President Joe Biden's son, Hunter Biden was convicted of all three felony charges associated with the purchase of a revolver in 2018. The Verdict was announced on Tuesday by a federal jury who concluded that the accused violated the law which is meant to prevent addicts from owning firearms.
The Prosecutor argued, that the accused lied on the mandatory gun-purchase form stating he was not illegally using or addicted to drugs. The verdict convicted him guilty of lying to a federally licensed gun dealer, making a false claim on the application, and illegally possessing the firearm for 11 days.
Hunter could possibly face 25 years of imprisonment, but being a first-time offender he won't receive a maximum sentence as it doesn't happen generally. For now, it is uncertain whether he will serve any prison time.
Special counsel David Weiss informed reporters that the conviction was about the “illegal choices the defendant made while in the throes of addiction,” he further added that “no one in this country is above the law.”
Hunter was emotional after the verdict, he was overwhelmed by the family support but disappointed by the verdict.
“I am more grateful today for the love and support I experienced this last week from Melissa, my family, my friends, and my community than I am disappointed by the outcome,” Hunter said. “Recovery is possible by the grace of God, and I am blessed to experience that gift one day at a time,” he added.
The Hunter Biden case, initiated by US Department of Justice Special Counsel David Weiss (a Trump appointee) comprises three felony charges and six misdemeanor tax offenses in California. Weiss also claims that Hunter Biden neglected to pay $1.4 million in taxes from 2016 to 2019 while spending millions on drugs, escorts, luxury cars, and other expensive items.
President Joe Biden has stayed away from the Delaware courtroom where his son was tried and has made few comments on the case, he is avoiding to interfere in the matter prosecuted by his judicial department. While reacting to the conviction he is ready to accept the verdict and will not seek to pardon his son.
Joe Biden issued a statement reading, “As I said last week, I am the president, but I am also a dad, Jill and I love our son, and we are so proud of the man he is today. So many families who have had loved ones battle addiction understand the feeling of pride seeing someone you love come out the other side and be so strong and resilient in recovery. As I also said last week, I will accept the outcome of this case and will continue to respect the judicial process as Hunter considers an appeal. 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.”
However, Hunter's legal troubles don't end here; in September, he will have to face a trial in California for failing to pay $1.4 million in taxes.
The inquiry into the gun started when Hallie Biden, Beau's widow, found it unloaded in Hunter's truck and threw it in a garbage can. Later it was accidentally discovered by a man. Hallie, who dated Hunter after Beau's death, eventually told the police. At first, the case was closed because Hunter didn't cooperate, and he was seen as the victim.
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