Hunter Biden, the son of the U.S. President, has formally asked for his upcoming gun-related sentencing to be postponed to a later date.
The Hill reported that Hunter Biden’s legal team has requested to delay his November 13 gun charge sentencing to late November or early December due to scheduling conflicts.
The postponement request stems from overlaps with Biden’s other legal obligations. His attorney, Abbe Lowell, has a conflicting commitment to represent him in a civil case in California scheduled just one day before the original sentencing date in Delaware.
The prosecution has voiced objections to this proposed delay. Senior Assistant Special Counsel Derek Hines expressed opposition, emphasizing that the continuance is not warranted.
In June, a jury found Hunter Biden guilty on multiple felony charges, including possession of a firearm while under the influence of drugs and providing false information on a background check form. This marked a historical moment as it is the first time a sitting president’s child has been convicted of a crime.
The complexities of Biden’s legal challenges do not end with the gun charges. He was due to start a second trial on tax-related offenses in California this month but entered a guilty plea as proceedings commenced.
His sentencing for these tax charges is set for December 16, adding to the intricate legal calendar that his team is navigating.
The desired postponement of the gun charge sentencing aims to simplify coordination among the various legal processes by avoiding scheduling conflicts for key participants.
Abbe Lowell highlighted in his postponement request that the delay would help accommodate the preparation of necessary presiding materials and ensure the availability of lead counsel at the hearing.
"Such a postponement will accommodate both counsel and those working with counsel to prepare the necessary presentencing materials and memoranda, and to allow lead counsel to participate at the hearing," Lowell elaborated in his formal request.
The request for postponement is not only a matter of scheduling but also involves logistical considerations. Witnesses and individuals tasked with preparing sentencing memoranda are currently tied up with governmental duties and the ongoing 2024 presidential campaign.
"Several people who plan to submit letters to both Courts as part of sentencing memoranda for Mr. Biden are short of time because they are presently involved in government work and travel with the current Administration, or are involved in the 2024 presidential campaign," Lowell stated, emphasizing the unique challenges posed by the timing of these legal proceedings.
The involvement of individuals engaged in high-level government work and the presidential campaign has introduced additional complexity to scheduling the necessary preparations for Biden’s sentencing.
As the legal team navigates these complexities, the court’s decision on the requested postponement remains pending.
This decision will dictate the next steps in a series of high-stakes legal battles involving a member of the First Family.
