In a historic trial that has significant ramifications for President Joe Biden's reelection campaign, Hunter Biden is set to face trial on felony gun charges starting today. This landmark case marks the first time in American history that the child of a sitting president will go on trial.

The indictment, brought forth by the Justice Department and overseen by Special Counsel David Weiss, accuses Hunter Biden, 54, of illegally purchasing and possessing a gun while simultaneously abusing or being addicted to drugs – a violation of federal law. Despite pleading not guilty to the three charges, Hunter Biden has been open about his struggles with alcohol and crack cocaine addiction.

Expected to last one to two weeks, the trial is taking place in Wilmington, Delaware. The first two charges in the three-count indictment are related to Hunter Biden's alleged false information on the gun purchase forms provided to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Specifically, Hunter Biden is accused of checking "No" on questions regarding his felony convictions, fugitive status, unlawful presence in the country, and drug addiction.

Count 3 of the indictment pertains to the possession of the gun itself. It is against federal law to possess a firearm while abusing drugs. According to the indictment and court documents, Hunter Biden had the gun for 11 days in October 2018 before his girlfriend disposed of it out of concern for his mental health.

As the trial unfolds, prosecutors plan to call approximately a dozen witnesses, including three of Hunter Biden's former romantic partners – his ex-wife Kathleen Buhle, late brother's widow Hallie Biden, and Lunden Roberts, the mother of one of his children. Their testimonies are expected to shed light on Hunter Biden's drug use during the period that he has described as his lowest point, when he was frequently using or attempting to obtain drugs.

This trial not only raises legal questions but also poses challenges for Hunter Biden's personal journey of recovery. Valerie Earnshaw, a social psychology professor at the University of Delaware, emphasized the potential stress and shame he may experience during the proceedings, asserting that shame can be a toxic emotion that does not promote healthy behaviors.

Hunter Biden's defense team intends to present an expert who will shed light on the perspective of individuals with addiction regarding their own struggles. They also have a forensic chemist who could provide testimony regarding a white residue found on Hunter Biden's gun pouch, which prosecutors allege tested positive for cocaine when analyzed by the FBI.

The initiation of this case by Weiss, a former US attorney appointed by former President Donald Trump, has been met with criticism from many Republicans. They claim that Weiss offered Hunter Biden a favorable plea deal in the past and argue that his pursuit of the indictment is a result of political pressure.

If convicted on all three counts, Hunter Biden may face up to 25 years in prison. However, it is worth noting that President Joe Biden has the power to pardon his son or commute his sentence since these are federal charges. The possibility of a pardon, though explicitly ruled out by the White House at this time, could still be influenced by political considerations after the November election.

This trial carries significant weight, not only for Hunter Biden and his family but also for the presidency itself. While presidential family members have faced legal troubles in the past, no other president has had to navigate the challenges of leading the country while their own child faces a criminal trial. The outcome of this trial may have far-reaching implications for President Biden's political future.