Hunter Biden trial could be talking point in presidential debate: What to know about case

President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump are set to meet face to face in Atlanta at the first presidential debate of the 2024 cycle.

Both candidates walk into the debate having recently dealt with the judicial system, though Trump's experience was much more intimate.

The presumptive Republican nominee was convicted of 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in May, making Trump the first former President to be convicted of a felony.

The President's son Hunter— who is not seeking office — was convicted of three federal gun charges in June, making him the first family member of a sitting President to be convicted of a felony

Here's what to know about the Hunter Biden trial.

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What was Hunter Biden convicted of?

Biden was convicted on three charges relating to the purchase of a gun in 2018. The jury voted unanimously to convict Biden on two charges of making a false statement in connection with the acquisition of a firearm and one charge of possession of a firearm by a person who is an unlawful user of or addicted to a controlled substance.

Biden faces up to 25 years in prison for the charges.

The conviction comes after a plea deal for the gun charges and separate tax charges fell apart in July of 2023, which critics called too lenient. Biden is scheduled to stand trial on the tax charges in California in September.

Hunter Biden trial: The gun case was spurred by an ATF form. The shop violated federal law.

What has President Biden said about the trial

Joe Biden said he would not pardon Hunter Biden while the trial was taking place, according to a wide-ranging exclusive interview with ABC News.

ABC anchor David Muir, interviewing Biden in France for the 80th anniversary of D-Day, asked whether he would accept the outcome of his son’s trial.

“Yes,” the president said.

Muir also asked if he would rule out a pardon for his son.

“Yes,” the president said.

After the verdict the President released a statement respecting the verdict and reiterating his love for his son.

"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."

When is the first Presidential debate?

The "CNN Presidential Debate" is scheduled for Thursday at 9 p.m ET/6 p.m. PT. It will air on CNN and be hosted by network personalities Jake Tapper and Dana Bash.

You can also watch the "CNN Presidential Debate" via simulcast on USA TODAY's YouTube channel.

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Contributing: Bart Jansen

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Will Hunter Biden trial factor in first presidential debate?