Hunter Biden, the son of U.S. President Joe Biden, has been found guilty of federal gun charges and drug use, marking a historic criminal trial involving a child of a sitting U.S. president.
The 54-year-old was convicted on three counts related to the illegal purchase of a handgun in 2018 during a period when he was addicted to crack cocaine.
Hunter Biden, a Yale-trained lawyer and former lobbyist who has since turned to art, faced charges for falsely claiming on a federal form that he was not using illegal drugs at the time he bought a .38 caliber revolver.
This purchase occurred during a tumultuous period in his life marked by substance abuse. Throughout the one-week trial, Biden did not testify in his defense, although First Lady Jill Biden attended the proceedings for several days, showing her support.
The maximum penalty for the charges Hunter Biden faces could total up to 25 years in prison. However, as a first-time offender, it is unlikely that he will receive such a severe sentence.
Legal experts suggest that Hunter Biden is more likely to be sentenced to probation and community service, given that long and rigorous sentences are typically reserved for repeat offenders, NDTV Report.
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His status as a high-profile individual could further influence the court’s decision, potentially resulting in a more lenient sentence such as over a year in a minimum-security prison with few restrictions.
Additionally, the logistics of incarcerating a high-profile figure like Hunter Biden, who is under Secret Service protection due to his father’s position, pose significant challenges. Ensuring his safety and maintaining security within a prison environment would be a complex and resource-intensive task for federal authorities.
One factor that may weigh in Hunter Biden’s favor during sentencing is his apparent recovery from drug addiction. He has shown efforts to turn his life around, which could be considered a mitigating circumstance. However, this did not grant him any leniency during the trial itself, where Judge Maryellen Noreika maintained a stringent approach towards his legal team.
Judge Noreika, who presided over the trial, demonstrated a tough stance on Hunter Biden’s defense attorneys throughout the hearings. While this might suggest a possibility for a harsher sentence, the final decision rests with her discretion. The sentencing date has not yet been set, but a decision is anticipated in the coming weeks.
This case is the culmination of years of public scrutiny and accusations related to Hunter Biden’s drug use and personal conduct. It underscores the complexities and legal challenges that come with being a member of the first family, particularly under the intense spotlight of political and media attention. As the legal process unfolds, the nation watches closely, awaiting the resolution of this unprecedented trial.