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Hunter Biden Trial Heading To Next Phase

Hunter Biden Trial Heading To Next Phase

The highly anticipated criminal trial of Hunter Biden, President Joe Biden’s son, has officially begun in Delaware. On Monday, jury selection kicked off with a revealing insight into the lives of potential jurors. The majority of them have been personally affected by drug addiction, either within their families or social circles. One potential juror even remarked, “This is Delaware. You can’t swing a cat without hearing something [about the case].”

Hunter Biden is facing three felony firearm offenses related to his 2018 purchase of a .38 revolver from a gun shop in Delaware. Prosecutors are expected to delve into Biden’s crack cocaine addiction, which was ongoing at the time of the gun purchase. Biden has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

More than 60 potential jurors were questioned individually on Monday after filling out a questionnaire to determine their ability to serve impartially. By late afternoon, 12 jurors and four alternates were selected. The jury consists of six men and six women.

Throughout the day, many potential jurors shared personal experiences with addiction. Regardless of their background, they reported having friends or family members who struggled with drug addiction or alcoholism. Presiding Judge Maryellen Noreika asked each juror if their loved one’s addiction issues would affect their ability to assess the case fairly. A young woman mentioned losing many friends to overdoses, while others recounted stories of family members overcoming addiction or continuing to struggle with it.

The prosecution alleges that in October 2018, Biden purchased the Colt revolver from StarQuest Shooters & Survival Supply in Wilmington but lied on a federal form about his drug addiction. He marked “No” when asked if he was an unlawful user of a firearm or addicted to controlled substances. The charges against him include making false statements during the purchase of a firearm, providing false information to a federal firearms dealer, and possessing a firearm while being an unlawful user or addicted to controlled substances. If convicted, Biden faces up to 25 years in prison, along with fines and supervised release.

Hunter Biden was accompanied by First Lady Jill Biden, his wife Melissa Cohen, and his sister Ashley Biden. Jill Biden remained composed throughout the proceedings, engaging mainly with family members and avoiding much interaction with the media or potential jurors. Hunter Biden was actively involved with his defense team, led by attorney Abbe Lowell, and was seen hugging his mother and holding his wife’s hand during court breaks.

In addition to discussing addiction, potential jurors also shared their views on firearms. Some mentioned owning guns or having concealed carry permits, while others expressed their opinions on current gun laws and the need for stricter legislation. Judge Noreika questioned these jurors about whether their views on gun laws would influence their judgment in the case, excusing those who couldn’t remain impartial.

Many potential jurors were surprised to learn that their jury duty was related to Hunter Biden’s trial, noting that while Delaware is small and news travels fast, they hadn’t anticipated being part of this high-profile case.

With jury selection complete, the trial will proceed on Tuesday with opening arguments. Prosecutors have announced that their first witness will be FBI Special Agent Erica Jensen.

Hunter Biden also faces a criminal tax trial in California set to begin in September. This case involves three felonies and six misdemeanors related to $1.4 million in unpaid taxes, which have since been settled. Biden has pleaded not guilty in the tax case as well.

As this trial unfolds, stay tuned for more updates on what promises to be a closely watched and contentious legal battle.

Written by Mark Stevens - June 4, 2024