What’s next for Hunter Biden after he’s convicted?

(NewsNation) – Hunter Biden, President Joe Biden’s son, convicted of three gun crimes, is awaiting sentencing that could result in up to 25 years in prison with another trial this fall in which he will have to pay misdemeanor taxes.

On Tuesday, a jury found Biden guilty of charges including lying about being a drug addict on an ATF form and possessing a gun as a drug addict. The maximum penalty for the three charges is 25 years in prison and a fine of up to $750,000.

The jury deliberated less than three hours before reaching a verdict on charges related to weapons purchased by Biden and stored for about 11 days in Delaware. Biden admitted to being addicted to crack cocaine during this period, but his lawyers say he did not break the law.

Is Hunter Biden facing prison?

Despite the guilty verdict and a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison, NewsNation trial lawyer and legal specialist Wendy Patrick said Biden’s status as a first-time offender could shield him from any incarceration of any consequence.

“We’ve seen a lot of hybrid ways of imposing penalties but maintaining them,” Patrick told NewsNation. “If a custodial sentence was ordered, could it be served under house arrest or could it not be served at all unless there was a probation violation?”

To secure a conviction, prosecutors used excerpts from Hunter Biden’s 2021 memoir “Beautiful Things,” in which he detailed his struggles with alcohol and drug abuse following the death of his brother Beau.

The guilty verdict against Biden came as the prosecution and defense were close to a plea deal. However, the case went to court after a judge appointed by former President Donald Trump expressed doubts about the agreement.

When will Hunter Biden be sentenced?

The judge said a ruling would likely be issued within 120 days, which could conflict with Biden’s Sept. 5 trial on tax charges. The hearing was postponed due to the length of the court proceedings regarding the weapons possession charges.

Patrick told NewsNation that Biden could still avoid prison time. She said a judge – when considering Biden’s sentencing – must consider whether a similarly situated, first-time offender could face prison time. If the answer is no, Patrick said, Biden deserves the same consideration.

In a statement released Tuesday, President Biden reiterated that he will accept the result and respect the judicial process as his son’s legal team considers an appeal of the verdict. However, Patrick believes that regardless of whether he files an appeal or not, Hunter Biden may withdraw his verdict.

“There are many unique opportunities for first-time offenders who are gainfully employed and who have kicked the habit, so to speak, because Hunter needs to be able to lead a productive life rather than go to prison,” Patrick said.

What’s next for Hunter Biden?

In addition to the three felony charges he was convicted of on Tuesday, Biden also faces six misdemeanor tax charges that will go to trial in the fall. Biden is accused of failing to pay $1.4 million in federal taxes from 2016 to 2019.

Prosecutors in the case allege that Biden led an extravagant lifestyle, failing to pay federal taxes while he struggled with addiction. The back taxes have already been paid.

Under the proposed settlement, Biden would receive two years of probation after pleading guilty to misdemeanor tax charges. He would also have avoided a gun charge if he had stayed out of trouble.

Like the trial that just ended, Biden’s second trial comes as President Biden seeks a second term in a November rematch with Trump. Hunter Biden’s attorneys say the charges against the younger Biden are politically motivated.