Hunter Biden, son of Joe Biden, has become the first child of a sitting U.S. President to face court over alleged crimes.
The 54-year-old is in court this week over allegations he lied about his personal history to buy a gun in 2018.
It comes days after former President Donald Trump was found guilty of falsifying his business records in New York, the first former President to be convicted on criminal charges.
Who is Hunter?
Hunter Biden is a lawyer, businessman, and son of the U.S. President. His older brother, President Biden’s other son, died of brain cancer in 2015.
In his 2021 memoir ‘Beautiful Things’, Hunter detailed his history of illicit substance and alcohol use, and mental ill-health.
In a statement, Joe Biden said: “I am the President, but I am also a Dad. Jill and I love our son, and we are so proud of the man he is today.”
Gun purchase
Hunter Biden has been accused of lying on a background check to purchase a gun in the U.S. state of Delaware, which is illegal.
It’s also alleged he denied his history of illicit substance use to pass the screening process in 2018.
Gun owners must complete a background check before being approved to buy a firearm in Delaware.
Hunter also claims he never used the gun, and discarded it in a public bin 11 days after he bought it.
Investigation
The U.S. Department of Justice (DoJ) began investigating Hunter Biden in 2018.
It uncovered the alleged unlawful gun purchase in Delaware, as well as $US1.4 million ($AU2.1 million) in unpaid taxes, which were later paid back.
Hunter’s lawyers attempted to reach a deal with the DoJ to avoid him having to face criminal charges. However, the deal later broke down, paving the way for a criminal trial.
Charges
Hunter Biden was charged with lying on a background check and illegal possession of a firearm in September last year.
According to court documents, it’s alleged he “knowingly” made a “false and fictitious written statement” and intended to “deceive” a firearms dealer.
If he’s found guilty, he faces a maximum sentence of 25 years in jail and heavy fines.
The trial
A 12-member jury was selected on Monday, as Hunter’s trial got underway in a Delaware court.
First Lady Dr Jill Biden, his stepmother, was present at the first day of hearings.
Several witnesses are also expected to appear at the trial over the coming weeks.
This includes three former partners, who are expected to testify about Hunter’s drug use around the time he bought the gun.
U.S. President Joe Biden released a statement of support for his son ahead of the trial.
“I have boundless love for my son, confidence in him, and respect for his strength,” Biden said.
Additionally, Hunter is expected to face a separate trial over tax charges in California.
Campaign trials
Hunter Biden’s trial comes as his father’s re-election campaign is expected to intensify ahead of a November election.
The President’s Republican opponent, Donald Trump, was found guilty of falsifying business records in a New York court last week.
Trump covered up hush money payments to adult film star Stormy Daniels in the lead-up to the 2016 election. He’ll be sentenced on 11 July but is expected to appeal the guilty verdict.
