The 53-year-old Hunter Biden, son of U.S. President Joe Biden, made his appearance in federal court in his family’s hometown of Wilmington, Delaware, where he pleaded not guilty to three felony charges. These charges stem from his purchase of a .38-caliber Colt Cobra revolver in 2018, a period during which he candidly acknowledged being heavily addicted to drugs and struggling to maintain control over his life.
The charges against Hunter Biden include two counts of making false statements on the mandatory gun purchase forms, where he falsely claimed he was not using illegal drugs at the time. Additionally, he faces a third charge related to these false statements, alleging illegal possession of the firearm, which he owned for only 11 days in October 2018 before disposing of it.
This legal situation is not the sole challenge Hunter Biden faces. He also confronts allegations from Republican politicians regarding his involvement in what they claim are corrupt business practices in China and Ukraine. These allegations have the potential to divert attention from his father’s political standing as Joe Biden seeks re-election in 2024. In response, Republicans have initiated an impeachment inquiry in Congress, alleging a criminal conspiracy within the Biden family.
In the midst of this scandal, Joe Biden has consistently voiced his support for his son and commended Hunter’s efforts to overcome drug addiction.
Hunter Biden’s attorney, Abbe Lowell, had requested permission from Judge Christopher Burke for Hunter Biden, who resides in California, to appear via video rather than in person, but the request was denied. The judge ruled that “the defendant should not receive any special treatment in this matter.”
If found guilty, Hunter Biden could potentially face a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison, although, in practice, such offenses, when not accompanied by additional charges, are rarely penalized with incarceration.
Hunter Biden, a lawyer and lobbyist who has transitioned into an artist, has had his life marked by struggles with alcoholism and crack cocaine addiction.
