Hunter Biden, the son of President Joe Biden, faces sentencing for his gun crimes shortly after Americans head to the polls for the 2024 presidential election.
Hunter Biden was convicted of three felonies related to gun crimes and will be sentenced on Nov. 13, leading to speculation among some that a pardon could soon follow, as Newsweek reports.
The sentencing will take place in Wilmington, Delaware. This event comes after a jury, consisting of six men and six women, convicted Hunter Biden in June for lying about his drug use while buying a firearm in October 2018. President Biden has asserted that he will not pardon his son following these felony convictions, though that pledge was made prior to his withdrawal from his re-election campaign.
Throughout the week-long trial, the jury heard from ten prosecution witnesses who detailed Hunter Biden’s actions. Notable testimonies came from Kathleen Buhle, his ex-wife; Hallie Biden, his former lover; and Zoe Kestan, a past girlfriend.
Among other evidence, Gordon Cleveland, the gun seller, and DEA agent Joshua Romig provided significant testimonies. The jury deemed these accounts sufficient without needing confirmation that Biden was under the influence at the time of purchasing the gun.
Hunter Biden's daughter, Naomi, gave emotional testimony about his struggles with addiction. Her description of his state during the gun purchase added a poignant backdrop to the legal proceedings.
Judge Maryellen Noreika initially indicated that sentencing dates typically fall within a 120-day window following a verdict. However, Hunter Biden's sentencing date was set 52 days after verdict, for Nov. 13, a week after the presidential election.
This conviction might result in a prison term of up to 25 years. Nevertheless, it is speculated that Hunter Biden, being a first-time and nonviolent offender, may avoid incarceration altogether.
In addition to his gun crime convictions, Hunter Biden is also facing allegations of tax evasion. A trial on these charges is slated to begin on Sept. 9 in Los Angeles.
Hunter Biden maintains his innocence regarding these tax charges. His legal team has sought dismissal of the case, drawing comparisons to the dismissed classified documents case of former President Donald Trump.
The courtroom saw no visible reaction from Hunter Biden upon the delivery of the guilty verdict on June 11. The solemn environment was filled with reporters and key family figures such as first lady Jill Biden and Hunter's wife, Melissa Cohen.
These unfolding legal events could have far-reaching implications for Hunter Biden and his family's public perception.
With the presidential election in the backdrop, the upcoming sentencing date has captured substantial public attention. As the sentencing date draws closer, and with the additional trial for tax evasion on the horizon, the outcomes of these legal battles will be closely monitored.
