The judge presiding over Hunter Biden’s federal gun case in Delaware ruled prosecutors cannot use some salacious evidence, including his U.S. Navy discharge and child support case in Arkansas, in his upcoming trial. Despite being addicted to drugs, the government must show Hunter Biden was not necessarily using drugs when he purchased the gun. Portions of his book and laptop, including photos, can be introduced as evidence, but certain details will be excluded. Defense attorneys argued against including irrelevant and prejudicial information in the trial, such as references to an extravagant lifestyle.
Hunter Biden’s defense team filed a motion in limine to exclude references to his discharge from the Navy and child support proceedings in Arkansas. The defense argued that unnecessary salacious details could prejudice the jury and make a conviction more likely. The judge ruled that the special counsel cannot use the phrase “extravagant lifestyle” but can include evidence of Hunter Biden spending a lot of money. References to his discharge from the Navy were also excluded from the trial. Prosecutors will not be able to mention Hunter Biden’s pending federal tax trial in California during the trial in Delaware.
Hunter Biden pleaded not guilty to charges of making false statements on a federal form when purchasing a revolver in 2018 while actively using narcotics. The indictment also charges him with possessing the firearm for nearly a week despite being addicted to narcotics. The total maximum prison time for the charges could be up to 25 years with potential fines and supervised release. Hunter Biden also faces federal tax charges concerning $1.4 million in unpaid taxes, for which he pleaded not guilty. The tax trial was recently delayed to September, following a motion from his attorneys.
An incident in 2018 involving a gun owned by Hunter Biden, thrown into a trash can outside a market in Delaware, was mentioned in court. The incident, involving Hallie Biden, the widow of President Biden’s late son, Beau, may require her to testify during Hunter Biden’s trial. Delaware state police declined to charge Hunter Biden at the time, and federal charges were not brought until five years later. The trial in Delaware is set to begin with jury selection on June 3. The Special Counsel David Weiss’ team cannot use certain evidence, but portions of Hunter Biden’s book and laptop will be allowed in court.
