Inside Hunter Biden’s Legal Saga: The Pardons and What Led Here

In a stunning turn of events, President Joe Biden has granted his son Hunter a “full and unconditional” pardon—just weeks before Hunter was set to face sentencing. This unprecedented move has sent shockwaves through the political landscape.

At 54, Hunter made headlines earlier this year when he was convicted of three firearm charges, a historic first for any child of a sitting U.S. president. But that was only the beginning of his legal troubles. Just two months later, he pleaded guilty to federal tax charges, acknowledging he failed to pay a staggering $1.4 million in taxes.

In a heartfelt statement from the White House, President Biden expressed his frustration, stating that “there has been an effort to break Hunter” through the relentless legal battles, adding “enough is enough.” But how did Hunter’s legal saga unfold?

How Did This Legal Drama Begin?

These serious legal battles trace back to a turbulent period in Hunter’s life when he grappled with drug and alcohol issues, a struggle he overcame in 2019. It was during this time that Hunter allegedly purchased a .38-caliber revolver in Wilmington, Delaware, falsely declaring that he was not using drugs.

Meanwhile, prosecutors in California charged him with failing to pay taxes on a jaw-dropping $1.4 million of income, while reportedly indulging in lavish lifestyles funded by drugs and other extravagant expenditures.

Just a month after his father was elected president in 2020, Hunter publicly acknowledged his legal issues, stating, “I take this matter very seriously, but I am confident that a professional and objective review of these matters will demonstrate that I handled my affairs legally and appropriately.”

What Happened Next?

After years of shifting narratives, Hunter’s legal team was on the brink of a plea deal last spring. They reached an agreement with prosecutors that would allow him to plead guilty to misdemeanour tax charges, serve two years of probation, and evade prison time—all while dropping a weapons charge.

However, the deal fell apart when Delaware District Court Judge Maryellen Noreika—appointed by a former president—voiced concerns about the fairness of the agreement. Subsequently, Hunter faced an indictment that compounded his legal woes.

What’s the Deal with the Gun Charges?

Under intense scrutiny, Hunter was charged with felony counts for allegedly lying about his addiction when applying for a firearm in October 2018, and for illegally possessing the weapon for 11 days. His trial concluded last summer with a guilty verdict—marking a pivotal moment in this political drama.

The prosecution outlined that Hunter had misrepresented his drug use on a purchase form for a Colt Cobra revolver, despite battling a crack cocaine addiction.

And What About Those Tax Charges?

Hunter was set for a trial over tax evasion claims that painted a picture of extravagant spending on drugs, escorts, and luxury items. With three felony charges of tax evasion and six misdemeanours looming, he instead opted to plead guilty to all nine counts, stating that the prosecutors seemed more focused on “dehumanising” him than seeking justice.

He expressed concern for his family, stating he wanted to “protect” them from the fallout of his past actions. A judge informed him that he could face a staggering 17 years in prison and hefty fines, which could also bring his dealings with Ukrainian gas company Burisma under the spotlight—an area Hunter has always denied any wrongdoing.

Would Hunter Have Gone to Prison?

As of December, Hunter was set to be sentenced for both the gun and tax charges. While potential prison time loomed large, legal experts indicated that he might avoid incarceration, given that defendants in similar cases often receive leniency if compliant with pre-trial terms.

However, facing the prospect of being a repeat offender could have complicated matters, especially with an active appeal against his conviction in play. Regardless, with this recent pardon, Hunter Biden has sidestepped the possibility of prison time altogether, marking a significant chapter in a complicated family saga.