Prosecutors must prove that Hunter Biden “knowingly” committed gun offenses, defense attorney Abbe Lowell argued Tuesday.
In opening statements, defense attorney Abbe Lowell emphasized that prosecutors must prove Hunter Biden “knowingly” committed gun offenses, suggesting a defense based on Hunter’s drug abuse issues.
Lowell highlighted Hunter’s long history of substance abuse and the traumas of being the son of a high-profile politician, aiming to evoke juror empathy, many of whom have personal connections to drug abuse.
Prosecutor Derek Hines asserted that Hunter Biden “chose to illegally own a firearm” and “chose to lie,” stressing that no one is above the law, regardless of their identity.
Hunter Biden faces charges for making false statements when purchasing a firearm, possessing a firearm as an unlawful user of drugs, and making false statements on federal firearms dealer records, with evidence including photos from his abandoned laptop and financial transactions showing drug use at the time.
