Hunter Biden’s law license in Washington, D.C., has been suspended following his recent guilty verdict on federal gun charges.
The Office of Disciplinary Counsel recommended suspending his license after a jury in Delaware found him guilty of three felony counts related to lying on a federal firearms application. This recommendation, made to the D.C. Court of Appeals, cites the seriousness of the crime under the District’s Bar licensing rules, which mandate automatic suspension for any attorney convicted of a felony.
The charges against Hunter Biden stem from a 2018 incident where he falsely stated on a gun purchasing form that he was not using or addicted to illegal drugs despite being addicted to crack cocaine at the time. The jury concluded that Hunter Biden unlawfully possessed a Colt Cobra handgun for 11 days during this period. The most severe charges carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, with a combined potential sentence of up to 25 years.
Despite the conviction, Hunter Biden remained listed as “active” and in “good standing” with the D.C. Bar, where he has been licensed since 2007 under his full name, Robert H. Biden. The upcoming legal proceedings will determine whether his actions involve “moral turpitude,” which could lead to more severe disciplinary measures.
Hunter Biden’s attorney, Abbe Lowell, received the disciplinary letter shortly after the verdict was announced. The Court of Appeals accepted the disciplinary panel’s recommendation and suspended Biden’s law license immediately. Under D.C. Bar rules, a felony conviction is deemed a “serious crime,” necessitating immediate suspension pending further disciplinary proceedings.
In addition to the gun charges, Hunter Biden is also facing tax charges, with a trial scheduled to begin on September 5. The legal battles surrounding the President’s son continue to attract significant public and media attention, reflecting the broader scrutiny of his past conduct and its implications for his professional career.
