Hunter Biden faces potential 42-year sentence for gun and tax fraud charges, marking a historic first for a sitting president’s child.
At a Glance
- Hunter Biden to be sentenced in December for gun purchasing and tax fraud charges.
- Gun charges carry up to 25 years, tax charges up to 17 years in prison.
- Hunter Biden pleaded guilty to all charges in the federal tax case.
- President Joe Biden has stated he will not pardon his son.
- As a first-time, nonviolent offender, Hunter Biden is unlikely to serve maximum time.
Historic Legal Battle for President’s Son
Hunter Biden, son of President Joe Biden, is set to face sentencing in December for gun and tax fraud charges, marking an unprecedented legal situation for a child of a sitting U.S. president. The case has garnered significant national attention, raising questions about potential political implications and the Biden administration’s stance on the matter.
On December 12, Biden will be sentenced in Delaware for three felonies related to purchasing a gun while using drugs in October 2018. Just four days later, on December 16, he will face sentencing in Los Angeles for tax-related charges to which he pleaded guilty in September.
Hunter Biden will be sentenced for his gun crimes on December 12 and tax fraud charges on December 16. https://t.co/Qr5zbK9Gw2
— Newsweek (@Newsweek) October 29, 2024
Tax Evasion and Financial Misconduct
The indictment alleges that Hunter Biden engaged in a scheme to evade paying at least $1.4 million in federal taxes from 2016 to 2019. Prosecutors claim he earned over $7 million during this period and fraudulently lowered his taxes by mislabeling personal expenses. The tax charges alone could result in up to 17 years in prison.
“Hunter Biden is not innocent. Hunter Biden is guilty. He is not entitled to plead guilty on special terms that apply only to him,” says prosecutor Leo Wise.
BREAKING: Hunter Biden pleaded guilty to all nine charges of tax evasion and falsifying tax returns in Los Angeles, with his attorneys admitting the evidence is "overwhelming." The president’s son faces possible jail time, with sentencing set for Dec. 16. pic.twitter.com/USoafXDTOk
— CBS Evening News (@CBSEveningNews) September 5, 2024
Biden’s defense attempted to dismiss the tax case, but the motion was denied. His attorney, Abbe Lowell, stated that the guilty plea was intended to prevent a “show trial.” The investigation, which lasted over five years, scrutinized Biden’s business deals with foreign companies, including Burisma and a Chinese conglomerate, as well as his struggles with drug addiction.
Gun Charges and Immunity Agreement
The gun charges stem from Biden’s purchase of a firearm in 2018 while he was addicted to drugs. Hallie Biden, Hunter’s former girlfriend, testified under an immunity agreement about using drugs with him and discarding the gun. These charges alone could result in a 25-year prison sentence.
Despite the severity of the charges, legal experts suggest that as a first-time, nonviolent offender, Hunter Biden is unlikely to serve the maximum sentence. However, the case continues to draw significant media attention and scrutiny on the Biden administration.
Political Implications and Pardon Speculation
President Joe Biden has firmly stated that he will not pardon his son, a stance reiterated by White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre. This decision underscores the administration’s commitment to maintaining the independence of the justice system, even in matters concerning the President’s family.
Former President Donald Trump has criticized both Hunter and President Biden but has not ruled out pardoning Hunter if he wins the 2024 election. This stance adds another layer of complexity to the political discourse surrounding the case, potentially influencing the upcoming presidential race.
As the December sentencing approaches, the nation watches closely. The outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications, not only for the Biden family but also for the broader political landscape and public perception of justice in America.
