The first of two federal criminal trials involving Hunter Biden began on Monday, June 3. He faces a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison and more than $750,000 in fines. Yes, Donald Trump is not the only one fighting multiple indictments across the country. Later in September, Hunter will face criminal tax fraud and evasion accusations in a California federal court. But back in President Joe Biden's power base of Wilmington, DE, son Hunter is on trial presently for three federal felonies for lying about drugs during a gun purchase.
Remaining Silent
Criminal defense attorneys seem to have a love-hate relationship with statements about crimes. On the one hand, they wish clients would shut up and not provide police with gift-wrapped cases of incriminating speech. However, many criminal defense attorneys' beach houses can be tied directly back to such statements and the cases that result. Hunter talked himself into these charges, writing about his profligate drug use in his book Beautiful Things. Biden's confessions took on criminal significance beyond possession of dangerous controlled substances when it became clear he bought a gun during a crack binge.
The federal gun buyer background check asks buyers if they are unlawful users of or addicted to a controlled substance. Hunter checked "no," generating the charge of three crimes: the false statement by checking no, a second false statement regarding making a false statement in a firearms transaction record, and the third barring illegal drug users from possessing firearms. The charges were filed by a Trump appointee to the Justice Department.
By Monday afternoon, Hunter's jury of 12 was set. Did they get a chance to hear his father's statement on the trial? Probably not. But perhaps before the trial is over, they will. Wilmington-area residents learned that while Joe Biden refuses to comment about a pending criminal case, apparently, that doesn't include references to the defendant in this particular trial.
Biden Backs Biden
President Biden sent a statement on the trial directly to various media outlets, just as jury selection in Hunter's trial began; the White House did not publish it.
"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. Hunter's resilience in the face of adversity and the strength he has brought to his recovery are inspiring to us. A lot of families have loved ones who have overcome addiction and know what we mean. As the President, I don't and won't comment on pending federal cases, but as a Dad, I have boundless love for my son, confidence in him, and respect for his strength. Our family has been through a lot together, and Jill and I are going to continue to be there for Hunter and our family with our love and support."
Hunter claimed that he was "smoking crack every 15 minutes" around the time of the gun purchase. The trial is expected to last about a week. US District Judge Maryellen Noreika, a Trump appointee, is hearing the case.
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