Hunter Biden, son of President Joe Biden, will be sentenced for his conviction on three counts on November 13, just a week after the presidential election.
Biden was found guilty by a Delaware jury in June of violating the law when he acquired a firearm in 2018, at a time when he was addicted to drugs. For the three felony convictions, Hunter Biden could face up to 25 years in prison — although legal experts believe he will serve no time as a first-time and nonviolent offender.
Hunter Biden arrives at the J. Caleb Boggs Federal Building on June 6, 2024 in Wilmington, Del.
Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images, FILE
Hunter Biden had sought a new trial in the case, saying his “convictions should be vacated” because the trial began before a circuit court formally issued a mandate denying one of his many pretrial appeals. But last month, his lawyers withdrew their bid for a new trial, admitting in court filings that the motion misunderstood a technicality in the district court’s ability to conduct a trial.
He had tried several times to have the federal charges brought before the trial began, but to no avail.
President Joe Biden has repeatedly vowed not to pardon his son, including in an interview with “World News Tonight” anchor David Muir.
While the trial was still ongoing, Biden was asked if he would respect the outcome, to which he replied “Yes” and if he would rule out a pardon for Hunter Biden. Again, he simply replied, “Yes.”
Hunter Biden faces a separate trial in September on federal tax charges. He has pleaded not guilty.