WILMINGTON, Del. — Hunter Biden, the son of President Joe Biden, was found guilty on all three charges in his federal gun trial, making him the first child of a sitting president to be convicted of a crime.
The jury started deliberating on Monday afternoon, and deliberated for about three hours before returning a verdict. Hunter Biden pleaded not guilty to three felony counts tied to possession of a gun while using narcotics.
Hunter Biden faces up to 25 years in prison with the conviction on all three charges but given he is a first-time offender it’s unlikely he will receive the maximum sentence. First lady Jill Biden was not in the courtroom as the verdict was read, and arrived at the courthouse minutes later.
Two of the counts accused Biden of having completed a form falsely indicating he was not using illegal drugs when he bought a Colt Cobra revolver in October 2018. The third count alleged he possessed a firearm while using a narcotic.
Two of the counts carry maximum prison sentences of 10 years, while the third has a maximum of five years while each count also has a maximum fine of $250,000.
No sentencing date has been set.
On the day of the trial, the President said he loves his son and showed support for his only living son.
“Hunter’s resilience in the face of adversity and the strength he has brought to his recovery are inspiring to us,” the President said in a statement at the time.
Biden has the power to pardon his son, but told ABC News in an interview on June 6 that he would not and would accept the jury’s decision.
The prosecutors argued that Hunter Biden knowingly used drugs at the time that he purchased his gun but lied on the federal form.
Hunter Biden’s attorney, Abbe Lowell, acknowledged his client used crack in the months before and after the sale, but added he wasn’t using it at the time of the sale.
Hallie Biden said Hunter Biden introduced her to crack, a time in her life that she called “terrible” and “embarrassing.” She said she gave up using drugs in August 2018 and urged him to get clean.
“I realize it was a stupid idea now, but I was just panicking,” she testified.
After the reading of the verdict, Hunter Biden left court holding hands with his stepmother, first lady Jill Biden, and his wife, Melissa Cohen Biden.
