Hunter Biden's Sentencing Gamble: Prison Time Looms

Legal experts believe Hunter Biden's decision to go to trial instead of accepting a plea deal has increased his chances of facing significant jail time after being convicted of federal gun charges.

Hunter Biden's refusal to plead guilty in his federal gun trial has significantly increased his chances of facing jail time, according to legal experts. The first son was found guilty on all charges on Tuesday, including making a false statement in the purchase of a handgun, making a false statement related to gun dealer information, and possession of a gun while being an unlawful user of controlled substances.

Jonathan Turley, a Fox News contributor and legal analyst, argued that Hunter Biden's decision to go to trial was a gamble that has backfired. "The best shot he had to reduce the likelihood of a prison sentence was to plead guilty," Turley said. By refusing to plead guilty, Biden lost the opportunity to receive a two-level departure in sentencing, which would have made it easier for the court to grant him probation.

The judge presiding over the case is now in a "tough position," according to Turley. She has previously sentenced people to jail for similar offenses, and the federal sentencing guidelines suggest that a prison sentence is warranted in Biden's case. However, the judge also has discretion in sentencing.

Reports indicate that many members of the Biden family were shocked by the jury's quick verdict, believing that a Delaware jury would be more lenient towards the son of the president. However, Turley believes that this was not worth the risk, as Biden's defense counsel would not have wanted him to face jail time.

The trial lasted six and a half days and featured emotional testimony from Biden's family members, including his daughter Naomi, ex-wife Kathleen, and sister-in-law Hallie. The jury deliberated for three hours before reaching a guilty verdict. Biden remained still and wide-eyed as the verdict was read, but appeared more upbeat prior to the jury's deliberation.

Turley noted that Biden's reluctance to plead guilty stemmed from the collapse of a sweetheart plea deal in the judge's courtroom. The judge triggered the deal's unraveling by questioning the prosecutor, and Biden's subsequent nullifying defense, which attempted to get the jury to ignore the evidence, is unlikely to sit well with the judge.

A sentencing date has not yet been set for Biden. Fox News contributors Emma Colton and Brooke Singman contributed to this report.

Hunter Biden's decision to go to trial has significantly increased his chances of facing jail time. The judge presiding over the case is in a difficult position, weighing the federal sentencing guidelines with her own discretion. The verdict has shocked some members of the Biden family, but legal experts believe it was a gamble that has backfired for the president's son.