Hunter Biden, the son of President Joe Biden, pleaded not guilty on Tuesday to three federal firearms charges. The charges stem from his alleged lying about his drug use on a form to purchase a gun in 2018. If convicted, Hunter Biden could face up to 25 years in prison. His lawyer, Abbe Lowell, plans to file a motion to dismiss the charges, arguing their constitutionality.

Hunter Biden has admitted to struggling with addiction during that period, but his lawyers maintain that he did not break the law. They suggest that the charges are politically motivated. An appeals court has previously found the underlying statute to violate the Second Amendment. In July, Hunter Biden had agreed to a plea deal regarding misdemeanor tax charges and would have avoided prosecution on the gun charges. However, the deal fell apart when the judge raised questions about it. A special counsel has now been appointed to handle the case, and it is unclear when it will be resolved.

Defense attorneys argue that Hunter Biden should still be protected by an immunity provision that was part of the scuttled plea deal, but prosecutors disagree. The legal battles surrounding Hunter Biden are likely to extend into 2024, with Republicans seeking to link his dealings to his father's through an impeachment inquiry. Hunter Biden's legal troubles have been a constant drag on President Joe Biden's political standing as he seeks re-election in 2024.

Republicans have accused Hunter Biden of engaging in corrupt business practices in China and Ukraine, but no evidence has emerged to prove wrongdoing by the president. Despite the controversies, Joe Biden has repeatedly expressed his support and love for his son as he battles addiction. The ongoing legal proceedings threaten to overshadow the president's campaign efforts in the coming years.