Hunter Biden, son of President Joe Biden, was convicted in Delaware on three felony counts related to the unlawful purchase of a firearms. The conviction comes as he also faces an impending trial for nine federal tax crimes, scheduled to begin in early September.
Firearms Charges and Conviction
Hunter Biden’s recent conviction revolves around his actions in 2018 when he was found guilty of the following charges:
- Lying on a Federal Firearms Application: Biden falsely attested on a federal form that he was not using or addicted to illegal drugs, despite being an admitted drug addict at the time.
- Lying to a Federally Licensed Firearm Dealer: He provided false information to a licensed dealer during the purchase process.
- Illegally Owning a Firearm: Due to his addiction, his possession of the firearm was illegal under federal law.
Biden pleaded not guilty to these charges, but the jury found sufficient evidence to convict him on all counts.
Upcoming Tax Crimes Trial
Hunter Biden’s legal troubles extend beyond the firearm charges. He faces a separate trial for nine federal tax crimes, which include:
- Three Felony Charges and Six Misdemeanors: Filed in December by special prosecutor David Weiss’s office, these charges allege a multi-year scheme to evade paying more than $1.4 million in taxes from 2016 to 2019. Read more about the tax crimes.
- Extravagant Spending: The indictment claims Biden spent millions on an extravagant lifestyle while avoiding his tax obligations, including manipulating his company Owasco’s payroll and tax withholding processes to withdraw millions.
- Failure to Pay Taxes: He allegedly willfully failed to pay taxes on time for the years 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019 and ceased payments on overdue taxes for 2015 in 2018.
- Late Tax Filings: Biden is also accused of failing to file tax returns on time for 2017 and 2018 and falsely claiming business deductions in 2018 to evade tax assessments.
According to the December indictment, Hunter Biden received over $7 million in total gross income between 2016 and October 2020. This substantial income is central to the charges against him, highlighting the discrepancy between his earnings and his tax payments.
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Legal Proceedings and Timeline
The tax crimes trial is set to commence on September 5, following a delay granted by a judge in late May. Initially scheduled for June 20, the trial was postponed to accommodate the complexities of the case.
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Key Background and Developments
The investigation into Hunter Biden’s finances and actions has been ongoing since 2018 when the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) opened a federal tax probe. Biden confirmed the investigation’s existence in December 2020.
- Plea Deal Collapse: In June, Hunter Biden entered into a plea deal to resolve two federal misdemeanor charges. However, this deal fell apart in July as prosecutors indicated the possibility of additional charges. The failed deal would have also allowed him to avoid the gun charges if he participated in a diversion program.
- Indictment on New Charges:Following the collapse of the plea deal, Biden was indicted on the current set of tax charges in December, and the misdemeanors initially included in the plea deal were dismissed in August.
President Joe Biden has publicly stated that he would not pardon his son if convicted on the felony gun charges, underscoring the administration’s stance on the legal independence of the judicial process.
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Political and Social Ramifications
Hunter Biden’s legal challenges have profound political implications, given his father’s position. The trials have sparked debate over ethical concerns and potential conflicts of interest, with critics arguing that Biden’s actions reflect poorly on the administration. Supporters, however, contend that the legal proceedings are politically motivated attacks intended to undermine President Biden’s credibility.
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As Hunter Biden navigates his conviction on firearm charges and prepares for his upcoming tax fraud trial, the outcomes of these legal battles will likely have significant repercussions. They could impact public perception of the Biden administration and influence broader discussions on legal accountability and ethics in political families. The September trial will be closely watched as it unfolds, determining not only Hunter Biden’s legal fate but also its wider political consequences.
