Hunter Biden has requested a delay in his federal gun case trial, urging an appeals court to postpone the Delaware trial scheduled to commence next month. His defense team argued that there is no immediate urgency to begin the trial on the set date of June 3, citing the proximity of the Delaware trial to another trial on tax charges in California.
The case revolves around allegations that Hunter Biden lied about his drug use in 2018 on a form to purchase a gun that he possessed for a brief period in Delaware. While he has admitted to struggling with crack cocaine addiction during that time, his lawyers maintain that he did not violate any laws.
The defense is seeking a full review by the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to dismiss the prosecution, after a previous bid was rejected by a three-judge panel on jurisdictional grounds. Additionally, they are appealing a ruling by U.S. District Judge Maryellen Noreika, who dismissed a claim that the case infringed on Hunter Biden's Second Amendment rights.
The legal developments come amidst Hunter Biden facing charges in both the gun case in Delaware and a separate tax case in California. The tax charges in Los Angeles allege that he failed to pay over $1.4 million in taxes over three years while leading a lavish lifestyle during his drug use period.
Despite a failed plea deal last year, which would have seen him plead guilty to misdemeanor tax charges and receive probation, Hunter Biden now faces trial in both cases. His defense team has argued that political pressure influenced the decision to indict him, while prosecutors maintain that the evidence against him is substantial, including the discovery of cocaine residue on the gun he owned.
Judge Noreika, appointed by former President Trump, dismissed claims of political interference in the case, stating that there was no credible evidence to support such allegations. The legal battles continue as Hunter Biden seeks to navigate the complexities of both trials in the coming months.
