Hunter Biden's legal woes continue as his license to practice law in the District of Columbia has been suspended following a guilty verdict in a federal gun trial.
On Tuesday, June 13, 2024, Hunter Biden's license to practice law in the District of Columbia was suspended, effective immediately. The suspension came as a result of his conviction on three charges related to a 2018 gun purchase.
The D.C. Court of Appeals E-filing system filed the order on Tuesday, following a request from the Office of the Disciplinary Counsel in Washington, D.C. The suspension prohibits Biden from practicing law in the District of Columbia pending a formal proceeding to determine whether the suspension will be upheld.
Hunter Biden's Law License Suspended in Washington, D.C. After Gun Conviction
Biden was found guilty on June 11 of lying about his drug use when purchasing a firearm. Prosecutors presented evidence that Biden had ticked "No" on a federal firearm form when asked if he was an unlawful user of substances or addicted to controlled substances. However, Biden's defense team argued that he did not consider himself an active drug addict at the time of purchase, citing his stint in rehab.
The prosecutors presented text messages between Biden and family members and apparent drug dealers to prove his addiction around the time period he purchased the firearm. They also called several of his exes to testify during the trial, including his ex-wife, Kathleen Buhle, who described her concerns about his drug use.
Hunter Biden's Law License Suspended in Washington, D.C. After Gun Conviction
The jury deliberated for approximately three hours across two days before reaching the guilty verdict. Biden faces sentencing later this year, though no date has yet been issued.
The law license suspension in Washington, D.C. adds to Biden's legal troubles. His defense team has filed a motion for a new criminal trial, arguing that the federal court in Delaware lacked jurisdiction. However, the motion was withdrawn without explanation and later re-submitted.
Hunter Biden's Law License Suspended in Washington, D.C. After Gun Conviction
Biden's long history of drug abuse has been well-documented. In his 2021 memoir "Beautiful Things," he chronicles his highs and lows with addiction to crack cocaine and attempts to get sober.
The book was repeatedly referenced during the trial, along with text messages and witness testimony. Biden's drug use was a key part of the prosecution's case, with prosecutors arguing that he was addicted to crack cocaine before, during, and after he bought the handgun.
Hunter Biden's Law License Suspended in Washington, D.C. After Gun Conviction
The suspension of Biden's law license is a significant consequence of his gun conviction. It remains to be seen whether the suspension will be permanent and if he will face any further legal repercussions.
