For the first time in American history, President Joe Biden’s son, Hunter Biden, will be the first son of a sitting president to go on trial.
The younger Biden’s case stems from the illegal possession of a firearm while he was allegedly an unlawful user or addicted to controlled substances. Biden was also charged for lying on a government form about his drug use.
The trial, which started on Monday, took place in the Federal Court in Wilmington, Delaware. District Court Judge Maryellen Noreika, 57, was initially assigned to the case, brought by special counsel David Weiss, back in June 2023.
Hunter’s troubles may extend beyond the jury’s verdict, as Noreika has been known to double sentence over prosecutor’s recommendation
Noreika, appointed by former President Donald Trump in 2017, faces criticism in light of her recent decision to double the recommended sentence for another gun-related crime.
According to Daily Mail, early last month, Noreika found that defendant Zhi Dong should go to prison for a year, doubling the six months suggested by prosecutors.
Dong was accused of lying on government forms about his address when he bought guns in Delaware, similar to Biden’s case.
The defendant also purchased 19 pistols and ten lower receivers in Delaware using a Delaware address and a driver’s license at several federal firearms licensees in the state.
Following an investigation, Dong admitted to transporting the firearms to California and confessed he was not a Delaware resident. Although law enforcement recovered 28 of the 29 guns.
Dong was indicted on two counts of false statements during the purchase of a firearm and pleaded guilty. Despite his charges, prosecutors suggested a six-month jail time because he had no previous criminal record.
Meanwhile, Noreika disagreed and decided to sentence him to one year in jail, citing the seriousness of the crime.
Peter Tilem, a Manhattan defense lawyer who is experienced in gun cases, has advised Biden’s defense team to tread with caution.
“When you see a judge who is willing to double the sentencing recommendation of the prosecution basically, then that’s a little bit concerning, obviously, for any defense attorney,” Tilem said.
As Biden’s trial is ongoing, all eyes will be on Noreika’s handling of the case and whether the president’s son will receive fair treatment or the same strict standards.