HUNTER BIDEN OFFICIALLY INDICTED

Brace yourselves, folks, for another episode of "As the Biden Turns." President Joe Biden's son, Hunter Biden, has found himself in quite the pickle. He's been indicted for a firearm purchase back in 2018, and it's quite the saga. Let's dive into this drama with a sprinkle of sarcasm, shall we?

KEY FACTS

Hunter Biden is facing charges under 18 U.S. Code § 922(g)(3), which makes it a no-no for anyone who's an "unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance" to be near a firearm. Punishments include fines and up to 10 years behind bars. But hold on, the plot thickens! Thanks to a 2022 Supreme Court ruling in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen, it's become harder to regulate firearms. So, is this charge going to hold up? Stay tuned!

It turns out that quite a few legal challenges have successfully tackled similar charges post-Bruen, with courts in Texas, Oklahoma, and the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals overturning charges for marijuana users who dared to possess firearms. They argued that the statute is unconstitutional. But don't get too excited; the statute itself hasn't been tossed out yet, just the charges brought under it. It's like a legal soap opera with a twist.

Hunter's legal team is now waving the Bruen decision like a magic wand, claiming that any charges against him will likely be "ruled moot." Yes, that's right, moot. Who knew that word would become such a legal gem in this unfolding drama?

WHAT WE DON'T KNOW

The Supreme Court is gearing up for more action, and they'll be hearing a case related to a different provision of that same statute soon. This one deals with people with domestic abuse restraining orders not being allowed to own firearms. If that case goes the way of expanding gun rights, Hunter might just have a lucky break.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR

Hunter Biden isn't just facing one charge; it's a trifecta of felony counts! And let's not forget the charges of allegedly making false statements while buying the firearm. If he gets the full conviction package, he could be looking at 25 years in the slammer and a hefty fine. And guess what? There might be more charges down the road! The special counsel is still on the case, and we all love a good legal cliffhanger.

SURPRISING FACT

Oddly enough, gun rights groups aren't rushing to Hunter's defense, even though they oppose the regulations he's tangled up in. It seems they're playing by the "equal application of the law" rule, saying that as long as President Biden keeps pushing for gun control, his son should face the consequences too. Equal treatment for all, right?

TANGENT

Remember when President Biden called the Bruen ruling "contradictory to common sense and the Constitution"? Well, the irony doesn't escape us. He's now benefiting from a ruling he once despised. Funny how things come full circle.

KEY BACKGROUND

Hunter's firearm purchase dates back to 2018, back when his dad was a former vice president and not yet running for president. It's alleged that he possessed the gun while using drugs, and he's been open about his struggles with substance abuse. But don't worry, folks, his late brother's widow, Halle Biden, heroically threw the firearm in a dumpster out of concern. The indictment was expected after a failed plea deal involving misdemeanor tax charges. And let's not forget, this investigation has been going on for a while, with a special counsel appointed to oversee it. Drama, drama everywhere!