The judge presiding over Hunter Biden's federal gun case in Delaware on Friday ruled that prosecutors on Special Counsel David Weiss' team cannot use some of the more salacious evidence in the first son's criminal trial next month.
A Delaware judge presiding over Hunter Biden's federal gun case has ruled that prosecutors may not use certain pieces of potentially damaging evidence during the trial scheduled for next month.
Judge David Weiss excluded evidence pertaining to Hunter Biden's discharge from the Navy for cocaine use and a child support case involving his daughter in Arkansas. However, prosecutors may still use portions of Hunter Biden's laptop and his book as evidence that he was using drugs at the time he purchased a gun.
The defense team's request to prevent prosecutors from using the term "extravagant" to describe Hunter Biden's spending during his addiction was granted. Nonetheless, the judge permitted evidence that he spent a considerable amount of money.
Prosecutors argued that the excluded evidence was relevant to Hunter Biden's state of mind and credibility. However, the judge ruled that its prejudicial effect outweighed its probative value.
The defense team also sought to restrict evidence of Hunter Biden's sexual history, but the judge ruled that such evidence could be admissible if it is relevant to the charges.
The trial, scheduled to begin on August 22, will focus on whether Hunter Biden lied about his narcotics use on a firearm application. He has pleaded not guilty.
Hunter Biden's attorney, Chris Clark, expressed satisfaction with the judge's decision. "We are pleased that the Court ruled to exclude evidence that is irrelevant and unfairly prejudicial," he stated.
Prosecutors have said they will appeal the judge's decision.
The case has drawn significant media attention due to Hunter Biden's father, President Joe Biden.
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The evidence ruled out by the judge includes details of Hunter Biden's wild lifestyle and addiction struggles. Prosecutors had argued that this evidence was necessary to establish his state of mind and credibility.
The defense team countered that the evidence was irrelevant to the charges and would only serve to prejudice the jury. They argued that focusing on Hunter Biden's personal life would distract from the central issue of whether he lied on the firearm application.
The judge agreed with the defense, ruling that the potential for unfair prejudice outweighed the evidence's probative value.
Hunter Biden's trial is expected to last several weeks and will be closely watched by the public and media. The outcome could have implications for his father's presidency and for the 2024 election.
In the meantime, the excluded evidence is likely to continue to be a source of speculation and discussion.
