Hunter Biden Faces Sentencing and Upcoming Tax Trial Amidst Father's Reelection Campaign
By Madz Dizon
Jun 12, 2024 06:24 PM EDT
Jun 12, 2024 06:24 PM EDT
(Photo : Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
President Joe Biden's son, Hunter Biden, was found guilty on Tuesday (June11) by a jury on three felonies related to guns following a trial that lasted a week and was centered around his past drug addiction.
In the midst of his father's reelection campaign, Hunter Biden will be sentenced and face another criminal trial related to tax accusations.
In Wilmington federal court, Hunter Biden was charged with three felonies related to gun ownership while under the influence of drugs; he had entered a not guilty plea. Before returning the historic verdict, the jury began deliberations on Monday (June 10) afternoon and deliberated for around three hours.
The president is up against the vicious challenge of former President Donald Trump in November, and this trial is the first to include a sitting president's child.
Minutes after the decision was read, first lady Jill Biden arrived outside the courtroom. After the verdict, she went straight to the holding area where Hunter Biden was waiting.
According to NBC News, the maximum prison term for two of the crimes is ten years, and the maximum penalty for the third count is five years.
Hunter Biden might receive a sentence of more than a year in jail based on recommendations from federal sentencing guidelines, but the judge might impose a shorter or longer term. Additionally, there is a $250,000 maximum penalty for each count.
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Meanwhile, the trial for Hunter Biden's tax charges in California is set to commence on September 5. The trial in that case, which was originally scheduled for later this month, has been postponed following a recent request from the defense that was granted by the judge.
He is facing charges in the California case, including nine felony as well as misdemeanor tax offenses. The charges arise from a four-year scheme in which he allegedly evaded paying the $1.4 million he owed to the IRS, AP reported.
According to prosecutors, he allegedly misused the funds to support a lavish lifestyle that, as he himself confessed, involved substance abuse and excessive drinking. The back taxes have been repaid by the president's son.
During a recent hearing, Hunter Biden's lawyer expressed difficulties in finding expert witnesses who were willing to testify in the high-profile case in Los Angeles. Prosecutors have announced their intention to summon approximately 30 witnesses.
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