The twelve-member jury in the trial of Hunter Biden, the son of the American president, withdrew on Monday from the deliberation about his guilt or innocence. The 54-year-old man is on trial for violating the weapons law and risks 25 years in prison.
In his indictment, prosecutor Derek Hines stated that the evidence against Biden’s son is “overwhelming.” If that doesn’t show that Biden was a crack addict in 2018, “then no one is a crack addict,” he said. Washington Post. However, the defense insisted on the acquittal. Biden himself has also consistently pleaded not guilty.
Hunter Biden is accused of making false statements when filling out forms to obtain firearms in 2018. He is said to have concealed his drug addiction. It is the first time that the child of a sitting American president has been charged.
No presidential pardon
If convicted, Biden’s son could theoretically face 25 years in prison. In practice, however, such convictions rarely lead to an effective prison sentence. The American president previously announced that he would not use the presidential pardon if his son were to disappear behind bars.
According to the Washington Post, the jury returned home around 4:40 PM local time (10:40 PM Belgian time). The deliberation will continue on Tuesday at 9:00 am local time (3:00 pm Belgian time).