How Hunter Biden's wife Melissa Cohen 'kept her composure', his uncle Jim sighed and Jill walked in late when the three guilty verdicts were read out
- Melissa Cohen was inside the courtroom for the dramatic guilty verdict
- So was James Biden, although Jill Biden missed it
It was a trial where Hunter Biden leaned on family members for emotional support – but not all of them were there when the jury returned its historic guilty verdict.
Whatever she was feeling inside, wife Melissa Cohen didn't let it show for those gathered inside the Wilmington federal courtroom for the historic verdict. She managed to keep a contended expression outside court even after the the guilty verdict.
First lady Jill Biden, who flew back from Europe to attend a day of the trial last week, wasn’t in court during the crucial moment when the decision came down.
Neither was the president’s daughter, Ashley, another member of the tight Biden clan.
Cohen, who sported a grey pinstripe outfit in a room full of lawyers and media, kept a neutral composure inside court as she faced the prospect of having to tend to son Beau, 4, while his father was away in prison.
Also missing the dramatic conclusion was the president’s sister and longtime advisor Valerie.
Hunter Biden’s uncle James, who faces his own scrutiny from House Republicans for his business dealings, was in the courtroom. The president's brother sighed and crossed his arms as the jury read out its verdict finding his nephew guilty on three counts – two counts of lying on a federal form during purchase of a handgun, and one of possession of the firearm while abusing drugs.
![Hunter Biden left the courtroom holding hands with stepmom Jill Biden and Wife Melissa Cohen after the jury handed down its guilty verdict in his federal gun case](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/06/11/18/85983381-13518685-image-a-7_1718125291689.jpg)
Hunter Biden left the courtroom holding hands with stepmom Jill Biden and Wife Melissa Cohen after the jury handed down its guilty verdict in his federal gun case
Now that he has been convicted, the offenses could land Hunter in jail for up to 25 years and pay a fine of up to $250,000, the sentence imposed by Judge Maryellen Noreika is expected to be far lower.
The family members had supported Cohen throughout the trial last week, while his friend and ‘sugar bro’ Kevin Morris provided financial backing, while also being present.
But the action that may have mattered most came from afar, from Hunter’s father President Joe Biden, in the form of a statement from the president.
'I will accept the outcome of this case and will continue to respect the judicial process as Hunter considers an appeal,' the president said. 'Jill and I will always be there for Hunter and the rest of our family with our love and support. Nothing will ever change that.'
![The verdict was the latest dramatic development in the years-long saga](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/06/11/18/85983375-13518685-image-a-8_1718125308836.jpg)
The verdict was the latest dramatic development in the years-long saga
![Melissa Cohen managed a smile outside court following the guilty verdict. She kept her composure inside the courtroom Tuesday](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/06/11/18/85983603-13518685-image-a-9_1718125317410.jpg)
Melissa Cohen managed a smile outside court following the guilty verdict. She kept her composure inside the courtroom Tuesday
![The president's brother James sighed and crossed his arms as the jury read out its verdict](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/06/11/18/85983325-13518685-image-a-19_1718125477550.jpg)
The president's brother James sighed and crossed his arms as the jury read out its verdict
![Jill Biden has been a regular attendee at trial, even flying back from Europe for an appearance](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/06/11/18/85983401-13518685-image-a-20_1718125485911.jpg)
Jill Biden has been a regular attendee at trial, even flying back from Europe for an appearance
![The president referenced the toll of addiction in his own statement. He has said he will not pardon his son](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/06/11/18/85983423-13518685-image-a-21_1718125488659.jpg)
The president referenced the toll of addiction in his own statement. He has said he will not pardon his son
Biden referenced how 'so many families who have loved ones battle addiction understand the feeling of pride seeing someone you love come out the other side and be so strong,' following a trial that featured evidence and emotional testimony about Hunter's heavy drug and alcohol use.
He has stated publicly before the conviction that he would not pardon Hunter.
Hunter's lawyer Abbe Lowell issued a statement saying 'we are naturally disappointed by today's verdict. We respect the jury process,' he continued, vowing to 'continue to vigorously pursue all the legal challenges available to Hunter.'