Hunter Biden’s legal team issued a stark warning on December 1, 2024, expressing concerns that his legal troubles could intensify under the incoming presidency of Donald Trump. In a 52-page report, his lawyers highlighted what they describe as a “real” threat of retribution as Trump takes office once more in January. The report chronicles the criminal cases that led to Hunter Biden’s convictions, framing them as part of an ongoing campaign to politically persecute him and hurt his father, President Joe Biden.
Abbe Lowell, one of Hunter Biden’s lawyers, described the legal saga as a seven-year “reprehensible” process, driven by an “unrelenting political desire” to use Hunter Biden to undermine his father. The timing of the report, which also serves as a warning, is particularly pointed as Trump is set to assume the presidency again, with Hunter Biden potentially facing more legal challenges that could include jail time. His legal team argues that Biden’s criminal activities, which have been linked to his struggles with addiction, have been unfairly politicized, with the prospect of harsh penalties disproportionate to those faced by ordinary citizens committing similar offenses.
The report also raises concerns about the influence Trump could exert over the legal process, with Hunter Biden’s team emphasizing that Trump has publicly stated his intent to target his perceived enemies, including Hunter. The lawyers suggest that Trump may use his influence to pressure Special Counsel prosecutors into pursuing harsher penalties or charges against Biden, potentially making an already complicated legal battle even more fraught.
Hunter Biden’s legal troubles have been ongoing since 2018, with convictions related to gun possession. In June 2024, he was convicted of three felony counts for illegally possessing a firearm, and he is slated to be sentenced in the coming weeks. In addition to the gun charges, Biden faced allegations of tax evasion, with charges stemming from his failure to pay at least $1.4 million in taxes between 2016 and 2019. These tax-related charges culminated in Biden’s plea agreement in September 2024, where he pleaded guilty to nine tax offenses in a California federal court.
Initially, it appeared Biden’s legal issues might be resolved through a plea deal, but that agreement collapsed in 2023, prompting U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland to appoint David Weiss as special counsel. This led to multiple indictments on both coasts, further complicating Biden’s legal landscape.
Biden’s legal team argues that his criminal activities were largely a result of his addiction struggles at the time, highlighting that a system meant to offer fairness has been corrupted by political motives. The lawyers argue that such intense prosecutions, especially when compared to other individuals who may commit similar offenses and face lighter sentences or civil resolutions, point to a miscarriage of justice. They contend that Biden has become a target of political vengeance, rather than facing fair treatment under the law.
As the incoming administration of Donald Trump looms, Biden’s legal team warns that the intense scrutiny of his actions will only continue to escalate, potentially leading to far-reaching consequences for both Hunter Biden and his family. The report casts a clear message that the political landscape surrounding Hunter’s legal troubles is fraught with risks, as those in power appear poised to use the legal system to further their own political agendas. With Trump returning to the White House, Biden’s legal future seems uncertain, and his legal team has made it clear that the stakes are higher than ever.
