Hunter Biden might face incarceration if he indulges in drug or alcohol use, per his release conditions from U.S. District Judge Maryellen Noreika.
Biden presented himself in a Delaware federal court recently, where it was anticipated he would plead guilty in alignment with a deal arranged by his attorneys and the U.S. Department of Justice.
The charges against him include illegal firearm possession and unpaid federal taxes for two years.
Biden Plea Deal Goes South
However, Judge Noreika derailed the deal after querying if it would apply to prospective charges from the DOJ's continuing probe into the president's son. The deal was expected to grant Biden indefinite, sweeping immunity from prosecution.
According to news sources, the court adjourned briefly to let the parties settle on a new agreement. When proceedings resumed, it appeared the deal had been narrowed down, addressing only specific charges related to tax evasion and firearm offenses. It was reported that this pact would not protect Biden from possible future charges.
Judge Noreika, however, was not ready to sanction the deal and requested further briefs from both the prosecutor and Biden, as per reporters in the courtroom.
As a result, Biden pleaded not guilty and is set to return to court in the future as his legal team negotiates a revised plea deal with federal attorneys.
Should Biden consume drugs or alcohol, he may face contempt of court charges and potentially jail time. This will be a difficult task for Biden, who has been open about his past addiction to crack cocaine.
Interestingly, on the court day, Biden was accompanied by his attorney, Kevin Morris, who was recently photographed smoking from a bong during a daytime visit from Biden.
Biden's release conditions demand he maintains or actively seeks employment and provides written notice to the court about any international travel plans.
To ascertain adherence to his release terms, Biden may have to comply with random drug and alcohol tests.
The release conditions, signed by both Noreika and Biden, state that he may also be asked to participate in substance abuse therapy and counseling, whether inpatient or outpatient.
Violating these terms may lead to his immediate arrest, release revocation, detention order, bond forfeiture, and contempt of court charges, potentially leading to imprisonment, fines, or both.
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