The Hunter Biden trial gets underway: what you need to know 

For the first time ever, a US president’s son is on trial. Yes, Hunter Biden, the controversial offspring of President Joe Biden is making history and facing years behind bars with the trial kicking off this week. It comes on the heels of another historic occurrence: Former President Donald Trump became a convicted felon after his hush money trial last week. What’s going on? Read on to find out.

This trial will center on whether or not Hunter Biden lied about his drug addiction when he bought a handgun in October of 2018. He allegedly bought a Colt Cobra 38 in Delaware, according to the US Department of Justice, and certified he was not an “unlawful user of, or addicted to, any stimulant, narcotic drug, or any other controlled substance.” He faces another felony charge for possession of the gun while using.

According to the US Department of Justice, he faces a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison if convicted. However, according to the statement: “actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties.”

Hunter Biden himself has admitted to being in the throws of addiction to crack around this time in his memoir ‘Beautiful Things.’ “It was me and a c r a c k pipe in a Super 8, not knowing which the *** way was up. All my energy revolved around s m o k i n g drugs and making arrangements to buy drugs,” he wrote in the fall of 2018.

Prosecutors also say they have text messages proving that Biden was indeed a raging addict at the time. Some of the messages come from an iCloud account. Others come from the infamous “Hunter Biden laptop,” whose authenticity is questioned. However, prosecutors argue in the May 22 filing that there is no evidence to suggest the laptop has false information.

At the same time, Politico reports that prosecutors could call three of Biden’s exes to testify: Buhle, Hallie Biden (shown) and a third woman identified as Zoe Kasten. They would likely be there to confirm if he was using crack around the time. Hallie may also speak to the gun itself, as she is reported to have thrown it away because she was afraid Hunter would use it on himself.

As jury selection began on Monday, President Biden released a statement saying: “I am the president, but I am also a dad… As 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.”

Although a felony, prosecutions for lying to buy a gun are relatively rare, according to the New York Times, with fewer than 300 per year out of 25-30 million background checks. And usually, these charges are used to convict felons facing separate violence or drug-related crimes, former attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. told the NYT.

His prosecutors have been trying to get the indictment dropped, saying the prosecution was vindictive and that the case violates the Second Amendment, related to the right to bear arms, so far, to no avail. Politico reports that Biden’s defense team may question whether Hunter Biden filled out the gun form himself, according to Politico.

Criminal defense lawyer Peter Tilem told Politico a conviction would likely lead to some jail time as sentencing guidelines recommend at least 15 months in prison. Emphasizing that he is now sober could lighten his sentence. Tilem also suggests that Hunter Biden would almost certainly appeal any conviction, where he has a “good chance” of waiting out on bail.

When this trial is over, Hunter Biden has another trial waiting for him on Sept. 5 in Los Angeles, according to the New York Times. In that case, he is accused of failing to pay at least $1.4 million in taxes over four years.

Since both of the trials are federal, BBC reports that it would be within Joe Biden’s presidential powers to pardon his only living son — his eldest, Beau, died in 2015. The BBC adds that the White House says a pardon is not under consideration.

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