In a historic trial marking the first legal proceedings involving a U.S. president’s child, Hunter Biden faces allegations of lying about his drug use to unlawfully obtain a firearm. The prosecution asserts that evidence will demonstrate Hunter Biden’s deliberate deceit on screening documents during the purchase of a revolver in October 2018, a claim contested by his defense attorney, who maintains Hunter Biden’s sobriety at the time.

Prosecutors presented jurors with text messages, bank records, and excerpts from Hunter Biden’s memoir, alleging his regular crack cocaine use, including the day following the firearm purchase. “Addiction is not a crime. Lying is,” emphasized prosecutor Derek Hines.

Hunter Biden, 54, denies three felony charges related to the failure to disclose his drug use during the firearm purchase and illegal possession of the weapon for 11 days. The trial occurs amidst another historic event—the recent criminal conviction of former President Donald Trump, making him the first U.S. president found guilty of a felony. Although unrelated, the prosecution highlighted the principle that “no one is above the law.”

Jurors are set to hear testimony from Hunter Biden’s ex-wife Kathleen Buhle, former girlfriend Zoe Kestan, and Hallie Biden, the widow of his late brother Beau Biden. These witnesses are expected to shed light on Hunter Biden’s prolonged struggle with substance abuse.

Defense attorney Abbe Lowell asserts Hunter Biden’s candidness about his addiction, notably documented in his memoir “Beautiful Things.” Lowell contends that evidence will prove Hunter Biden’s sobriety during the firearm purchase, challenging the characterization of him as a drug user at the time.

Meanwhile, Donald Trump, facing sentencing for his recent convictions, maintains his innocence in pending criminal cases, including allegations related to efforts to overturn the 2020 election results.