The jury has concluded its first day of deliberations in the high-profile federal gun trial involving Hunter Biden, son of US President Joe Biden, without reaching a verdict.
According to Daily Mail, Hunter Biden's lawyers opted for him not to testify in his federal gun trial. The jury is now deliberating, and he faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted.
Hunter Biden is facing three felony charges linked to his 2018 handgun purchase, where he reportedly lied about his drug use on the acquisition form.
The prosecution has primarily built its case on evidence and testimonies that illuminated Biden's drug use during the time he acquired the firearm. Among the key witnesses were Hunter Biden's ex-girlfriend, Zoe Kestan, and his former sister-in-law, Hallie Biden, whose testimonies were provided under immunity grants.
The defense has consistently challenged the credibility of the witnesses and the timeline of events presented by the prosecution. Hunter Biden opted not to testify, putting the impetus on the defense team to counter the allegations strongly.
The deliberations, which lasted only an hour on the first day, will continue as both sides await the jury's decision with bated breath. The defense rested its case by vigorously disputing the reliability and interpretation of the evidence concerning Hunter’s drug use and the procurement of the gun.
Abbe Lowell, Hunter Biden's lead defense attorney, passionately defended his client during the closing arguments. He urged the jury:
With my last breath in this case I ask for the only verdict that will hold the prosecutors to what the law requires of them. The burden of proof is always on the prosecution.
Meanwhile, prosecutor Derek Hines stressed the significance of the case, underscoring that it was not merely about personal struggles with addiction.
"If Hunter Biden had simply been an addict struggling with personal problems, we would not be here in this courtroom," stated Hines. His colleague, Leo Wise, added, "No one is above the law."
With the attendance of First Lady Jill Biden, daughter Ashley Biden, and James Biden, the trial has been under significant public scrutiny. It marks the first instance of a sitting US president's child facing federal criminal charges, adding an extra layer of intensity and public interest.
Additionally, President Joe Biden has made it clear that he would not intervene in the judicial process, even if the defendant is his son. "No," he affirmed when asked about the possibility of a presidential pardon if his son is convicted.
As the deliberations stretch into additional days, all eyes are on the evolving developments of this landmark case. The outcomes could have wide-ranging implications, not just for Hunter Biden and his immediate family but also for the broader narratives of law and governance in the United States.
The Hunter Biden trial remains closely watched as the jury deliberates on charges of a felony for lying about drug use on a gun purchase form. With family support present at the court, the legal proceedings have drawn both national and international attention. The case hinges on pivotal testimony and evidence interpretation, with the potential for significant legal and political consequences depending on the outcome.
