Hunter Biden’s trial on federal gun charges set to begin June 3
First son Hunter Biden’s trial on felony gun charges will tentatively begin June 3, a federal judge ruled Wednesday, apparently ensuring the case will be a key subplot to his father’s re-election campaign.
Delaware US District Judge Maryellen Noreika set the date following a status conference with attorneys for the first son as well as prosecutors from special counsel David Weiss’ team.
Hunter, 54, was indicted by Weiss Sept. 14 on three counts alleging the younger Biden lied about his addiction to crack cocaine while filling out background check forms to purchase a firearm in 2018.
The charges, two counts of making false statements and one count of firearm possession by an unlawful substance abuser, carry a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison.
The first son has pleaded not guilty and demanded the case be dismissed on various grounds, claiming that Weiss was improperly appointed a special counsel by Attorney General Merrick Garland — as well as that a plea deal that was agreed to in the summer before falling apart this past July remains in effect.
During Wednesday’s conference, Noreika told both sets of attorneys that she was “working through the motions” filed by the defense, according to CNN.
“I haven’t completely figured out what I’m going to do with all of them,” the judge said.
Hunter Biden is also facing nine counts related to tax fraud — including three felony charges — filed against him in Southern California by Weiss’ team of prosecutors. He pleaded not guilty to all charges in that case and trial is set to begin June 20.