Hunter Biden pleads not guilty to federal firearms charge

Image: AP

WILMINGTON, Del. – Hunter Biden pleaded not guilty on Tuesday to three federal firearms charges.

Biden was indicted on the charges back in September. His lawyer says he plans to file a motion to dismiss the charges, challenging their constitutionality.

The judge also noted on Tuesday that Biden has been repeatedly tested for drugs and is negative.

This plea sets the case on track toward a possible trial next year while his father, President Joe Biden, is running for reelection.

The three-count indictment claims that Biden lied on a form required for every gun purchase when he bought a .38 Colt Cobra Special at a Wilmington, Delaware gun shop. He’s charged with two counts of making false statements by checking a box saying he was not addicted to drugs and giving it to the shop for their federally required records. A third count alleges that he possessed the gun for roughly 11 days, despite knowing he was a drug user.

If convicted, Biden could face up to 25 years in prison. When asked by the Judge if he understood the charges against him, he responded with, “Yes, Your Honor.”

We’re told the deadline for pretrial motions in the case is November 3rd. These pretrial release conditions include no alcohol or drugs, drug testing or substance abuse counseling if needed, and continuing or seeking employment.

Biden had asked for Tuesday’s hearing to be conducted remotely over video feed, but U.S. Magistrate Judge Christopher Burke said there would be no “special treatment”.