WILMINGTON, Del. — First son Hunter Biden’s attorneys are set to wrap up their case of their shopper’s federal firearm trial Monday after the presiding choose opted to chop proceedings quick on Friday.
Lead protection lawyer Abbe Lowell has known as simply three witnesses — together with Hunter’s eldest daughter, Naomi — and indicated he would determine over the weekend whether or not the primary son himself, or anyone else, would give proof for the protection.
One doable protection witness — first brother James “Jimmy” Biden — was noticed contained in the courthouse Friday by at least one reporter, however was not known as to the stand.
Lowell additionally revealed to presiding choose Maryellen Noreika that the protection didn’t plan to place ahead an unbiased professional to push again on forensic chemist Dr. Jason Brewer’s testimony about cocaine residue discovered on the pouch by which Hunter Biden’s sister-in-law-turned-lover Hallie disposed of the Colt Cobra .38-caliber revolver on Oct. 23, 2018.
Prosecutors from particular counsel David Weiss’ workplace urged they could additionally name yet another rebuttal witness as soon as the protection rests its case, ought to the federal government deem it vital.
Household affair
Hunter Biden arrived on the courthouse round 8 a.m. Monday, adopted by his stepmother, First Woman Jill Biden.
Jill Biden has been in attendance for day by day of her stepson’s trial bar one — she missed Thursday’s proceedings to fly to France to look at commemorations of the eightieth anniversary of D-Day alongside her husband, President Biden.
Hunter’s half-sister Ashley has additionally been a relentless presence within the courtroom — usually arriving within the firm of the primary son’s so-called “sugar brother,” Kevin Morris — as has the president’s sister, Valerie Biden Owens and Jill’s sister Bonny Jacobs.
President Biden himself put out a written assertion on the primary day of the trial of his son, making a present of noting that “[a]s the president, I don’t and gained’t touch upon pending federal instances” whereas additionally hailing Hunter as “inspiring.”
“I’ve boundless love for my son, confidence in him, and respect for his energy,” the 81-year-old added. “Our household has been by rather a lot collectively, and Jill and I are going to proceed to be there for Hunter and our household with our love and help.”
On Thursday, Biden answered “yes” when asked by ABC “World News Tonight” anchor David Muir each whether or not he would settle for the result if Hunter is convicted and whether or not he would rule out utilizing his pardon energy to put aside a conviction.
What comes subsequent?
Proceedings kicked off earlier than 8:30 a.m. Monday. Noreika is anticipated to rule on a couple of motions, together with one from the protection to dismiss the case, earlier than Lowell will probably begin wrapping up his presentation.
If the prosecution doesn’t name any rebuttal witnesses, each side will then transfer to closing arguments.
The federal government attorneys took half-hour to make their opening assertion Tuesday, whereas Lowell required 50.
Relying on when arguments wrap, the jury may get the case as quickly as Monday afternoon and start deliberating whether or not the president’s son broke the legislation.
