Delaware, United States

Advertisment

In a landmark case that might affect President Joe Biden's re-election campaign, Hunter Biden is scheduled to go on trial on Monday on felony gun charges.

The current president's children are being tried for the first time in American history. Attorney David Weiss, who was designated as special counsel to oversee the Hunter Biden investigations last year, filed the charge on behalf of the Justice Department.

Hunter Biden, 54, is accused of violating federal law by purchasing and possessing a firearm while abusing or addicted to drugs. Although he has been transparent about his battles with alcohol and crack cocaine addiction, he entered a not-guilty plea to the three counts.

Advertisment

What are the charges against Hunter Biden?

The first two allegations in the three-count indictment are related to the firearms purchase itself. When purchasing a firearm, a person is required to confirm on a form provided by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives that they are legally allowed to buy the weapon. Hunter Biden has been accused of lying on those forms.

Count 3 deals with firearms possession. Possessing a firearm while consuming drugs is likewise illegal under federal law. According to the indictment and interaction made public in recent court files, Hunter Biden owned the pistol for eleven days in October 2018 before his girlfriend discarded it in the garbage because she was concerned about his mental state.

Advertisment

Could Hunter Biden go to prison?

The president's son could spend up to 25 years in jail if he is found guilty on all three counts. However, he has no past criminal record, and first-time offenders frequently receive terms substantially shorter than the maximum. Noreika would be completely responsible for his sentence.

Also read: Mass shooting in US leaves 1 dead, 27 injured; investigation underway

Given that these are federal accusations, Joe Biden has the authority to pardon his son at any moment. If his son is convicted, the president can commute his sentence, allowing him to avoid the punishment.

The White House has publicly ruled out the idea of a pardon, but the political equations may shift after the November election.

This is only one of two trials that Hunter Biden will undergo this year. The second lawsuit, which centered around Hunter Biden's financial troubles, is set to begin in September in Los Angeles. He has pled not guilty to tax evasion, submitting fake tax returns, and failing to submit his taxes on time.

(With inputs from agencies)