Hunter Biden's Surprising Gun Charges: Inside the High-Stakes Court Appearance

Hunter Biden, the son of the president, is set to make an appearance in federal court in Wilmington, Delaware, on Tuesday for his arraignment on firearms charges filed by special counsel David Weiss. This hearing will be significant as it signifies a unique occurrence: it will be the first instance where the child of a sitting president will be present in court to defend themselves against criminal accusations.

Hunter Biden arrives to the J. Caleb Boggs Federal Building on July 26, 2023 in Wilmington, Delaware.

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Read: Hunter Biden indictment on gun charges

His arrival coincides with the recently initiated impeachment inquiry against President Joe Biden, regarding accusations that he unlawfully gained financial advantages from his son's foreign business engagements. However, Republicans haven't presented concrete evidence to substantiate the claim that the president directly benefited from Hunter Biden's activities abroad.

Additionally, Hunter Biden has been accused of falsifying federal firearm documents and unlawfully possessing a firearm while consuming illegal substances.

The charges are being brought against Hunter Biden following the breakdown of a plea agreement with federal prosecutors. The agreement pertained to accusations of him not paying millions in taxes. This occurred during a hearing in Delaware, where a different federal judge questioned the Justice Department prosecutors and Hunter's defense team about the details and legality of the agreement.

In the upcoming hearing, magistrate Judge Christopher J. Burke will inform Hunter Biden of the charges he is facing. Hunter will then have the chance to formally plead not guilty. Additionally, prosecutors may request specific conditions for his release while awaiting trial.

Hunter Biden's attorney, Abbe Lowell, stated in a press release following the indictment that his client's possession of an unloaded firearm for 11 days did not pose a risk to public safety. However, he emphasized that a prosecutor, who wields significant power, succumbing to political influence poses a serious threat to our justice system.