Hunter Biden’s federal gun case was brought to a close by a judge Tuesday following the presidential pardon by his father.
U.S. District Judge Maryellen Noreika issued a curt decision terminating all proceedings in the case, citing President Biden’s executive grant of clemency to his son.
Hunter Biden, 54, was found guilty in June of lying about his usage of illegal substances while attempting to buy a gun six years ago and unlawfully possessing it subsequently.
When purchasing a Colt Cobra 38SPL revolver in 2018, the president’s son answered “no” to a federal gun purchase form that questioned if he used or was addicted to illegal narcotics. He then unlawfully kept the firearm for 11 days.
The jury’s guilty finding was the first criminal conviction of a sitting president’s child.
On Sunday, Biden wiped his son’s slate clean. He handed Hunter Biden a “full and unconditional pardon” dating back to January 2014, reversing previous promises to allow his son’s conviction in the gun case and a second federal tax case stand.
In a statement announcing the pardon, Biden professed belief in the justice system but also believes “raw politics” influenced his son’s case.
“I hope Americans will understand why a father and a President would come to this decision,” he said.
Special counsel David Weiss denied that politics influenced his prosecution of Hunter Biden, noting in court files that allegations of selective prosecution were “nonsensical.”
Weiss opposed the dismissal of the charges, arguing that the court should cease all procedures and close the matter by simply granting a pardon as the ultimate disposition. The distinction appears to be primarily procedural.
He contended that the pardon does not clear Hunter Biden of culpability or highlight any flaws in his indictment.
Hunter Biden’s approximately weeklong firearms trial this summer highlighted his cocaine addiction, which he and his father, the president, have openly discussed as a battle exacerbated by the 2015 death of his brother, Beau Biden.
He faced a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison and $750,000 in fines, although first-time offenders rarely receive the worst punishment. A sentence of 15 to 21 months in jail was more in accordance with federal sentencing standards.
His sentencing, scheduled for Dec. 12, was adjourned by the judge.