Hunter Biden is facing sentencing on his gun crime convictions just days after the 2024 election. The sentencing is scheduled for November 13 in Delaware’s federal court, close to Election Day on November 5. There is speculation about the impact of this on the political landscape, as President Joe Biden, Hunter’s father, is expected to still have a significant role in politics despite not running for reelection. Hunter could face up to 25 years in prison and a fine of $750,000.
In addition to the gun charges, Hunter Biden is also facing an upcoming second federal criminal trial in California on tax charges, which could complicate his sentencing. Although his lawyers plan to challenge the verdict and underlying law around the gun charges to overturn the conviction, this may not delay the sentencing date. The punishment will be determined by Federal Judge Maryellen Noreika, who was appointed by former President Donald Trump and confirmed with bipartisan support.
Noreika is required to consider the specific offense, defendant’s history and characteristics, and the need to deter future criminal activity. The trial provided a harsh look at Hunter Biden as a drug addict with a troubled personal life, and the upcoming tax trial is expected to revisit similar themes. The president has the power to commute a sentence or issue a pardon, but President Biden previously stated that he had ruled out pardoning his son.
The timing of Hunter Biden’s sentencing keeps the consequence of his conviction hanging over the election season. Despite Biden’s legal challenges to the verdict and law around the gun charges, the sentencing date remains fixed. The upcoming tax trial, prosecuted by special counsel David Weiss, is likely to further highlight Hunter’s personal struggles and legal issues.
Hunter Biden’s sentencing will be a significant event in both legal and political spheres, with potential implications for his father’s political career. While the president has the power to intervene through pardons or commutations, he has previously stated his reluctance to pardon his son. The trial and subsequent sentencing will likely continue to bring public attention to Hunter Biden’s legal troubles and personal struggles.
