Hunter Biden Responds to Guilty Verdict Involving His Past Drug Addiction: 'Recovery Is Possible'

Hunter Biden is speaking out after he was found guilty of all charges in his federal firearm case on Tuesday, June 11. The conviction concluded a tense trial that focused heavily on his former crack cocaine addiction.

The 54-year-old son of President Joe Biden was indicted in September on three felony counts that accused him of lying about his drug use to obtain a revolver in 2018, then possessing the gun while addicted to a controlled substance. Eleven days after he purchased the gun, Hunter’s girlfriend found it and threw it away in a panic, citing concerns for his mental health.

In a statement on Tuesday, Hunter acknowledged the support his family has offered amid his legal issues.

“I am more grateful today for the love and support I experienced this last week from [my wife] Melissa, my family, my friends, and my community than I am disappointed by the outcome," he wrote. "Recovery is possible by the grace of God, and I am blessed to experience that gift one day at a time.” 

Abbe Lowell, Hunter's lead defense attorney, also said in a statement that he and his client were "disappointed" in the outcome. But, he added, "We respect the jury process, and as we have done throughout this case, we will continue to vigorously pursue all the legal challenges available to Hunter."

"Through all he has been through in his recovery, including this trial, Hunter has felt grateful for and blessed by the love and support of his family," Lowell added.

Following the verdict, Hunter exited the courthouse holding hands with first lady Jill Biden and his wife, Melissa Cohen Biden.

President Biden, who was not implicated in the crimes, offered his own statement following his son's conviction, acknowledging the verdict while expressing admiration for Hunter's journey to recovery.

"As I said last week, I am the President, but I am also a Dad," he wrote in the statement. "Jill and I love our son, and we are so proud of the man he is today. So many families who have had loved ones battle addiction understand the feeling of pride seeing someone you love come out the other side and be so strong and resilient in recovery."

The president added a last-minute Delaware visit to his schedule on Tuesday when he learned about the verdict.

Hunter faces up to 25 years in prison and up to $750,000 in fines as a result of the conviction, though he is likely to receive a lesser sentence as a first-time offender, and could avoid jail time altogether.

His sentencing hearing is expected sometime in mid-October, just ahead of his father's election.

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The federal gun trial was the first of two criminal trials Hunter faces this year.

In December 2023, the first son was also indicted on nine federal tax charges, including three felonies and six misdemeanors that allege he evaded taxes and filed a false return.

He pleaded not guilty to all counts and is scheduled to stand trial in Los Angeles in September. He could be imprisoned for up to 17 years if convicted on all nine of those charges.