Hunter Biden New Files Request for New Trial, Abruptly Withdraws Motion
Hunter Biden's legal team made headlines after quickly withdrawing a request for a new trial following his federal gun conviction.
Biden's attorneys initially sought a retrial due to unresolved appeals, but the motion was rapidly rescinded, as the Post Millennial reports.
New Trial Request Filed and Withdrawn
On Monday, attorneys for Hunter Biden filed a motion for a new trial in Delaware federal court. This request came in the wake of his recent conviction on multiple federal gun charges.
Minutes after the motion for a new trial was filed, it was removed from the court records. The brief filing period sparked curiosity and speculation regarding the reasons behind such a quick withdrawal.
The motion was directed toward addressing issues of jurisdiction, as Hunter Biden's legal team argued that the court did not have the authority to proceed with the trial while two appeals were pending.
Jurisdiction Argument Forms Basis
Hunter Biden’s attorneys posited that the court lacked jurisdiction when it empaneled the jury on June 3. This argument hinges on the fact that the Third Circuit Court of Appeals had not issued a mandate concerning orders dismissing either of the two pending appeals.
"The Third Circuit [appeals court], however, did not then and has not yet issued its mandate as to the orders dismissing either appeal. Thus, when this Court empaneled the jury on June 3, 2024, and proceeded to trial, it was without jurisdiction to do so," Abbe Lowell wrote.
Despite the potential validity of the jurisdiction argument, the motion was quickly rescinded, leaving its impact uncertain.
Guilty Verdict on All Counts
Hunter Biden was found guilty on June 11 of all charges in the federal gun case. The charges stem from allegations of making false statements during the firearm purchasing process.
Specifically, Biden was charged with making false statements while purchasing a firearm and about information kept by federal firearms licensed dealers, as well as unlawful possession of a firearm. These charges revolved around Biden’s admitted drug use at the time of the firearm purchase.
Federal law prohibits individuals who use illicit drugs from owning firearms, making Biden’s case particularly contentious due to his high-profile status.
Case Background and Legal Implications
The charges were tied to Biden allegedly lying on the federal firearm purchase forms about his drug use. As a result, he faces a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison.
The rescinding of the motion added another layer of complexity to an already high-stakes legal battle. It was noted in the court docket that the motion was deleted at the request of Biden’s legal counsel.
“The Motion for a New Trial… has been deleted at the request of counsel,” stated the court docket note.
Next Steps in the Legal Process
As of now, there is no new sentencing date set by Judge Maryellen Noreika, leaving Biden's immediate legal future in a state of limbo. Observers are watching closely as developments unfold.
This case has become a focal point of public attention due to Hunter Biden's relation to President Joe Biden. Every legal maneuver is scrutinized, adding pressure on both the defense and prosecution.
The next steps in the appeals process will play a critical role in determining the ultimate outcome of this high-profile legal case.
Conclusion
In summary, Hunter Biden's attorneys requested a new trial based on jurisdiction grounds due to two pending appeals, but the request was quickly withdrawn.
Biden was recently convicted on charges related to making false statements during the purchase of a firearm and unlawful possession.
The motion’s rapid filing and withdrawal have raised questions about the legal strategy moving forward, while Biden faces a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison. Judge Maryellen Noreika has yet to set a new sentencing date, keeping the case in a state of uncertainty.