Hunter Biden convicted of illegally obtaining and possessing weapons in 2018

Joe Biden's only surviving son now faces up to 25 years in prison following his historic conviction on three counts related to his possession of a firearm while addicted to a controlled substance.

Hunter Biden was found guilty on three counts, leaving his fate in the hands of a Trump-appointed judge as he faces prison time and hefty fines.

A Delaware jury returned its guilty verdict in Hunter's federal gun trial on Tuesday, June 11, after three hours of deliberations spread over two days.

Related: Hunter Biden Gets Emotional As Daughter Naomi Opens Up About His Sobriety Journey: 'I Knew He Was Struggling'

Joe Biden's only surviving son, 54, became the first child of a sitting president to face criminal charges when the Justice Department accused him of lying about his drug use to obtain a gun in 2018, then possessing the gun for 11 days while addicted to a controlled substance.

The charges could warrant up to 25 years in prison and a $750,000 fine, although first-time offenders rarely receive the maximum sentence and often avoid prison altogether.

The final sentencing decision rests with District Judge Maryellen Noreika, who was appointed to the bench by Donald Trump with the support of Delaware's two Democratic senators.

Related: Joe Biden Spent the Weekend with Son Hunter Before Federal Gun Trial Started, Riding Bikes and Going to Church

Hunter's trial, which began in Wilmington, Del., on Monday, June 3, was attended by several of his relatives.

Hunter's mother-in-law, Jill Biden, has been spotted at the courthouse since June 3; Hunter's wife, Melissa Cohen Biden; Hunter's younger half-sister, Ashley Biden; Hunter's eldest daughter, Naomi Biden; Hunter's son-in-law, Peter Neal; Hunter's uncle, James Biden; James' wife, Sara Jones Biden; Hunter's aunt, Valerie Biden Owens; and the first lady's sister, Bonny Jacobs.

Before closing arguments, the Rev. Christopher Alan Bullock – a family friend who preaches at Canaan Baptist Church in New Castle, Del. — also visited to pray with Hunter inside the courthouse.

Related: Jill Biden and Daughter Ashley Attend Start of Hunter's Federal Trial, Which Falls on First Lady's Birthday

Hunter's previous romantic partners were also called by prosecutors to testify about his drug use and character.

Zoe Kestan, a dancer who dated Hunter in 2018, was summoned to court to describe his behavior in the months leading up to the gun purchase in question. She described him sympathetically, as a distressed man whose predicament fueled a near-constant use of crack cocaine.

Hunter's first wife of almost 25 years, Kathleen Buhle – with whom he shares daughters Naomi, Finnegan and Maisy – offered succinct testimony, telling the court that his drug addiction and cheating contributed to their 2017 divorce.

Related: Inside Joe Biden's Stepdaughters' Friendship Before Tragedy and Scandal

Hallie Biden, Beau Biden's widow who developed a romantic relationship with Hunter amid their grief, also testified, detailing the turbulent period in their lives.

Hallie was offered immunity from prosecution before testifying, The Washington Post ” reported, allowing her to admit that after getting close to Hunter, she also began using crack. The two attended drug meetings and tried to get clean together, although Hallie managed to curb her addiction before him.

She said that during their relationship, she feared Hunter was suicidal. When she found the gun he had purchased in her car, she said she “freaked out” and threw it in a dumpster.

“It was a terrible experience that I went through,” she testified. “I’m embarrassed and ashamed and I regret that part of my life.”

Related: Hunter Biden Opens Up About Past Romance With Brother Beau's Widow: 'It's the Result of Truly Overwhelming Heartbreak'

U.S. Attorney David Weiss, a Trump appointee, began investigating Hunter in 2018, during Trump's presidency. Weiss was asked to continue the investigation after the election of President Biden, and in August 2023, Attorney General Merrick Garland elevated Weiss to special counsel status.

In September, a federal grand jury approved a three-count indictment against Hunter related to his possession of a firearm.

Three months later, the special prosecutor indicted him on nine federal tax charges related to alleged tax evasion. That case is expected to go to trial in Los Angeles this fall and could result in a 17-year prison sentence if he is convicted.

Related: Hunter Biden's Daughter Naomi Slams Jesse Watters' 'Ugly' Comments About How Joe Biden's Parents: 'Crossing the Line'

President Biden, 81, previously pledged to respect the outcome of Hunter's legal battles. In order to respect the jurors' judgments, he declared that he would not use his presidential power to pardon his son.

His statement draws a stark contrast between him and Trump, a recently convicted felon who has portrayed himself as a victim and disparaged the criminal justice system.

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