Hunter Biden’s federal gun trial to begin today

A federal grand jury indicted Hunter Biden in September after a diversion agreement and plea bargain relating to misdemeanor tax charges fell through when U.S. District Judge Maryellen Noreika questioned the terms of the contract. The judge recently ruled against allowing Hunter Biden’s lawyers to submit a second version of the firearms purchase form as evidence, which contained additional information added after the criminal investigation began. Both versions of the form indicated Hunter was not an “unlawful user or addict.” Noreika also excluded one of the defense’s expert witnesses and is considering the admissibility of another.

Hunter Biden sat attentively during jury selection, occasionally taking notes, with his family and supporters seated behind him. Many potential jurors had connections to people struggling with drug or alcohol abuse, and 12 out of 30 were excused for various reasons, including scheduling conflicts and political views. The defense disqualified one potential juror because of his strong political views; he was a former Wilmington police officer and frequent Fox News viewer.

Hunter Biden is charged with making false statements on a federal gun form about his drug use, certifying he was not using or addicted to any controlled substances when he purchased a Colt Cobra .38 Special revolver. The firearm remained in his possession for 11 days before being discarded by Hallie Biden, his romantic partner at the time. His attorneys argue that the charges are unconstitutional and violate a legally binding diversion agreement. Motions to dismiss the charges have been denied, and a federal appeals court upheld the indictment.

Prosecutors plan to present evidence of Hunter Biden’s drug use, including his admissions in his memoir and photos and videos from his laptop. Testimonies from his former romantic partners and expert witnesses from the FBI and DEA will also be included. The defense seeks to call its expert witnesses on addiction and forensic psychiatry.

The charges were brought by special counsel David Weiss, appointed by former President Donald Trump and named special counsel by Attorney General Merrick Garland in 2023. Weiss’ office refutes claims that the charges were politically motivated, asserting they resulted from Hunter Biden’s actions.

Hunter Biden faces up to 25 years in prison and $750,000 in fines if convicted. He also faces separate tax charges in California, alleging a four-year scheme to avoid paying $1.4 million in federal taxes. These tax charges are not admissible in the gun trial. Hunter Biden has pleaded not guilty to all charges and faces up to 17 years in prison if convicted on the tax charges.