Nonilex
Big show of family support on the 1st day of #HunterBiden’s trial.
In addition to #POTUS’ statement, Hunter’s wife, Melissa Cohen, his sister Ashley Biden, his friend Kevin Morris, Peter Neal, who is married to Hunter’s daughter Naomi, & #FLOTUS Dr. #JillBiden are in attendance.
President #Biden will be in Wilmington, DL, w/no appearances scheduled. But he has given no indication that he would be in the courthouse — a possibility that would require considerable security arrangements.
Nonilex
Inside the courtroom, #HunterBiden has been surrounded by family members. At each break he has walked over to give a hug & kiss to his mother, FLOTUS Dr #JillBiden & embraces his wife, Melissa Cohen.
His uncle Jack Owens is there, as is his son-in-law, Peter Neal; Fran Person, a fmr aid to his father; his close friend Kevin Morris; Ricky “Mouse” Smith, a close family friend who has known #POTUS #Biden for decades.
Family members have been taking notes & listening closely.
Nonilex
The judge overseeing the #HunterBiden case is nearly done w/ #JurySelection, having narrowed the field down to 32 potential candidates, from which defense lawyers & prosecutors will use peremptory challenges to end up w/a dozen #jurors & 4 alternates. It is increasingly likely that jury selection, which began Monday morning, will finish by the afternoon.
Nonilex
Many people, pundits & politicians are comparing & commenting on #HunterBiden’s trial in reference to the #TrumpTrial that concluded w/34 felony guilty convictions last week.
However, there are vast differences in the 2 cases — chief among them that Hunter Biden is NOT running for anything, NOR has he ever held or aspired to hold any ELECTED OFFICE.
Still, #Republicans are certain to seize on these difficult episodes in the Biden family’s past.
Nonilex
The trial is not televised, & reporters are not permitted to send live updates from the courtroom or the overflow room.
If convicted, the maximum sentence for the most serious #crime in the indictment is 10 yrs in #prison. Under federal sentencing guidelines, however, #HunterBiden — who has no prior felonies & has acknowledged being addicted to drugs at the time of the gun purchase — would probably face less.
Nonilex
The 3 felony charges against #HunterBiden stem from a 2018 #gun purchase in #Delaware. He separately faces 9 tax-related federal charges. The #tax case is scheduled to go to trial in Sept in Los Angeles. Hunter is accused of making 2 false statements on the paperwork to purchase the weapon, specifically when he claimed not to be addicted to or using illegal drugs, & unlawfully possessing the gun for 11 days. It’s against the law to possess a weapon while using illegal drugs.
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