US president’s only surviving son found guilty, faces 25yrs jail term, father reacts
Khalid ABRAHAM
Hunter Biden only surviving son of US president Joe Biden, has been found guilty on all three counts in his federal gun crimes case in Delaware.
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The 12-person jury found the US president’s son lied about his drug use on a form when purchasing a handgun in 2018.
Biden now faces a possible prison term of up to 25 years, although a sentence of that length for a first-time offender is highly unlikely.
The jury deliberated after listening to a week of witness testimony about the 54-year-old’s drug addiction.
He had pleaded not guilty to the charges – two counts of making false statements and one count of illegal gun possession.
The high-profile trial comes as his father runs for re-election. It is the first time a sitting president’s child has been found guilty of a crime.
President Biden said he would “accept the outcome of this case and will continue to respect the judicial process as Hunter considers an appeal.”
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In a statement also, Hunter Biden said he’s feeling grateful for the support of his family.
“I am more grateful today for the love and support I experienced this last week from Melissa, my family, my friends, and my community than I am disappointed by the outcome,” he said.
Hunter Biden’s attorney Abbe Lowell, said the team is “disappointed” by the verdict.
“We respect the jury process, and as we have done throughout this case, we will continue to vigorously pursue all the legal challenges available to Hunter,” he said.
The judge in this case will decide Hunter Biden’s punishment, but that won’t happen today.
Meanwhile, the sentencing will take place at a later date. Speaking after the verdict, the judge said sentencing dates usually happen within a 120-day period.
But an exact date has not yet been scheduled.
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The president’s son could face up to 25 years in prison. However, experts have said a punishment that severe would be unlikely in this case.
Nonetheless, it is within the power of Hunter Biden’s father Joe Biden to pardon his son’s felony guilty convictions.
But during an ABC News interview last week, the president confirmed he would not pardon Hunter Biden.
The president released a statement ahead of opening remarks in his son’s trial.
“I am the president, but I am also a dad,” he said.
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“As president, I don’t and won’t comment on pending federal cases,” he continued.
“But as a dad, I have boundless love for my son, confidence in him and respect for his strength.”
