15th September 2023
WASHINGTON – In an unprecedented turn of events, Hunter Biden, the son of President Joe Biden, has been indicted by special counsel David Weiss on charges related to a firearm purchase in 2018. This marks the first time in U.S. history that the child of a sitting president faces such charges from the Justice Department.
The indictment includes three charges against Hunter Biden: making false statements on a federal firearms form and possession of a firearm as a prohibited person. These charges stem from a firearm purchase in October 2018, during which Hunter Biden allegedly lied on a federal form, stating that he was not using or addicted to illegal drugs, despite his reported struggle with crack cocaine addiction at the time.
The legal drama surrounding Hunter Biden had appeared to be on the verge of resolution earlier this summer, with a plea deal in the works to resolve the matter without charges. However, this deal collapsed under scrutiny from a federal judge, and the situation has taken a dramatic turn.
A summons has been issued for Hunter Biden to appear in court for an initial appearance on these charges, although the exact date and location remain unclear. Hunter Biden is currently in California, and plans for his self-surrender or initial appearance are still being worked out.
These charges carry significant legal implications. If convicted on all counts, Hunter Biden could potentially face up to 25 years in prison and fines of up to $750,000, although it’s important to note that defendants in cases like these rarely receive the maximum penalty, especially for non-violent offenses and first-time offenders.
One of the charges facing constitutional scrutiny is the gun possession charge. A federal appeals court ruling in August declared a similar statute unconstitutional, arguing that disarming a sober citizen based solely on past drug usage violated the Second Amendment. While this ruling doesn’t directly impact Hunter Biden’s case, it adds complexity to the legal landscape surrounding such charges.
In addition to the gun-related charges, Weiss is also considering whether to bring tax-related charges against Hunter Biden, further complicating his legal situation.
This development has cast a shadow over President Joe Biden’s potential 2024 reelection bid, with House Republicans announcing an impeachment inquiry into the president related to Hunter Biden’s business ventures. The legal proceedings in the coming months will undoubtedly be closely watched by the public and political observers alike.
