Hunter Biden entered a plea Tuesday of “not guilty” to federal gun charges from Special Counsel David Weiss’s prolonged investigation. [Source]
Hunter, appearing in person for his arraignment in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware. He rebutted charges that included making false statements during a firearm purchase and possession of a weapon while allegedly using a controlled substance. The charges could lead to a maximum of 25 years in prison and significant financial penalties.
Magistrate Judge Christopher Burke outlined the conditions for Hunter Biden’s release during the arraignment. These terms mandate that Biden actively seeks employment and informs the court of any international travel plans.
Additionally, Hunter is prohibited from possessing firearms, consuming alcohol, or using drugs. To ensure compliance, he will undergo random drug tests and is obliged to enroll in a substance abuse counseling program.
Judge Burke endorsed these conditions as “appropriate,” a sentiment the government and the defense echoed.
Hunter’s legal team, led by defense attorney Abbe Lowell, has countered with intentions to file a motion to dismiss. Lowell highlighted a diversion agreement from a previous plea deal on the gun charges, which would have allowed Hunter to bypass jail time on the felony gun charge.
The detailed indictment against Hunter cites that in October 2018, he knowingly provided false information on Form 4473 during the acquisition of a Colt Cobra 38SPL Revolver. This form requires the buyer to confirm they are not an unlawful user of any controlled substances.
An incident in the same month, reported by Fox News, brought to light a situation where a gun owned by Hunter was discarded in a trash can near a school in Delaware.
Hunter’s struggles with substance abuse have been public, with a notable discharge from the Navy in 2014 after testing positive for cocaine.
This plea deal, which fell through, would have allowed Hunter to avoid a felony gun charge. Moreover, Lowell aims to challenge laws that prevent drug users from gun ownership, invoking the Second Amendment. [Source]
We have yet to see where Weiss’s slow-walked investigation will lead. Weiss has hinted at the possibility. of presenting the tax charges in California and Washington, DC.
This story is still developing…