Deliberations began on Monday in the trial of Hunter Biden, the son of Joe Biden, who is accused of lying about his illegal drug use when purchasing a handgun in 2018.
Government prosecutor Derek Hines emphasized to the jury the importance of applying the law equally, asking them to hold the defendant to the same standard as anyone else. “We ask you to return the only verdict supported by the evidence: guilty,” Hines stated.
Hunter Biden has pleaded not guilty to felony charges, which include lying about his addiction on a government form for a Colt Cobra revolver and possessing the firearm illegally for 11 days.
U.S. District Judge Maryellen Noreika instructed the jury to remain impartial and base their decision solely on the evidence presented.
During four days of testimony, prosecutors provided an intimate look into Hunter Biden’s struggles with alcohol and crack cocaine abuse, arguing that his addiction legally barred him from purchasing a firearm. In their closing arguments, the prosecution suggested that a commonsense interpretation of Biden's extensive drug use filled any evidentiary gaps regarding his behavior at the time of the gun purchase.
Testimonies from Hunter Biden’s ex-wife, former girlfriend, and sister-in-law highlighted his frequent possession of drugs and paraphernalia, as well as their concerns about his worsening addiction. Prosecutor Wise read from Biden's memoir, detailing his relapse into drug use just before buying the gun. “Take the defendant's word for it. That's his truth,” Wise urged.
Hunter Biden informed the judge at a 2023 hearing that he has remained sober since 2019.
Sentencing guidelines for the charges against Biden suggest a range of 15 to 21 months. Legal “experts” note that defendants in similar cases often receive shorter sentences and are less likely to be incarcerated if they comply with the terms of their pretrial release.
