Two-tiered justice? Comparing Hunter Biden and Kodak Black’s gun cases

Jun 21, 2023

Ray Bogan Political Correspondent

By Ray Bogan (Political Correspondent), Brian Spencer (Editor)

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Progressives and conservatives alike are calling out what they say is a two-tiered system of justice in the wake of Hunter Biden’s plea agreement on tax and gun charges. But while some argue the system is tiered between Democrats and Republicans, there are lawmakers on Capitol Hill and others who contend it’s between the wealthy and well-connected, and those who are not.

“I think we have an issue in our country with the fact that well-represented defendants who usually can pay significant money for lawyers get treated better than those in communities where they can’t afford lawyers. That is a problem we have throughout the country. Our public defense system is inadequate,” Rep. Dan Goldman, D-N.Y., told Straight Arrow News.

Hunter Biden’s case is being compared to rapper Kodak Black’s case. Black faced the same weapons charge.

Through his plea agreement, Biden is admitting to lying on a federal gun background check and knowingly possessing a firearm even though it was illegal for him to do so because he was an addict.

His plea agreement will allow him to enter a pre-trial diversion program. As long as he stays off drugs and doesn’t commit any other crimes for a certain time period, he should be free and clear.

Kodak Black, whose real name is Bill Kapri, got 46 months in federal prison after he admitted to falsifying information when trying to purchase four firearms.

Former President Donald Trump commuted Black’s sentence.

“They didn’t get out of a charge like that, again. But I guess if their dad was president of the United States, they probably would have got out of that. It’s just wrong,” Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., said referring to both Black and Meek Mill who went through a decade-long ordeal that ended with a pardon. “But for the president’s son to just do this, and he gets a slap on the wrist, if that? Joke.”

Black’s lawyer Bradford Cohen posted on Instagram, “2 tiers of justice? Kodak was charged for the same crime. Got over 3 years. Mr. Biden will not serve a day. Feels right? Do FBI agents and federal authorities take cases personally?”

Rep. Goldman introduced the Quality Defense Act alongside Sens. Cory Booker, D-N.J., and Dick Durbin, D-Ill., to help address the nationwide shortage of public defenders. If passed, it would create a grant system for public defense offices so they can hire more attorneys, and provide training and support.

Tags: Byron Donalds, Cory Booker, Dan Goldman, Dick Durbin, Donald Trump, Hunter Biden

Ray: “What do you make of the president’s son getting pretty much out of a gun charge?”

Rep. Byron Donalds: “Honestly, I think you should be asking the Kodak Black or Meek Mill about that one, because they didn’t get out of a charge like that again. But I guess if their dad was president of the United States they probably would have got out of that. It’s just wrong.”

In the wake of Hunter Biden’s plea agreement, conservatives are saying there’s a two tiered system of justice between the Bidens and the Trumps. But some say the real two tiered system is between those who are wealthy and well connected, and those who aren’t.

Hunter Biden is admitting to lying on a federal gun background check and knowingly possessing a firearm, even though it was illegal for him to do so because he was an addict. His plea agreement will allow him to enter a pre-trial diversion program. As long as he stays off drugs for two years and doesn’t commit any other crimes, he should be free and clear.

As a comparison, rapper Kodak Black got 46 months in federal prison for the same weapons charge after he admitted to falsifying information when trying to purchase four firearms. Former President Donald Trump ultimately commuted his sentence.

Black’s lawyer Bradford Cohen posted on instagram: 2 tiers of justice? Kodak was charged for the same crime. Got over 3 years. Mr. Biden will not serve a day. Feels right? Do FBI agents and federal authorities take cases personally?

This point is being made by both liberals and conservatives. Conservative Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene tweeted: Unfortunately Kodak’s daddy was not President. And he’s not white.

Ray: “What do you think of a two tiered system of justice between politically well connected people and people who are not?

Rep. Dan Goldman D-N.Y.: “Well look, I think there is we have an issue in our country, with the fact that well represented defendants who usually can pay significant money for lawyers get treated better than those in communities where they can’t afford lawyers. That is a problem we have throughout the country. Our public defense system is inadequate.”

Congressman Goldman introduced the Quality Defense Act alongside Senators Corey Booker and Dick Durbin to help address the nationwide shortage of public defenders. If passed it would create a grant system for public defense offices so they can hire more attorneys, and provide training and support. Straight from DC, I’m Ray Bogan.