Hunter Biden’s Sentencing for Gun Case Delayed Until December
Hunter Biden’s sentencing in his first criminal case has been delayed to Dec. 4, following a scheduling conflict raised by his attorney, Abbe Lowell, and the delay comes amid opposition from special counsel David Weiss, who had requested the court stick to the original sentencing date of November 13.
The delay was granted after U.S. District Judge Maryellen Noreika approved Lowell's request to postpone Hunter Biden's ultimate reckoning due to conflicting legal obligations, as the Washington Examiner reports.
Hunter Biden is facing sentencing for a three-count felony conviction related to his illegal possession of a firearm while addicted to crack cocaine.
Attorney’s Scheduling Conflict Leads to Delay
The delay was primarily requested because of Lowell's involvement in another civil lawsuit in California, where he is also representing Biden. This case is scheduled for one day before the originally scheduled sentencing. Given these overlapping legal commitments, Lowell requested a change in dates to avoid further complications.
Special counsel David Weiss, who led the investigation into Hunter Biden, opposed the delay. Weiss has been actively involved in the case and argued that the sentencing should proceed as originally planned. However, Judge Noreika, who presides over the case, ultimately sided with Biden’s defense team and allowed for the rescheduled Dec. 4 date.
Case Involves Illegal Firearm Possession
The case against Hunter Biden involves charges stemming from his illegal possession of a firearm while under the influence of drugs. As part of his felony conviction, Biden faces significant legal repercussions. The postponement of his sentencing is the latest development in a case that has garnered widespread attention.
The initial indictment against Biden was filed earlier this year, leading to the felony charges. The issue of firearm possession while addicted to controlled substances is central to the case, as Biden has openly acknowledged his struggles with drug addiction, particularly during the time the offenses took place.
Biden Faces Additional Sentencing in Tax Case
In addition to the gun case, Hunter Biden is also set to be sentenced later in December for a separate legal matter involving nine tax-related charges. The tax-related sentencing is currently scheduled for Dec. 16, 2024. These charges arose from a long-standing investigation into his financial dealings, with accusations that Biden failed to pay taxes on substantial income.
Hunter Biden pled guilty to these tax-related charges earlier this month in California, effectively avoiding a lengthy trial. Had the case gone to trial, key witnesses, including Biden’s ex-girlfriends, would have testified.
Biden’s decision to plead guilty was seen as a way to minimize the public exposure of the more personal aspects of the case, especially since his personal relationships and lifestyle choices were anticipated to be scrutinized heavily.
Special Counsel Opposes Delay Amid Wider Investigation
Weiss has been vocal in his opposition to the delay, suggesting that it could interfere with ongoing investigations and efforts to hold Biden accountable.
Weiss has led the effort to prosecute Biden, emphasizing the importance of adhering to strict timelines in high-profile cases. Nevertheless, the court granted Lowell's request, allowing the sentencing to be pushed back to Dec. 4.
This delay adds to the complexity surrounding Biden's legal troubles, as he faces mounting scrutiny not only in his gun case but also in his financial dealings. The legal battles are occurring at a time when the Biden family, particularly the president, is under significant political pressure due to various ongoing investigations.
Judge’s Decision Opens Window For Additional Legal Strategy
With the sentencing delay now official, it opens up a window of opportunity for Biden's legal team to reassess their strategy. While his attorney Abbe Lowell has pointed to legitimate scheduling conflicts, there is also speculation that this delay could be used to better prepare for the potential outcomes of Biden’s sentencing in both the gun and tax-related cases.
The separate sentencing for Biden’s tax-related charges on December 16 further complicates the timeline, as his legal team must prepare for both cases in close succession. Despite the scheduling conflicts, all parties involved are expected to continue preparing for the upcoming court dates.
Conclusion
Hunter Biden's sentencing for his firearm possession case has been postponed to Dec. 4, following a request by his attorney due to scheduling conflicts.
The initial sentencing date of Nov. 13 was delayed, despite opposition from special counsel David Weiss. Biden faces additional legal challenges, including a separate sentencing on Dec. 16 for tax-related charges.
Both cases have drawn considerable public attention, with ongoing legal proceedings expected to continue into December.