicted on three counts of federal gun violations and faces up to 25 years in prison. Political allies of President Joe Biden are concerned about the impact of the verdict on the President.
Conviction Details
Hunter Biden was found guilty on counts of lying on a federal gun application form, lying to a licensed gun dealer, and possessing the firearm despite knowing it was not legal to do so.
Additional Legal Issues
This is only one of two major legal problems facing Hunter Biden, who will also face charges later this year for charges in California that he allegedly avoided paying over one million dollars in taxes.
Potential Appeal
The Biden defense team will likely appeal the conviction following the sentencing hearing, which has yet to be scheduled.
Plea Deal Breakdown
Nearly a year ago, Hunter Biden was set to settle all of his criminal charges with a plea deal that would allow him to avoid jail time. The deal involved resolving his federal gun charges and tax evasion charges.
Judicial Rejection of Plea Deal
However, the deal fell apart upon examination by Delaware District Judge Maryellen Noreika, who rejected it over concerns that it may prohibit future potential prosecutions of Biden in the event of further or other unforeseen future charges.
Political Reactions
Republican lawmakers had criticized the potential plea deal as a “Sweetheart deal” presented to Hunter Biden only because of his position as the President’s son.
Tax Charges
The tax charges involving Biden include three felony tax offenses and six misdemeanors. California prosecutors argue that Biden willfully and strategically schemed to avoid paying $1.4 million from 2016 to 2019. They also charge that he evaded taxes in 2018 when he allegedly filed false tax returns.
Impact on the Biden Family
The Hunter Biden legal problems are concurrent both with Trump’s criminal and civil trials as well as President Biden’s bid for reelection, giving the Hunter Biden trial additional importance on the national stage.
Jury Deliberation and Verdict Announcement
After the jury deliberated over three hours in two days, the verdict was read. First Lady Jill Biden, who attended much of the trial, arrived at the courtroom after the verdict had already been read.
Reaction to the Verdict
Upon hearing the verdict, Hunter Biden maintained a calm face with little emotion evident, kissed his wife Melissa Cohen Biden, and Hunter, Melissa, and the First Lady walked out of the courtroom together.
President Biden’s Response
President Biden was not present at any court proceedings, but following the announcement of the verdict, President Biden restated that he would not interfere with the outcome or pardon Hunter Biden. President Biden stated, “I will continue to respect the judicial process as Hunter considers an appeal.”
Support for Hunter Biden
President Biden continued, “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.”
Concerns Among President Biden’s Allies
President Biden’s allies in his reelection efforts are concerned about the impact the trial of the President’s only living son will have on 81-year-old Biden. The verdict in the case was announced prior to President Biden’s speech on gun safety at a conference in Washington, D.C.
