A trial date has been tentatively set for Hunter Biden, the son of President Joe Biden, to face federal firearms charges in Delaware. The trial, scheduled to begin on June 3 and potentially last up to nine days, comes amidst his father's reelection campaign. Additionally, a separate trial on tax charges in California is tentatively set to begin later the same month.
Hunter Biden has pleaded not guilty to charges of lying about his drug use in 2018 on a form to purchase a gun that he possessed for a brief period. Despite acknowledging an addiction to crack cocaine during that time, his defense argues that he did not violate the law and questions the decision to charge him, suggesting that another first-time offender in a similar situation would not have faced prosecution.
The case against Hunter Biden stemmed from a failed plea deal in July 2023, which was intended to resolve the matter without a trial but was derailed when a judge raised concerns. His legal team has since sought to dismiss the case, alleging that political pressure influenced the decision to prosecute him after the initial agreement was criticized by Republicans, including former President Donald Trump.
While the judge has not yet made a final decision on the pending motions to dismiss, she has set aside time on her calendar for a potential trial. Prosecutors maintain that the case is not politically motivated, citing overwhelming evidence against Hunter Biden and the collapse of the immunity provisions from the failed plea deal.
In addition to the firearms charges, Hunter Biden faces separate tax charges in Los Angeles, where he has also pleaded not guilty. The charges allege a tax evasion scheme over four years, involving an attempt to avoid paying $1.4 million in taxes while living a lavish lifestyle.
