During his criminal trial on Thursday, Hunter Biden’s sister-in-law, Hallie Biden, gave testimony that could potentially reinforce the prosecution’s case that Hunter Biden, son of US president Joe Biden, had breached the law by possessing firearms whilst being an illegal drug user. Hunter Biden denies all allegations, inclusive of three charges of felony, claiming that he did not disclose his usage of illegal narcotics when he acquired a Colt Cobra revolver, and he unlawfully had this weapon in his possession for 11 days until Hallie Biden confiscated it.
Data presented to the jurors during the trial included CCTV footage of Hallie Biden discarding Hunter Biden’s gun in a supermarket bin, alongside text messages where she communicates her fears about his wellbeing. Following Hunter Biden’s purchase of the firearm in October 2018, Hallie Biden urged him in a text, to seek help from a local rehab centre and put an end to his self-destructive behaviour.
Several witnesses, including Hunter Biden’s former wife and ex-girlfriend, have shed light on the 54-year-old’s past extensive drug use, which he himself openly admits to. The defence has strived to prove that there were periods before and after he had the gun when he sought drug treatment and was potentially sober during the time he purchased the firearm back in October 2018.
Defending attorney Abbe Lowell stated during the opening proceedings on Tuesday that there was no deliberate deception from Hunter Biden’s side. Hallie Biden, the late Beau Biden’s spouse and first eyewitness of the trial, provided an insight into Hunter Biden’s conduct when he held the gun. A significant portion of her testimony involved her cleanup of Hunter Biden’s truck, where she attempted to search and dispose of his drugs to assist him in getting his life on track.
During one such attempt, she stumbled upon drug equipment and the firearm and was fearful of Hunter Biden or her children discovering the firearm and putting themselves at risk. Hallie Biden, who was romantically linked to Hunter Biden from late 2015 or early 2016, stated in court that she was introduced to crack by Hunter Biden, and it resulted in her addiction until she recovered in August 2018. Hallie Biden expressed shame and embarrassment about her past experiences during her conversation with the jury.
During Hunter Biden’s cross-examination, Jurors were informed by Mr Lowell that the authenticity of Hunter’s claims about his drug habit to Hallie Biden can’t be entirely trusted, as he has occasionally deceived her. Hunter announced to the court’s judge in 2023 that he had been abstaining from substances since 2019.
Derek Hines, a government prosecutor, stated that their final witness could be brought to the stand on Thursday. There is still uncertainty if Hunter Biden, assisted by his legal team, will give personal testimonies – a potentially hazardous step often avoided by individuals accused of crimes for fear of being subjected to questioning by prosecutors.
The legal proceedings are taking place in Wilmington, Delaware’s federal court, coming after a historical event – the criminal indictment of former President Donald Trump last week, marking him as the first US president to be convicted of a felony. Mr Trump stands as the Republican contender against Democrat Joe Biden in the November 5th election.
There has been little to no reference to Joe Biden, and no political context or evidence has been presented within the testimony. If found guilty of all charges, Hunter Biden could face a maximum of 25 years behind bars, although, based on US justice department stats, it is common for convicts to receive lesser sentences. – Source: Thomson Reuters 2024.