Hunter Biden, Illegal Firearm Trial Begins
The trial for Hunter Biden, the second son of U.S. President Joe Biden, on charges of illegal firearm possession has begun. With the U.S. presidential election approaching this November, the "judicial risk" that targeted former President Donald Trump is now turning toward President Biden, analysts say. As the risk related to the second son materializes, there are concerns that it could negatively impact President Biden's path to re-election. Both candidates face controversies over their age and judicial risks involving themselves or their families, leading to predictions that this will be one of the most unpopular elections in history.
Hunter Biden appeared at the federal courthouse in Wilmington, Delaware, on the morning of the 3rd (local time) to attend his trial.
The court began the trial along with the jury selection process that day. Jury selection is expected to continue until the 5th, followed by statements from the prosecution and defense. The trial is expected to last about 2 to 3 weeks in total.
Hunter Biden was indicted last year by a special prosecutor on charges of illegally possessing a handgun in October 2018. The purchase of firearms is prohibited for drug addicts, and Hunter Biden is accused of falsely stating on federal paperwork, which is required when purchasing a firearm, that he was not using drugs. Previously, Hunter Biden admitted to drug addiction in his autobiography.
According to The New York Times (NYT), Hunter Biden could face up to 25 years in prison and a fine of $750,000. The newspaper noted that it is rare for a first-time offender not involved in violent situations to receive such a severe prison sentence.
However, with Hunter Biden’s trial underway, President Biden, who is seeking re-election this November, now faces judicial risks related to his second son. Unlike Republican presidential candidate and former President Donald Trump, who was found guilty last month on charges related to hush money in a sexual misconduct case, President Biden’s situation differs in that it involves his son’s trial, but it is still expected to have a negative impact ahead of the election.
If complex family and personal matters are revealed during the trial, it is highly likely to harm the image of the Biden family. The special prosecutor expects 11 to 12 witnesses to appear, including Hunter Biden’s ex-wife Caitlin and his sister-in-law Hallie, who dated Hunter after the death of his brother Beau Biden.
Due to controversies over age and judicial risks, this year’s U.S. presidential election, considered one of the most unpopular ever, is being criticized for focusing more on negative attacks rather than policy competition, as both candidates face legal issues involving themselves or their families.
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