WILMINGTON, DE – In an unprecedented legal development, Hunter Biden, son of President Joe Biden, will plead not guilty to charges of lying about his drug use while purchasing a handgun.
The 53-year-old was charged last month with three counts, including false statements on a federal form for acquiring a Colt Cobra handgun in 2018 and illegal possession of the firearm as a drug user. Attorney Abbe Lowell, representing Hunter Biden, stated last month that his client plans to enter a not guilty plea.
The case is the first criminal prosecution involving the child of a sitting U.S. president. It comes at a time when President Joe Biden is campaigning for re-election.
Donald Trump, Biden’s potential 2024 rival, is also facing legal challenges. Trump has four pending criminal trials, two of which are related to his claims about election fraud in the 2020 race against Biden.
An agreement to resolve the gun and separate tax charges fell through in July. U.S. District Judge Maryellen Noreika in Wilmington did not accept the terms of the agreement. Under the rejected deal, Hunter Biden would have pleaded guilty to misdemeanor tax violations and avoided gun charges under specific conditions.
Lawyers for Hunter Biden maintain that the initial agreement with prosecutors is still valid and claim their client continues to adhere to its terms.
Legal analysts suggest that the firearms-related charges may be susceptible to constitutional challenges, particularly after a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling broadened Second Amendment rights.
Hunter Biden has been a consistent target for Republicans, particularly former President Donald Trump, although he has never held a position in his father’s administration or campaign. President Biden has stated that his Justice Department will maintain independence in any investigation involving a family member.