Updated Jun 10, 2024 - Politics & Policy

Jury begins deliberating in Hunter Biden trial, no verdict Monday

Hunter Biden walks outside with a few other people in the shot. He holds a folder. — Hunter Biden arrives to the J. Caleb Boggs Federal Building on June 10 in Wilmington, Delaware. Photo: Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

The jury in Hunter Biden's criminal trial on federal gun charges began deliberating but did not reach a verdict on Monday afternoon, following closing arguments and the prosecution's rebuttal.

Why it matters: A verdict in the felony trial of President Biden's son could be reached as soon as Tuesday.

Hunter Biden's defense team led by attorney Abbe Lowell rested its case Monday morning. The president's son did not take the stand.
More members of the Biden family attended on Monday than any other day of the trial.

Catch up quick: Federal prosecutors allege Hunter Biden was in possession of a firearm while using a narcotic.

He faces three felony charges and could face up to 25 years in prison if convicted.
He pleaded not guilty to all charges.

The latest: The prosecution and defense both made passionate and pointed closing arguments.

The prosecution concluded that if the evidence doesn't show that Hunter Biden isn't a crack addict then "then no one is a crack addict."
The prosecution mocked Lowell's argument that a "Yale educated" lawyer like Hunter Biden was confused by the gun form he is alleged to have filled out.

Lowell focused his closing argument on reasonable doubt and said the prosecution was using a "magician's trick" in its arguments which amounted to "conjecture and suspicion"

Some people close to Hunter were talking in court about the potential on appeal.

State of play: Hunter's oldest daughter, Naomi, gave testimony on Friday about his state of mind in 2018, which contradicted text messages from the time.

The prosecution called one rebuttal witness, a Federal Bureau of Investigation special agent that they had previously called.
The FBI agent said on Monday that location data from phone pictures showed that Hunter was still in Delaware until Oct. 17, 2018. His daughter said he arrived in New York City two days prior.
Lowell said prosecutors were "extraordinarily cruel" in their aggressive questioning of her.

The big picture: President Biden issued a statement in support of his son at the outset of the trial, but has said he would not issue a pardon if Hunter is found guilty.

Go deeper: The exiled Biden: Trial reveals anguish of Hunter's ex-wife

Editor's note: This story and headline have been updated to reflect developments.

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Jury begins deliberating in Hunter Biden trial, no verdict Monday

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