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Prosecutors must establish Hunter Biden “knowingly” committed offenses, defense counsel Abbe Lowell claimed in opening arguments on Tuesday.
Lowell seems to be emphasising the word “knowingly” as a way to defend Hunter and portray him as a victim of drug abuse. Hunter has openly acknowledged his struggle with substance abuse and made a peculiar statement about smoked parmesan cheese.
According to court reporters, Lowell emphasized the importance of proving beyond a reasonable doubt that Hunter knowingly violated the law. He also acknowledged the challenges Hunter faced growing up as the son of a sitting senator, vice president, and president, which may have had an impact on him.
“He has struggled with substance abuse since his teenage years and continued into adulthood,” Lowell said, “like many others in this country.”
Several jurors involved in the case shared that they have personal connections to individuals who have struggled with substance abuse.
Hunter Biden is facing charges related to the purchase and possession of a firearm, as well as providing false information to a licensed firearms dealer.
It has been reported that Hunter allegedly used crack at the time of purchasing the firearm, as evidenced by numerous photos found on his abandoned laptop. Furthermore, the gun was discovered abandoned in a public trash can near a school. There are reports suggesting that the Secret Service may have intervened in the investigation of that incident.
According to Lowell, Hunter reportedly made the firearm purchase in 2018 without using a credit card, opting instead to pay with cash. According to prosecutors, evidence such as text messages and cash withdrawals suggests that Hunter Biden was using drugs at the time of the purchase.
According to CNN, Lowell acknowledged to the jury that Hunter used his father’s black Cadillac to go to the AT&T store when he bought the revolver.
Prosecutor Derek Hines delivered a powerful opening statement, emphasising the importance of upholding the law and reminding the jurors that everyone should be held accountable, regardless of their status or identity.
Hunter made the decision to possess a firearm unlawfully, and it is important to acknowledge that he also made the choice to deceive others.
Hines informed the court that Gordon Cleveland, the individual who sold the firearm to Hunter Biden at Starquest Shooters, is expected to provide testimony during the trial,” as reported by NBC News. Additionally, several other witnesses are set to testify.
Hines announced that both Hallie Biden and Zoe Kestan, a woman who had a romantic relationship with Hunter Biden, are scheduled to testify under immunity agreements.
The prosecution will also summon Kathleen Buhle, the former spouse of Hunter Biden, with whom he has three daughters. It is worth noting that she herself did not engage in drug use. Kathleen will not be providing testimony with any immunity agreement.
Highlighting the three charges against Hunter, Hines made it clear that Hunter did not voluntarily dispose of the gun he possessed for 11 days, which was the basis of the third count. He claimed that the gun was in his possession for 11 days solely because Hallie had taken it from him.CNN reported that the judge has prohibited the use of TV, audio, and Slack messages at Hunter’s trial. As a result, court reporters are now required to depend on notes, runners, or physically going to the courthouse to gather information.
The case is United States v. Hunter Biden, No. 24-1703 in the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit.
