President Joe Biden has granted a pardon to his son, Hunter Biden, who was facing legal consequences for tax evasion and firearm acquisition.
Let’s delve into the details of the case and the subsequent pardon:
Who is Hunter Biden and what charges does he face?
Hunter Biden, aged 54, is the middle child of Joe Biden. He holds the distinction of being the only surviving son of a sitting US president to undergo a criminal trial.
In his 2021 memoir, Hunter confessed to struggles with crack cocaine addiction and alcoholism but asserted that he sought treatment and overcame these challenges.
Hunter found himself entangled in legal troubles due to allegations concerning gun possession as well as tax fraud.
A jury convicted him in June for unlawfully purchasing and possessing a firearm while being a drug user. Despite having owned a .38 calibre Colt Cobra Special for just 11 days without using it, Hunter faced severe repercussions.
Months later, in September, he pleaded guilty to participating in a scheme aimed at evading taxes amounting to at least $1.4 million.
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The potential consequences were daunting - up to 17 years behind bars for tax evasion and up to 25 years for gun-related offenses. However, there was optimism that Hunter might receive a reduced sentence or even avoid imprisonment altogether.
Hunter Biden awaited sentencing on December 12 for gun charges in Delaware and on December 16 for tax violations in California.
But didn’t President Joe Biden previously rule out pardoning Hunter?
Indeed he did.
In June, President Biden made it clear that he would not grant his son clemency or leniency. “I respect the decision made by the jury. I will adhere to it without considering any pardons,” stated President Biden during his son’s trial regarding firearms possession in Delaware.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre answers questions during the news briefing at the White House[File: Evelyn…
Original article from www.aljazeera.com